Exploring the Netherlands by train is one of the easiest ways to discover the country's beautiful cities. From Utrecht's picturesque canals and Zwolle's medieval streets to Groningen in the north and Maastricht in the south, you can visit a surprising variety of destinations without needing a car.

Whether you're planning a day trip from Amsterdam, a weekend away or a longer journey across the country, there are plenty of Dutch cities worth adding to your itinerary. Many have historic centres within walking distance of the railway station, making them easy to explore by public transport.

In this guide, we will share 12 of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands by train, including what to see in each destination and practical tips for planning your journey. we will also explain how to reach Giethoorn by public transport, so you can discover even more of the Dutch countryside.

Last updated: November, 2026

Why explore the Netherlands by train?

Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to explore the Netherlands. Most major cities have a central railway station, often within walking distance of the historic centre. You can leave your car behind, avoid parking costs and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Dutch trains are generally frequent and convenient. You can check routes, departure times and tickets through the official Dutch Railways website (NS). For more information about travelling around the country, read the guide to travelling by car or public transport in the Netherlands.

Utrecht: canals, wharf cellars and historic charm

Utrecht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and an excellent destination for a train trip. Its historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. The city is famous for its canals, unique wharf cellars, charming streets and the impressive Dom Tower.

Start your visit at Utrecht Central Station and walk towards the old town. Along the way, you'll find shops, cafés and historic buildings. The Oudegracht is one of the city's highlights. Unlike canals in many other Dutch cities, Utrecht's canals have wharf cellars at water level, many of which are now home to restaurants and cafés.

Climb the Dom Tower if you want a beautiful view over the city. You can also visit the Dom Church and wander through the quiet courtyards hidden behind the main streets.

Utrecht is a great city for a day trip, but there is plenty to discover in the surrounding region too. Take a look at the best places in Utrecht and the guide to places to visit in the province of Utrecht.

Amersfoort: medieval streets and beautiful squares

Amersfoort is a lovely historic city in the province of Utrecht. Its medieval centre is full of narrow streets, old buildings, canals and attractive squares. It is smaller and quieter than Utrecht, making it a pleasant destination for a relaxed day out.

Also one of the best things about visiting Amersfoort is how easy it is to explore the historic centre on foot. You can combine the Koppelpoort, the old canals and the lively squares in a relaxed day trip.

Zwolle: a charming Hanseatic city

Zwolle is a beautiful city in the province of Overijssel. Its history as a Hanseatic trading city is still visible in the historic centre, where you'll find old merchant houses, churches and charming streets.

The Sassenpoort is one of Zwolle's most impressive landmarks. This medieval city gate is a reminder of the city's past and is one of the best-known sights in the centre. Another highlight is the Grote Kerk, located on the lively Grote Markt.

Don't miss the city's bookshop in the former Broerenkerk. The beautiful church building has been transformed into a remarkable bookshop, combining historic architecture with a modern interior.

Zwolle is easy to reach by train and makes an excellent day trip. If you're deciding between two historic cities in the region, read Zwolle vs Deventer for a day. You can also discover the best places to visit in Zwolle and explore the best places to visit in Overijssel.

Deventer: historic streets along the IJssel

Deventer is another beautiful Hanseatic city in Overijssel. Located along the River IJssel, it has a lovely historic centre with old merchant houses, cobbled streets and attractive squares.

The Brink is the city's main square and a wonderful place to start exploring. You'll find cafés, restaurants and historic buildings here. From the square, wander through the small streets towards the river and enjoy the views across the IJssel.

Deventer is particularly atmospheric during the colder months, when the historic centre feels cosy and welcoming. It is also famous for its annual Dickens Festival, which brings the world of Charles Dickens to life in the streets of the city.

You can easily combine Deventer with a visit to Zwolle, although both cities deserve time of their own.

Groningen: a lively city in the north

Groningen is one of the most interesting cities in the northern Netherlands. It has a lively atmosphere thanks to its large student population, but it also has a beautiful historic centre and plenty of cultural attractions.

The Martinitoren is the city's most famous landmark. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful view over Groningen and the surrounding countryside. The Grote Markt is another central point, with cafés, restaurants and impressive historic buildings.

Groningen is also a great city for shopping, museums and discovering independent cafés. The Groninger Museum, located near the railway station, is worth visiting for its striking architecture and exhibitions.

If you only have one day, the guide to Groningen in one day will help you plan your visit. You can also explore the best places to visit in Groningen and the best places in the province of Groningen.

Leeuwarden: the historic capital of Friesland

Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland and a wonderful city to explore by train. Its historic centre is full of canals, old buildings, charming streets and interesting museums.

The Oldehove is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. This unfinished leaning tower is a little like a smaller Dutch version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can climb it for a view over the city.

Leeuwarden is also known for its cultural heritage and its connection to the Frisian language and traditions. Spend some time wandering through the old centre, visiting its shops and enjoying a drink beside one of the canals.

Want to discover more of the region? Read the guide to the best places to visit in Friesland.

Maastricht: a taste of the south

Maastricht feels different from many other Dutch cities. Located in the southern province of Limburg, close to Belgium and Germany, it has a distinctly international atmosphere. Its historic centre is filled with beautiful squares, churches, cafés and elegant streets.

The Vrijthof is one of the city's most famous squares. It is surrounded by historic buildings and is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink or a meal. Another highlight is the Basilica of Saint Servatius, one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands.

Maastricht is also a great city for food lovers. You'll find plenty of restaurants, bakeries and cafés, as well as attractive shopping streets. Walk along the River Maas and explore the old neighbourhoods to discover some of the city's quieter corners.

For more inspiration, have a look at the best places in Limburg. If you're choosing between two destinations in the province, read Maastricht vs Roermond for a day.

Roermond: shopping and historic architecture

Roermond is a pleasant city in Limburg, known for its historic centre and its popular Designer Outlet. However, there is more to the city than shopping.

The Munsterkerk is one of Roermond's most impressive historic buildings. The city's old streets and squares are also worth exploring, and the waterfront location gives it a relaxed atmosphere.

If you enjoy shopping, the Designer Outlet Roermond is a major attraction and is within walking distance of the railway station. You can easily combine a shopping trip with a walk through the historic centre.

Planning a visit? Read the guide to Roermond for a day.

Sittard: a hidden gem in Limburg

Sittard is one of Limburg's lesser-known cities, but it is well worth a visit. Its historic centre has a relaxed atmosphere, with old buildings, attractive squares and narrow streets.

The central market square is a good place to begin exploring. From here, you can wander through the historic streets, discover old churches and enjoy the cafés and terraces.

Sittard is a nice destination if you're looking for somewhere less busy than Maastricht. It is easy to reach by train and makes a pleasant day trip in the south of the Netherlands.

Find out more in the guide to Sittard for a day.

Leiden: canals, museums and historic charm

Leiden is one of the most attractive cities in the western Netherlands. It is famous for its canals, historic university and beautiful old buildings. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot.

Start your visit in the historic centre and walk along the canals. You'll find picturesque bridges, old houses and lovely courtyards. The Burcht van Leiden, a historic circular fortress on a small hill, offers a beautiful view over the city.

Leiden is also a wonderful destination for museum lovers. The city has several interesting museums, including the National Museum of Antiquities and Naturalis Biodiversity Center.

Because Leiden is located on an important railway route, it is easy to combine with other destinations in the western Netherlands.

Haarlem: historic streets close to Amsterdam

Haarlem is an excellent alternative to Amsterdam if you want to explore a beautiful Dutch city without the same crowds. Its historic centre is full of cobbled streets, traditional houses, independent shops and attractive squares.

The Grote Markt is the heart of Haarlem. Here you'll find the impressive Grote Kerk, cafés and historic buildings. From the square, explore the surrounding streets and discover the city's many hidden courtyards.

Haarlem is also known for its museums, including the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum. Both offer a fascinating look at art, history and science.

The train journey from Amsterdam is short, making Haarlem an easy day trip. For more ideas, see the guide to day trips from Amsterdam by train.

Delft: canals and traditional Dutch charm

Delft is a beautiful historic city between The Hague and Rotterdam. It is famous for its blue-and-white Delftware pottery, its canals and its connection to the Dutch royal family and painter Johannes Vermeer.

The Markt is the perfect place to begin exploring. The square is dominated by the impressive Nieuwe Kerk and the historic City Hall. From here, wander along the canals and discover the charming streets of the old town.

You can also visit the Royal Delft factory to learn more about the city's famous pottery tradition. Delft is compact and easy to explore on foot, making it an ideal destination for a day trip by train.

Practical tips for travelling by train in the Netherlands

Travelling outside peak hours can make your journey more relaxed, especially on busy routes. Before buying a ticket, check the current fares, travel conditions and any off-peak discounts offered by NS. If you're travelling with several people, compare the available ticket options to see which offers the best value for your group.

Check train times before you travel

Check departure times, planned engineering works and possible disruptions before setting off. The NS website and app provide journey-planning and live travel information.

Use contactless payment or an OV-chipkaart

You can generally check in and out using a contactless debit or credit card, or use an OV-chipkaart. Remember to check out at the end of your journey, including when changing transport operators where required.

Consider an off-peak journey

Travelling outside the busiest rush-hour periods can make your journey more relaxed. If your schedule is flexible, compare departure times and ticket options before booking.

Stay overnight if you want to explore more

Many of these cities can be visited in a day, but staying overnight gives you more time to explore. It also allows you to enjoy the city in the evening, when day visitors have left.

Combine nearby destinations

Some cities are close enough to visit on the same trip. For example, Zwolle and Deventer are both in Overijssel, while Utrecht and Amersfoort are convenient destinations in the central Netherlands. Just make sure you leave enough time to enjoy each place.

Bonus: can you visit Giethoorn by train?

Giethoorn is one of the most picturesque villages in the Netherlands. It is famous for its canals, small bridges, thatched-roof houses and boats. However, it does not have its own railway station.

You can still visit Giethoorn using public transport, but you'll need to combine a train journey with a bus from a nearby station, usually Steenwijk. From there, local buses connect to the village.

For practical information and travel advice, read the guide to visiting Giethoorn by train.

Planning a longer trip through the Netherlands

If you want to visit several of these cities, you can easily plan a multi-day journey using the Dutch railway network. Amsterdam, Utrecht and Haarlem are convenient starting points, while Groningen, Maastricht and Leeuwarden are excellent destinations for exploring further afield.

For a suggested itinerary, take a look at the guide to spending one week in the Netherlands. It includes ideas for seeing more of the country without having to rush from place to place.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train in the Netherlands

Is it easy to travel around the Netherlands by train?

Yes. Most major Dutch cities are connected by frequent train services, and their railway stations are often close to the historic centres. For smaller destinations, you may need to continue by bus or another form of public transport. Always check the complete route before travelling.

Can you visit Dutch cities as day trips by train?

Absolutely. Many cities, including Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Amersfoort, are easy to visit in a day. Larger distances, such as travelling to Groningen or Maastricht, may require more time.

Do you need to book train tickets in advance?

For most domestic train journeys, you do not need to reserve a seat. You can buy a ticket or check in with a suitable contactless payment card. Always check the current ticket conditions before travelling.

Is travelling by train cheaper than renting a car?

It depends on your route, the number of people travelling and how many journeys you plan to make. For city trips, the train can be convenient because you avoid parking costs. For rural destinations or several people travelling together, a car may sometimes be more practical.

Which Dutch city is best for a first train trip?

Utrecht is an excellent choice. It is centrally located, easy to reach and has a beautiful historic centre. Haarlem, Leiden and Delft are also wonderful options, especially if you're staying in Amsterdam.

Final thoughts: discover the Netherlands by train

Exploring the Netherlands by train is a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the country's many beautiful cities. From Utrecht's canals and Zwolle's medieval streets to Groningen's lively centre and Maastricht's southern charm, every destination offers something different.

You don't need a car to experience much of what the Netherlands has to offer. With a little planning, you can visit historic towns, discover regional culture, enjoy local food and see some of the country's most beautiful places using public transport.

So, which Dutch city will you visit first?