Transportation from London to the Netherlands
The distance from London to Amsterdam is around 540 kilometers and from Rotterdam is 480 kilometers. Choose your mode of transportation according to your budget, time, and preference for comfort.
By plane: This is the fastest way to get to the Netherlands from London, and the cost is around £100. Usually, flights take around an hour and 20 minutes before landing at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), the largest international airport in the Netherlands. From here, you can catch a train to the center of Amsterdam or transfer to a domestic train to other popular Netherlands cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht, most of which are within a 30-minute to 1-hour ride.
By Eurostar: The train connects London St. Pancras International with Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes about 4 hours and prices start from £95. Suppose you want to travel to a Netherlands city other than Amsterdam, e.g. from London to Rotterdam. In that case, you can either get off at Amsterdam Central Station and transfer to a Dutch domestic train or, on some Eurostar journeys, get off directly at Rotterdam Central Station (check if the train stops there). Eurostar also offers the option to transfer to other cities in the Netherlands via Brussels.
By Bus: If you are on a budget, a bus from London to Netherlands can be a very affordable option. Companies such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer bus services from London to Amsterdam, as well as some routes to other major cities in the Netherlands, either directly or with a small number of transfers. Traveling by bus is the longest of all modes of transportation, with average lengths ranging from 10 hours and 40 minutes to 14 hours, but it is often the cheapest way to trip to Amsterdam from London.
Train and Ferry: For travelers who want to experience something different, a combination of train and ferry is also a good option. You can take a train from London to Harwich and then catch a ferry to Hook of Holland in the Netherlands. The Hook of Holland has convenient train lines from which you can easily travel to cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and the first city that tourists will visit when they come to the country. There is so much to see and do here that you could spend days visiting. The Anne Frank House is a moving museum that tells the story of Anne Frank and her family's life in hiding during World War II. Then head to the Rijksmuseum, one of the largest museums in the Netherlands, with an impressive collection of Dutch Golden Age art, including Rembrandt's Nightwatch. The Van Gogh Museum, the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's work in the country, offers a fascinating insight into the artist's career.
Of course, Dam Square and Vondelpark are popular with locals and tourists alike, and the square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Royal Palace and the New Church. The best way to experience Amsterdam's watery city is on a boat ride through the meandering canals, taking in the unique architecture on both sides.
Highlights of Other Cities in the Netherlands
Apart from Amsterdam, there are many other cities in the Netherlands that are worth visiting, each with its unique charm. If you're planning a comprehensive London to Netherlands trip, consider including them in your itinerary.
Rotterdam: The second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has modern architecture and a busy harbor. You can visit the unique Cube Houses, the Markthal, and the towering Euromast.
The Hague: The seat of government for the Netherlands, it is home to the Peace Palace, the Binnenhof, and the Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer's ‘Maiden with a Pearl Earring’. The Hague is also home to the beautiful beach resort of Scheveningen.
Utrecht: Not far from Amsterdam, Utrecht is an old city with a student atmosphere. Climb the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, stroll along the charming canals, or visit the famous Rietveld Schröder House.
Haarlem: A pretty city just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, famous for its peaceful canals, medieval architecture, and the magnificent Grote Kerk (St. Bavo's Church).
Kinderdijk: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 historic windmills, this is a great place to learn about the Netherlands' unique relationship with water.
Must-try Dutch food
Bitterballen, fried meatballs with a crispy outside and tender inside, are a favorite snack in Dutch pubs and are usually served with mustard sauce. Hollandse Nieuwe Haring is a herring dish with a distinctive smell. If you dare to try it, fresh raw herring is a classic Dutch delicacy, usually served with onions and pickled cucumbers. French fries in the Netherlands are different, and you can choose from a variety of sauces, such as “Patatje Oorlog” with peanut butter, mayonnaise, and onions.
Stroopwafels, two thin waffles with sweet caramel syrup between them, make a great dessert, especially when served warm over a hot drink, and unlike American muffins, Dutch pancakes are thinner and come in a variety of sweet and salty flavors. The Netherlands is a cheese country, so try a variety of Dutch cheeses, such as Gouda and Edam.
When you want to travel from London to the Netherlands, and from London to other cities in Europe, or specific attractions and activities, Tours4fun puts your needs first and guarantees that you will be able to uncover the Netherlands on a deep level.