Planning your trip
Getting there
Getting to Holland by air
Are you coming to Holland by air? Do realise that taking your bicycle on a plane is never going to be easy. We will give you some tips to help you on you way. If this puts you off, consider renting a bike - it’s easy and not that expensive.
Getting to Holland by rail
Are you coming to Holland by train? Do realise that taking your bicycle on an international train will require some careful planning. Many operators have restrictions as to the type of bicycles they will take.
Getting to Holland by road
Are you coming to Holland by road? Whether you can bring your bicycle or not will depend on the mode of transport you choose.
Getting to Holland by sea
Are you coming to Holland by sea? Taking your bicycle on a sea ferry is inexpensive and easy. You can cycle straight on and off the ferry. Some of the long-distance cycle routes in Holland start directly at the harbour. Just hop on your bicycle and you’re on your way.
Getting around
Getting around Holland by rail
Holland has an extensive rail network with regular services all over the country. You can get from one side of the country to the other with your bicycle in a matter of hours. This makes the train a good way of exploring different parts of Holland.
Getting around Holland by ferry
Visiting the Dutch Wadden Islands, island hopping or crossing the many rivers and canals: ferries are an important means of public transport in Holland. Taking your bicycle is never a problem, though there might be an extra charge.
Getting around Holland by bus, tram or metro
Holland has an extensive network of local public transport. However, you can’t take a regular bicycle on buses and trams. Bikes are allowed on the metro, but Amsterdam and Rotterdam are the only cities with a metro service.
When to go
When to go
The Dutch cycle all year round, whatever the weather. They have to, as the bicycle is an important means of transport. People use their bikes to go to work, school or the shops. When the weather is good, the Dutch enjoy going out for recreational cycle rides.
Where to stay
Hotel, Hostel, B&B
Whether you’re looking for a simple bed to sleep in, or want somewhere to pamper yourself after a day outside, you will find plenty of places to stay along your route. There is also special cyclist-friendly accommodation.
Camping
From small nature campsites with basic facilities to luxury campsites offering hot showers with underfloor heating - you'll find plenty of campsites to choose from along your route. Some more geared towards cyclists than others.
What to bring
What kind of bicycle do I need?
City bike, touring bike, mountain bike, e-bike... Basically every type of bicycle will do. The main thing is that your bicycle meets the Dutch legal requirements and is in proper working order.
What to bring - Your gear
What gear do you need for a cycling holiday in Holland? Everybody has their own standard holiday packing list, so as far as your general travelling gear is concerned: bring what you feel is necessary. There are some essentials cyclists should remember to bring.
Planning your route
Planning your route - maps & books
From detailed cycle maps of one region to cycle atlases covering the whole of Holland, from books with themed cycle routes to boxes with loose-leaf cycle routes that fit easily into your bike map holder. There are so many different cycle maps and routes for sale that you're spoilt for choice.
Online cycle route planner
What's the shortest route from A to B and is there a more scenic alternative? Are there road works along my route? Where can I find somewhere to rent a bicycle or have my bike repaired? You can find all this and more on the online cycle route planner.
