Utrecht

Utrecht is the vibrant heart of the Netherlands, located in the very centre of the country, where medieval architecture harmoniously blends with the dynamic rhythm of modern life. Thanks to its status as a major transport hub, the city is incredibly accessible for travelers: direct routes lead here by train, bus, and car from all corners of Europe. Regardless of the chosen method of travel, a trip to this charming city of canals will be a comfortable start to your introduction to Dutch culture.

Since the city of Utrecht itself does not have a civil airport, most tourists arrive through the country's main international hub — Schiphol Airport in the city of Amsterdam (AMS), located just 34 km away. From there, you can reach your destination very quickly using the developed ground transport network.

For domestic flights or private aviation, small airfields in neighbouring cities such as Hilversum (16 km) and Wageningen (40 km) can be used. However, it is the proximity to the capital's airport that makes air travel the most convenient option for guests from abroad wishing to visit the Netherlands.

Utrecht is the central railway hub of the Netherlands, so despite the lack of stations in some small towns, it is extremely easy to get here by train. Regular express trains from the city of Amsterdam and neighbouring Hilversum deliver passengers to the very centre of the city in a matter of minutes.

Travelers from the area of the city of Wageningen should note that there is no station of its own there, and the route usually lies through the nearest hub, Ede-Wageningen. Thanks to the high frequency of trains and the level of comfort, the railway remains the most popular way to travel around the country.

Traveling by bus is an economical and scenic way to get to the city of Utrecht. Routes from neighbouring Hilversum (about 20 km) and the capital, Amsterdam (38 km), take less than an hour (about 50 minutes), ensuring a comfortable connection between the cities.

If you are departing from the city of Wageningen, prepare for a slightly longer journey: the 45 km road will take approximately 1.6 hours. Modern intercity buses allow you to enjoy views of the Netherlands and are often equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip.

A car provides an excellent opportunity to explore the country at your own pace, and high-quality highways make the journey to Utrecht fast and stress-free. The drive from Hilversum will take just 30 minutes, while a trip from Amsterdam or Wageningen will require about 50 minutes.

Many tourists also use taxi services for transfers from these cities, which is especially convenient if you have luggage. Thanks to the compactness of the country, you can easily reach the centre; however, it is worth planning for parking in advance, as it can be expensive in historic districts.

To make your stay in the city of Utrecht as pleasant and carefree as possible, we have prepared a list of important recommendations. Taking these local features into account will help you feel confident and avoid common tourist mistakes:

1. Clothing and Weather. The weather in the Netherlands is changeable. Even in summer, it is worth having a light waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones. Dress in layers to easily adapt to temperature changes.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to get around is by bicycle or walking. For trips on public transport (buses and trams), it is best to purchase an OV-chipkaart — a unified travel card.
3. Finance. The currency is the Euro (EUR). Please note that many supermarkets and small shops may not accept Visa/Mastercard credit cards, preferring local debit cards (Maestro/V-Pay), so always carry some cash with you.
4. Health and Safety. The city is safe for tourists, but standard precautions are always wise. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, and tap water is safe to drink — it is of excellent quality.
5. Communication. Locals speak excellent English. Do not hesitate to ask for help in English in shops, museums, or simply on the street — you will be answered with pleasure.
6. Local Etiquette. The Dutch value directness and punctuality. When entering small shops, it is customary to greet the shop assistant. A handshake is the standard form of greeting when meeting someone.
7. What to Avoid. Never walk on bicycle paths (usually they are reddish in colour). Cyclists here have priority and move quickly; stepping onto their lane is a major tourist mistake that can lead to a collision.
8. Unique Feature. Be sure to visit the lower canal wharfs (werfkelders). This is a unique feature of the city: former warehouse cellars right by the water have now been converted into cozy cafes and restaurants.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient city and take home only positive emotions from your trip.