If you are planning a 7 day Netherlands itinerary by train, then you’ve come to the right place. This is the perfect trip for travelers who want to see more than just Amsterdam, and spend more time exploring than moving from place to place.
Most people only visit Amsterdam when they come to the Netherlands, so many are missing out on other, less crowded parts of this country. This itinerary is designed for people who want a well-rounded experience of the Netherlands in 7 days.
The Netherlands is a place where you can move easily between different cities without worrying about renting a car or parking. This route focuses on three cities that offer different perspectives on this beautiful country, and can be done year-round. All three cities are connected by train, and super easy to navigate, so this is ideal for a first trip through the Netherlands.
This itinerary starts in Rotterdam, then you travel north through Amsterdam, finishing in Groningen. You probably haven’t heard of Groningen. I learned about it through a personal recommendation from a local, so it’s the hidden gem of this journey. After Groningen, you can return to Amsterdam or Rotterdam to fly home.
Don’t worry about the travel days, they are short and manageable, so you’ll have tons of time to explore each city.
Why 7 days of train travel works so well in the Netherlands
Train travel in the Netherlands is very efficient and easy to navigate. Another benefit is that cities are quite close together, so you never need to travel very far. Trains run very frequently, and stations are usually in the center of town, so you don’t need a car for this itinerary in particular.
While driving can definitely be a bit faster, since you have a bit more flexibility too, trains can remove the stress. Plus, they’re great if you still have some last minute planning to do. For a one week trip, trains maximize your time.
If you want a simple route that is straightforward, stress-free, and offers easy travel between locations, this itinerary is perfect for you!
Rotterdam: a relaxed start
Rotterdam is the perfect place to start a train journey through the Netherlands. Since it is less crowded than Amsterdam, it is much easier to get around after a long flight. Rotterdam Airport is also super easy to fly into, making it a great spot to start.
I would suggest planning two full days here. You have two options for arrival, come in the evening and go to bed right away to avoid jetlag, or come in the morning and start your day out exploring. Rotterdam is a super creative town, and it’s relatively calm compared to the next spot, so it’s a nice easy start to the journey.
Plan to explore Historic Delfshaven, which is one of the coolest and oldest areas of the city. This neighborhood offers a more traditional side to the city.
It’s a great place to walk around, or grab a bite to eat… make sure to make it to the famous windmill at the end!
You should also make time for Museumpark… whether you want to explore a museum or not. It’s a cool park with gorgeous buildings around it, plus if you do want to visit a museum, you’ll have plenty to choose from there. I’d recommend popping into Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen if you only plan to choose one.
As someone who loves finding nice and peaceful parks, Arboretum Trompenburg was a dream. It is a beautifully maintained, calm park that can be enjoyed all year.
Getting from Rotterdam to Amsterdam by train
After Rotterdam, it’s time to head to Amsterdam, and the train between them takes about 40 to 50 minutes. This is a super common route, so trains are always running throughout the day, and as a result, it makes for a really easy travel day.
This train will drop you in the middle of Amsterdam at Central Station. Most accommodations I would recommend are a short walk or train ride away. If you’re looking for a place to stay… or even just some recs on the area, I share all the info you need in this guide on where to stay in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: the classic heart of the trip
If you’ve never been, then Amsterdam is absolutely where you should spend the most time. Three days allows you to explore a good chunk of the city without rushing too much.
Plus, you can easily add extra days here if your schedule allows at the end of the trip.
The city has its most famous parts located right in the middle, so they’re easy to get to if you plan accommodation in that area. Amsterdam is also super bike friendly, and walkable, with some of the best public transit I’ve seen.
If you’re planning to take the train, make sure to get the GVB Public Transport Card to save for the days you’re there. Keep in mind that the narrow streets and limited parking make having a car in the city very stressful.
Every time I have visited Amsterdam, I have gotten a Go City Amsterdam Pass. It saves me so much money since it bundles attractions costs, and even includes bike rentals. Plus it reminds me to make the most of the days I get it for.
