The European Travel Companion to Vermeer: The Hague

last updated January 9, 2024

The Dutch Rail System

Traveling from Amsterdam to The Hague by train is both a convenient and efficient experience, ideal for tourists and locals alike. The journey typically lasts around forty-five minutes to an hour, depending on whether you opt for an Intercity train, which offers a direct service, or a Sprinter train that makes more stops along the way. Trains depart frequently from Amsterdam, with multiple services per hour from Amsterdam Centraal and other major stations like Amsterdam Sloterdijk and Amsterdam Zuid. In The Hague, the main stations are Den Haag Centraal, which is centrally located, and Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor). Tickets for this journey can be easily purchased at stations, online, or through various travel apps, and it's always a good idea to check the latest schedules and fares on the Dutch Railways (NS) website.

Once in The Hague, a city that blends its status as the political heart of the Netherlands with rich cultural offerings, there are numerous sights to explore. The Mauritshuis Museum is a treasure trove of Dutch Golden Age paintings, including the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft by Vermeer.

Trains from the Netherlands connect to various European destinations. International tickets can be bought from the Dutch Railways (NS) international website.

The train ticketing system in the Netherlands is quite efficient and user-friendly, catering to both residents and tourists. Here are the key aspects:

• OV-chipkaart: This is the primary ticketing system for public transportation in the Netherlands, including trains. It's a contactless smart card that you can load with credit to pay for your journeys. There are two types: a personal OV-chipkaart, which is registered to an individual and can include travel discounts, and an anonymous OV-chipkaart, which can be used by multiple people but doesn't offer personalized discounts.
• Checking In and Out: When traveling by train, it's crucial to "check in" at the start of your journey and "check out" at the end by holding your OV-chipkaart against the card reader on a gate or a free-standing pole.
• Train Types and Classes: The Netherlands has various train types, including Intercity (faster, long-distance trains), Sprinter (local trains), and international trains like Thalys and Eurostar. Trains typically offer first and second-class compartments.
• Buying Tickets: Apart from the OV-chipkaart, you can buy single-use tickets or e-tickets. Tickets can be purchased at train stations from ticket machines or counters, and e-tickets can be bought online.
• Traveling to International Destinations: Trains from the Netherlands connect to various European destinations. International tickets can be bought from the Dutch Railways (NS) international website.
• NS App: The NS app is quite useful for planning your journey, checking train schedules, and buying tickets.

Eurail

Eurail Passes are designed for non-European residents and citizens. They offer extensive rail travel across many countries in Europe. The pass allows unlimited train travel within and between participating countries for a certain number of travel days. Passes often includes additional benefits like discounts on ferries, buses, and hotels.

The Global Pass is the most comprehensive pass, allowing travel in up to thirty-three countries. One Country Pass is for unlimited travel within a single country. Select Pass allows travel between two, three, or four neighboring countries.
Flexibility passes offer flexibility, with options for consecutive day travel or a set number of travel days within a longer period.

While the pass covers the cost of train travel, some high-speed and overnight trains require reservations and may have additional fees. There are discounts for youth (usually under twenty-seven), seniors (over sixty), and sometimes for groups or families. Eurail Passes can be purchased online and planning ahead is essential to maximize their value. It is also important to understand the train systems in the countries you plan to visit and to make reservations where necessary. The pass must be activated before use and is typically valid for eleven months from the date of purchase. Activation can be done at a train station in Europe or online.

Getting around The Hague

Local transportation in The Hague (Den Haag), the administrative capital of the Netherlands, is well-organized and efficient, providing various options for residents and visitors to navigate the city. The Hague's tram network, operated by HTM, is a key component of the city's public transport system. The trams connect various parts of the city and extend to nearby towns such as Delft and Zoetermeer.

The bus network complements the tram service, providing access to areas not served by trams. HTM also operates the majority of these bus services.
Buses are frequent and reliable, making them a popular choice for both short and long-distance travel within the city and surrounding areas.

Like many Dutch cities, The Hague is very bicycle-friendly, with extensive cycling paths and bike parking facilities. Bicycling is a common mode of transportation for locals and is an enjoyable way for visitors to explore the city.

The OV-Chipkaart is a contactless smart card used for all public transport in the Netherlands, including in The Hague. It can be used on trams, buses, and trains.

Travelers can choose between an anonymous card (available at vending machines and service counters) or a personal card (which can be ordered online).
While the public transportation system is comprehensive, cars and taxis are also available. However, parking can be scarce and expensive in the city center. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked in advance.

Sightseeing

The city center of The Hague is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking a pleasant option for getting around, especially for sightseeing.

The Binnenhof & Ridderzaal (Inner Court & Hall of Knights) are steeped in history, housing the Dutch parliament amidst stunning architecture. The Peace Palace, an emblem of international law and order, is not only significant but also architecturally splendid, with a visitor center that explains its global importance.

For a unique experience, visit Madurodam, a miniature park that displays scaled models of Dutch landmarks and historical cities. The Hague's beaches, such as Scheveningen and Kijkduin, offer a delightful escape, particularly in summer, with Scheveningen boasting a lively pier and promenade.

Art enthusiasts should not miss the Hague Museum of Photography and Gemeentemuseum, known for their extensive collections of modern art, fashion, and musical instruments.

Another captivating attraction is the Panorama Mesdag, presenting a 360-degree panoramic painting of Scheveningen. For fans of M.C. Escher, a visit to Escher in Het Paleis is a must. Finally, strolling through The Hague's historic city center reveals a charming blend of old architecture, quaint streets, and cozy cafés, making The Hague a richly rewarding destination for any traveler in the Netherlands.

	Diana and her Companions Johannes Vermeer c. 1653–1656 Oil on canvas, 98.5 x 105 cm. Mauritshuis, The Hague
	View of Delft Johannes Vermeer c. 1660–1663 Oil on canvas, 98.5 x 117.5 cm. Mauritshuis, The Hague
	Girl with a Pearl Earring Johannes Vermeer c. 1665–1667 Oil on canvas, 46.5 x 40 cm. Mauritshuis, The Hague
travel & public transport	DUTCH RAILWAY SYSTEM (NS = Nederlandse Spoorwegen) <https://www.ns.nl/en> (tip: When typing the destinations don't use the English spelling but the Dutch one, for example, not "The Hague" but (Den Haag") AMSTERDAM CENTRAAL – DEN HAGG CENTRAAL Den Haag Centraal: Express trains every half an hour (c. 0.55 hrs) TICKETING <https://www.ns.nl/en> THE HAGUE PASS With the DenHaagPas, you receive a year's worth of benefits at museums and theatres, attractions, restaurants, excursions and in various shops. With discounts, extras, and even freebies, TheHaguePass is the best way to experience all that this amazing city has to offer.<https://denhaag.com/en/pass> PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - HTM <https://www.htm.nl/en/about-us/our-transport> EURAIL PASSES <https://www.eurail.com/en>
accommodations	IBIS Den Haag City Centre Booking.com | Trivago | Kayak
museum	Het Koninklijk Kabinet van Schilderijen Mauritshuis / Royal Cabinet of Paintings Mauritshuis <https://www.mauritshuis.nl/> ADDRESS Plein 29 2501 CM, The Hague TELEPHONE & FAX tel: + 31 (0)70 302 3456 fax: + 31 (0)70 365 3819 TICKETING <https://tickets.mauritshuis.nl/en/tickets> EMAIL <Mail@mauritshuis.nl > APP <https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/visit/#mauritshuis-app> OPENING HOURS Monday | 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Opening times can be different during Holidays. DIRECTIONS TO THE MUSEUM From the railway station Den Haag Centraal 10 minutes walk: From the station's exit cross the street (tram stops) and straight on through the passage (housing of ministries of the government). Turn right to "Zwarteweg," follow it to next cross, turn left to "Herengracht." Follow till next cross, straight on to "Korte Porten" until the "Plein," a large meeting place (monument of William of Orange in the center). You can cross the place and will see the Mauritshuis to the left side. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FROM AMSTERDAM CENTRAAL Trams 10 (direction "Statenkwartier"), 16 (direction "Wateringen") or 17 ("Statenkwartier") until stop "Korte Voorhout" (next stop from central station!)
misc.	A walk through the historic center of The Hague, starting from Mauritshuis to the "Binnenhof" (with the renowned "Ridderzaal" / Knights' Hall [guided tours for groups only/ booking in advance]) – around "Grote of Saint Jacobs Kerk" (Constantijn Huygens sepulchred, only marked by a plain commemorative plaque; the church nowadays used solely for special events/fairs and a series of organ concerts in August. Fine carillon in the tower, playing each quarter of the hour) – Noordeinde Palace (working place of Queen Beatrix) and gardens (open to the public). [note: The recommended "Parkhotel" – see above – is situated close to the borders of Paleis Noordeinde]. ONE-DAY TRIP TO DELFT Tram 1 (direction: "Delft Tanthof") from stop "Centrum" (at Hofweg / Buitenhof) until stop [Delft] "Prinsenhof" (previous stop: "Nieuwe Plantage"; c. 25–30 min.) – recommended for interesting views on The Hague and a nice way along the river Vliet. Train (central station: Intercity, direction: Venlo; c. 12 min.). Attention: When taking the sneltrein (Intercity) "Delft" is the next station; when taking astoptrein, "Delft" is the fourth stop (after "Rijswijck"; c. 17 min). DELFT TOURIST INFORMATION <https://www.delft.com/tourist-information-vvv-delft>