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How to Get to Leiden

How to Get to Leiden

Leiden The Randstad, The Netherlands Travel Guide

Airport Gateways

Amsterdam Schiphol AMS

This is the main international airport for the Netherlands. Approximately 30-40 minutes by train from Leiden. Schiphol extensive international connections and a wide range of services.

Airlines & Routes

  • Served by major global airlines, including KLM (the national carrier), Delta, United, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France.
  • You will find direct flights from numerous global hubs across North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. This AMS a convenient entry point for travelers from distant locations.
  • Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport RTM

This is a smaller regional airport, about 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from Leiden, or 45-60 minutes by public transport.

Airlines & Routes

  • RTM mainly serves European destinations, often with budget airlines.
  • Served by budget airlines like Transavia, TUI fly, British Airways (for specific routes), and Corendon Airlines.
  • Routes mainly connect to European cities, making it a good option for travelers already within Europe seeking cheaper flights. Compare flight options on Skyscanner.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices fluctuate significantly based on the season and demand. Highest prices during summer and major holidays.

Booking Advice

Consider booking flights several months in advance, especially for high season travel, to secure better rates.

Airport Services AMS

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport extensive facilities: shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, car rental desks. Free Wi-Fi available.

Airport Transfers to Leiden

From Amsterdam Schiphol AMS

  • Train: Most efficient and recommended option. Direct intercity trains run frequently (every 10-15 minutes) from Schiphol Plaza to Leiden Centraal station.
  • Journey time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
  • Purchase tickets at NS ticket machines or online via the NS app. You can also use a contactless debit/credit card to tap in and out (OVpay).
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Significantly more expensive (typically €60-€80) and not necessarily faster due to potential traffic congestion.

From Rotterdam The Hague Airport RTM

  • Bus + Train: Take bus 33 from the airport directly to Rotterdam Centraal station. From Rotterdam Centraal, take a direct train to Leiden Centraal.
  • Total journey: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on connections.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: A taxi or ride-share from RTM to Leiden typically costs around €40-€50.
  • Car rentals also available at airports, consider using DiscoverCars.com.

Travel Advice

Confirm Details

Always confirm your flight details and check for any travel advisories or disruptions before heading to the airport.

Allow Extra Time

Extra time for travel to Schiphol during peak commuting hours or holiday periods.

VAT Refunds

Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases. Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs in stores. The process getting a form stamped at customs before departure. Allow extra time for this process at the airport.

Ground Travel

Train Connections

Leiden Centraal is a major railway hub within the Dutch national railway network. You can reach Leiden Centraal easily from many major Dutch cities.

Travel Times & Tickets

  • Amsterdam Centraal: 35-40 minutes. The Hague Centraal: 10 minutes. Rotterdam Centraal: 30-35 minutes. Utrecht Centraal: 40-45 minutes. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: 15-20 minutes.
  • Operator: Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) operates all national train services.
  • Tickets: Purchase at NS ticket machines, service desks, or via the NS app. An OV-chipkaart (public transport chip card) is recommended for frequent use. You can also use OVpay by tapping your contactless debit or credit card directly at the gates.

Bus & Self-Driving

Long-distance bus options directly to or from Leiden are limited. Most intercity bus services, like FlixBus, operate from major hubs like Amsterdam Sloterdijk or Rotterdam Centraal.

Driving Information

  • Driving side: Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Road conditions are excellent and well-maintained.
  • Requirements: You need a valid national driving license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU licenses, specifically if your license is not in English.
  • The minimum driving age is 18, but car rental companies often 21 or 23, and may charge a surcharge for drivers under 25.

Parking in Leiden

Parking in Leiden's city center is limited and expensive. Consider using one of the several parking garages located on the periphery (e.g., Parkeergarage Morspoort, Parkeergarage Aalmarkt).

Park & Ride P+R

  • P+R facilities on the outskirts offer a cheaper option, with public transport connections to the city center.
  • P+R Transferium 't Schouw, for example, affordable parking with a bus connection to the center.
  • Consider renting a car if you plan extensive day trips outside the Randstad region or to areas not well-served by public transport.

Road Safety & Conditions

Roads are generally safe. Be highly aware of cyclists; they have right of way in many situations and are numerous.

Driving Best Practices

  • Observe speed limits strictly, as enforcement is common.
  • Avoid using your phone while driving; it is strictly prohibited.
  • Strong winds are possible, especially in autumn and winter. Localized flooding can occur during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Border Crossing Information

  • As a member of the Schengen Area, the Netherlands maintains open borders with other Schengen countries.
  • This means there are no routine passport checks when traveling by land (train, bus, car) from countries like Belgium, Germany, or France.
  • Carry your passport or a valid ID at all times, as spot checks can occur.
  • Long-distance bus options directly to or from Leiden are limited. Most intercity bus services operate from major hubs.
  • Driving and parking within Leiden's historic city center are challenging and expensive.
  • Leiden is an inland city and no sea or river ports for major passenger ferries or cruise ships.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from the Netherlands for tourists. The price of your flight ticket typically includes any applicable airport taxes.

Airport Arrival & Check-in

  • Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure for intercontinental flights.
  • For European flights, 1.5-2 hours. This ample time for check-in, security screening, and navigating the large airport.
  • During peak holiday periods, add extra time. Check in online or at airport kiosks to save time.

VAT Refunds & Security

Non-EU residents can claim VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds on eligible purchases. Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs in stores.

Refund Process & Security Screening

  • The process getting a form stamped at customs before your departure. You must have the purchased items with you for inspection when you get the stamp.
  • Allow extra time at the airport for this process.
  • Security screening: Standard international security procedures apply. Be prepared to remove electronics and liquids from your bags.

Departure Checklist

No specific exit fees. Arrive at Schiphol 2-3 hours before intercontinental flights, 1.5-2 hours for European flights. Check in online or at kiosks. VAT refunds for non-EU residents.

Airport Facilities

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) extensive shopping, dining options, lounges, and duty-free stores in the departure halls.

Station Facilities

Leiden Centraal station shops, cafes, and restrooms for your convenience before you travel to the airport or your next destination.

Sea/River Arrivals

Waterway Access

Leiden is an inland city and no sea or river ports for major passenger ferries or cruise ships.

Recreational Water Travel

  • Recreational canal boats and private river transportation are possible.
  • These are not main arrival methods for travelers from outside the immediate region.
  • If arriving by cruise, you would typically dock in Rotterdam or Amsterdam and then travel to Leiden by train.

Port City Connections

Direct water transport from other countries to Leiden is not a main mode of arrival.

Connecting from Major Ports

  • Major port cities like Rotterdam or Amsterdam are your gateway for sea arrivals.
  • From these cities, Leiden is easily accessible via the efficient Dutch train network.
  • Check train schedules from Rotterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Centraal for seamless onward travel to Leiden.

Departure Timing

Intercontinental

Arrive at AMS 2-3 hours before departure.

European Flights

Arrive at AMS 1.5-2 hours before departure.

Peak Periods

Add extra time during holidays or busy seasons.

Important Departure Note

  • Always confirm your flight details and check for any travel advisories or disruptions before heading to the airport.
  • Allow extra time for travel to Schiphol during peak commuting hours.
  • No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from the Netherlands for tourists.
  • The price of your flight ticket typically includes any applicable airport taxes.
  • Non-EU residents can claim VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds on eligible purchases.
  • Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs in stores. The process getting a form stamped at customs before your departure.
  • You must have the purchased items with you for inspection when you get the stamp.
  • Allow extra time at the airport for the VAT refund process.
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