Why Fly to Netherlands
The Netherlands punches well above its weight for a country you can cross by train in under two hours. Amsterdam is the obvious starting point — canals, world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, a buzzing food scene, and more bikes than people. But stop there and you're missing the point. Rotterdam has one of the most striking skylines in Europe, rebuilt from scratch after World War II with bold architecture that would look at home in Shanghai. Utrecht has canal-level terraces that make Amsterdam feel overcrowded. Delft is a quieter, prettier version of the classic Dutch postcard. The country rewards those who actually use the rail network.
Add in the windmills at Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans, the tulip fields at Keukenhof in spring, and the medieval charm of Haarlem, and you have a destination that works whether you have three days or three weeks. The Dutch speak near-perfect English, infrastructure is exceptional, and the cycling culture means you can explore like a local almost immediately. It's one of the most accessible countries in Europe for first-time international travelers and still has enough depth to keep you coming back.
Best Time to Visit Netherlands
Spring (March to May) is the sweet spot. Keukenhof opens in late March and the tulip fields peak around mid-April — this is a genuine bucket-list sight if you time it right. The weather is mild, crowds haven't hit summer levels yet, and the canal cities look their best. Summer (June to August) brings long days, outdoor festivals, and packed tourist sites. Expect queues at the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House; book tickets well in advance. Autumn (September to November) is underrated — smaller crowds, lower prices, golden light along the canals. Winter is cold and grey but Amsterdam's Christmas markets and ice skating rinks have real charm. Avoid school holiday weeks in July and August if crowds bother you.
Getting Around Netherlands
Forget domestic flights — the Netherlands is compact and the train network is excellent. NS (Dutch Railways) connects Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Delft, and Haarlem with frequent, affordable services. An Amsterdam to Rotterdam train takes about 40 minutes. Buy tickets via the NS app or use an OV-chipkaart (rechargeable travel card) for trains, trams, buses, and metros nationwide. In cities, trams and metro systems are straightforward. Renting a bike is genuinely practical and cheap — around €10 to €15 per day — and cycling infrastructure is world-class. For Kinderdijk or Giethoorn, a day-tour or car rental is the easiest option since public transport connections are less direct.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU citizens enter visa-free with no time limit as part of the Schengen Area. UK and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under standard Schengen rules. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. Border officials may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds, so have those ready. From 2025, UK and US travelers will need to register via the ETIAS system before arrival — check the latest requirements before you book.
Money & Budget
The currency is the euro (€). The Netherlands is one of the most card-friendly countries in Europe — contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, including street food stalls and market vendors. ATMs are easy to find in cities. Notify your bank before you travel. Budget around €60 to €80 per day if you're staying in hostels, self-catering, and using public transport. Mid-range travelers should plan for €120 to €180 per day, covering a comfortable hotel, restaurant meals, museum entry (typically €18 to €25 per major museum), and day trips. Luxury travel starts at €250 and up. Museum cards like the Museumkaart (€65 for a year) are worth it if you're hitting multiple major attractions. Carry a small amount of cash for rural areas and markets.
Top Cities to Visit in Netherlands
- Amsterdam: The country's cultural capital — plan three to five days for the canals, museums, and neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp. Book major attractions in advance.
- Rotterdam: Modern, edgy, and architecturally bold. The Markthal, Cube Houses, and Erasmus Bridge alone justify an overnight stay. One to two days is enough.
- Utrecht: Often overlooked, Utrecht has canals, a medieval Dom Cathedral, and a lively university-town energy. A strong two-day destination or a very satisfying day trip from Amsterdam.
- Delft: Compact historic center, Delftware pottery factories, and the burial church of the Dutch royal family. Half a day to a full day does it well.
- Haarlem: A smaller, quieter alternative to Amsterdam with its own great museums and easy 20-minute train access to the capital. Great base for budget travelers.
- The Hague: Home to the Dutch parliament, the Mauritshuis (Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring), and easy access to the North Sea coast at Scheveningen.
FAQ — Flights to Netherlands
Which airport should I fly into for the Netherlands?
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international hub and one of the busiest in Europe, with direct connections from North America, Asia, and across Europe. It sits 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station by direct train. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) handles budget European routes and is useful if Rotterdam is your base.
How far in advance should I book flights to the Netherlands?
For peak spring travel — especially April during tulip season — book two to three months ahead. Summer flights fill up fast from North America; aim for three to four months in advance for better fares. Shoulder season (October to February, excluding holidays) offers more flexibility and noticeably lower prices.
Is it worth flying into Amsterdam versus another European hub?
If your trip is focused on the Netherlands, flying direct to Schiphol is the most convenient option — the airport-to-city connection is seamless. If you're combining the Netherlands with Belgium or Germany, consider positioning flights into Brussels or Cologne and traveling by train, which can open up cheaper fare combinations and a more efficient route.