The Netherlands is a small country with excellent public transport that will take you almost anywhere you want to go.
But first things first. How to get from Schiphol Airport to the ITC International Hotel? Our student Flory Badea tells you how.
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Travel guide
Public transport smart card
The most common way to travel by public transport in the Netherlands is with an OV chipcard. The 'OV-chipkaart' (OV stands for 'openbaar vervoer', or public transport) .
There are two types of cards are available: a personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart. The personal OV-chipkaart provides additional security features and more options for (re)charging. More information about the OV-chipkaart.
Buy a bike
THE PREFERRED WAY TO COVER SHORT TO MEDIUM DISTANCES IN THE NETHERLANDS IS BY RIDING A BIKE.
Bicycles are quite convenient in urban areas, are relatively cheap, and you often reach your destination faster than when travelling by car or bus.
You can buy a second-hand bike during the introduction days for international students.
Alternatively, visit one of the second-hand bike stores in Enschede. You can buy a second-hand bike for € 50 to € 150, less than half the price of a new bike. It is best to buy an inexpensive second-hand bicycle, as a new expensive-looking bicycle may get stolen.
Never buy a bike off the streets: if a stranger approaches you and offers to sell you a bicycle, do not buy it. It is probably stolen, and you too will be breaking the law if you accept it.
Always attach your bike to a tree or other solid object with a decent lock. Make sure your bicycle lights and reflectors are working (if not, you risk a fine) and obey the traffic rules (€ 50 fine or more). You are not allowed to ride your bike in certain areas, especially in the city centre.
General traffic rules for cyclists Dutch road rules are consistent with those in most European countries. These are the most important general traffic rules in the Netherlands.
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left
- Unless stated otherwise, give priority to traffic approaching from the right
- As a rule, cars turning across your path are supposed to stop for you, but be careful just in case
- Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets
- Cyclists may ride two abreast
- Pedestrians use pavements or footpaths; cyclists keep to cycle tracks. Cycling through pedestrian areas can result in a fine
- Stop for pedestrians on pedestrian crossings
- Signal with your arm when turning
- Your bicycle must have a working head- and taillights as well as reflectors (you risk a fine)
- While cycling it is not allowed to hold electrical devices, like a mobile phone. It can result in a fine.
