As someone who lives in the Hague who routinely visits Amsterdam and used to live in Amsterdam, I figured that it would be helpful to post a guide on how to visit the Hague from Amsterdam by train. You don’t need a tour. It’s super simple to take the train independently between these two Dutch cities! I include everything that you need to know to easily travel between Amsterdam and The Hague by train with some local tips.

A note on the train stations in the Hague

I figured that it would be good to note that there are multiple train stations in the Hague. The main train stations that you’ll want to head towards are Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS. Don’t worry if you go to one or the other, just get off in time. I generally recommend going to Den Haag Centraal as it’s closer to the museums in the Hague.

It’s very easy to take a day trip from Amsterdam to the Hague. The total journey should take about an hour to an hour and half (if there are any delays or you miss a train) with purchasing your ticket in Amsterdam Centraal and arriving in the Hague’s Centre.

How to get from Amsterdam to the Hague by train independently

1. Enter the station

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As soon as you enter Amsterdam Centraal, head through the beautiful doors of this stunning building. Depending on the entrance, you’ll want to look for the machines.

2. Buy your ticket using the machine (or in advance)

If the machine is in Dutch, you can hit the British flag button to switch your machine into English. You can choose whether you want to get a round-trip or a one-way prior to buying a ticket on the way back. You cannot use your iAmsterdam card for the trains. Sorry.

You can buy your ticket ahead through the NS website (official Dutch train website) and save one euro. It will be tied to your name and be tied to one specific date, not one time. These don’t sell out, so don’t worry. You can print your ticket or scan it using your phone using their instructions.

The Netherlands doesn’t charge more for peak fares, so it doesn’t matter much if you buy your ticket now or later although I prefer to have it bought in advance, so I don’t need to fuss with the train later.

You can choose between first and second class. There’s a bit more leg space in first class as well as outlets. You’ll typically almost always have a seat in first class although you might need to stand in second class if it’s a busy train.

3. Check the boards

Try to take the Intercity, not the Sprinter. I write this as this messes a lot of people up! The Intercity is the faster train with fewer stops. The Sprinter will stop through more smaller towns along the way. The Intercity should take about fifty three minutes to travel between Amsterdam and the Hague.

The Hague train is typically on track 2a, however you should check the schedule in case of a track change and/or cancellations (generally weather related). There’s typically a train with minimal stops (four to five stops) every thirty minutes to the Hague from Amsterdam. You can also check Google Maps!

4. Tap your ticket on the turnstile

The gates are locked at Amsterdam Centraal, so you’ll need to tap your new ticket or scan your ticket if you bought one online. This will open the gate. You’ll need one ticket per person.

5. Find your track

This is pretty simple, but head towards your track. Before you enter the station, you can check the boards for your train. There’s an information booth in the middle of Amsterdam Centraal near the HEMA if you require additional help. (There are typically NS personnel around to help if you’re disabled.) From here, you’ll head up the escalators, stairs, or escalator to your track.

6. Get on the train (You might need to hit the button if nobody is getting off)

If nobody is getting off, you’ll have to hit the button on the right-hand side of the train to open the doors. They do not open automatically unless someone on the other side hits the button.

The conductor generally will check your ticket along the way, so don’t lose it. You’ll need it for later! If you see an S on the window, this means that it’s a silent car. Be quiet please. 😉

7. Arrive in the Hague

The conductor will make an announcement in English and Dutch that you’ve arrived at Den Haag Centraal. Get off the train at that point. You’ll want to follow the crowds typically towards the gates.

8. Tap out with your ticket

You’ll once again see a gate. Tap your ticket or scan your e-ticket to leave the station. If you don’t do this, your round-trip ticket will be invalidated. Once is enough.

You’ll need to turn to the left typically to exit towards the city center. There are clear signs that will lead you to the main attractions in the Hague.

Welcome to the Hague!

Welcome to my home city of the Hague. Although many people come to see the international institutions of the Hague, there’s far more to the Hague than politics. It’s a very diverse city with some great markets, cool neighborhoods, and great food from all around the world. Click for my one day guide to the Hague.

• Click to read about the best things to do in the Hague
• Where to eat in the Hague by a local
• A self-guided biking tour of the Hague’s most famous buildings
• Your guide to Scheveningen
• Off the beaten path things in the Hague

A good meeting spot at Den Haag Centraal

If you need to meet someone, I generally recommend meeting-up by the piano at Den Haag Centraal or in front of Starbucks. These are the easiest locations for finding someone.