Travelling around the Netherlands can feel like a dream — until the trip is over and you check your bank balance… Between train fares, museum tickets, snacks at stations and the occasional impulse stroopwafel, costs add up quickly.
The good news? You can explore the country without burning through your budget. With a bit of planning, a few insider tricks and a willingness to travel like the Dutch (i.e. frugally), you can see plenty while spending far less.
Take advantage of Dutch rail discounts
Trains are the backbone of Dutch travel. They are fast, reliable and go almost everywhere. They can also be… expensive.
READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide
If you plan to travel by rail more than once or twice while in the Netherlands, it pays to grab an NS discount subscription. The NS Dal Voordeel lets you save 40% on off-peak travel for around €5 per month. Travelling with friends? Your travel buddies automatically get the same 40% discount when they join your journey.
Another handy option is NS Group Tickets, which let groups of two to seven people travel for a fixed low price. The bigger your group, the cheaper it gets.
Travel like a local with buses and trams
If trains are the skeleton of Dutch transport, buses and trams are the lifeblood. In big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague, local transport is often cheaper and quicker than relying only on trains.
The trick is to avoid buying single tickets from the driver. Instead, check if your city has a handy day pass. For example, Amsterdam offers a GVB day ticket that gives unlimited rides on buses, trams and the metro.
These passes are good value if you plan to hop around town. They also save you the headache of tapping in and out with different cards.
Consider cycling for short distances
Cycling is the Dutch national hobby, commuting style and personality trait all rolled into one. It also happens to be free once you have a bike.
If you are visiting or do not want to maintain your own bike, rental options are everywhere. OV-fiets is the most convenient: for just a small annual fee, you can rent a blue OV bike at most major stations for a very low daily price.
It is perfect for that last stretch once you hop off the train. Want to explore the coast or visit a cute village like Ouderkerk aan de Amstel? Grab an OV-fiets and go.
Cycling also means you can avoid pricey taxis, parking fees and public transport delays. Just don’t forget your raincoat. This is still the Netherlands.
Use an eSIM to avoid high mobile costs
Here is a budget-tip many travellers forget. Staying connected in the Netherlands is important, especially when you rely on Google Maps, map apps or event tickets on your phone.
READ MORE | eSIMs in the Netherlands: The ultimate 2025 guide + the best options
But roaming fees can be painfully high depending on where you come from. That is why using a travel eSIM can save you real money. Finding the best eSIM for Europe can give you access to local data at a reasonable price without needing to buy a physical Dutch SIM.
You install the eSIM on your phone in a few taps, top up when you need more data and enjoy stress-free connectivity. No shops. No paperwork. No surprise phone bills.
Look for free museums and affordable culture
Sure, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are iconic — but they’re also expensive. Luckily, Dutch cities are full of cultural gems that cost far less or even nothing at all.
READ MORE | 24 best free things to do in Rotterdam in 2025
Many museums offer free entry on certain days of the month. University museums in cities like Leiden and Utrecht often have low ticket prices (especially if you’re a student!).
Another tip: Dutch cities run countless free festivals, open-air concerts and street markets throughout the year. In summer, you can catch theatre shows, jazz nights and art displays without spending more than the price of an ice cream.
For paid museums, booking online in advance often saves a few euros and lets you avoid queues.
Choose your snacks wisely
Food at train stations and tourist hotspots comes with a “because you are here” tax. If you are on a budget, avoid buying lunch in station halls unless you really enjoy paying €10 for a (bad) sandwich.
Supermarkets are your best friends. Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer cheap meal deals, fresh rolls and salads that are perfect for picnics. Even better: head to a local bakery for a warm broodje, or grab a fresh stroopwafel from a market stall without the tourist pricing.
Sleep smart by choosing the right accommodation
Accommodation is usually the biggest expense of any Dutch trip. Hotels in Amsterdam can feel like they charge per square metre of air.
If you want to save, consider staying just outside the major cities. Towns like Haarlem, Leiden, Almere or Amersfoort offer cheaper accommodations and fast train connections.
Hostels have also levelled up in the Netherlands. Many come with private rooms, stylish lounges and social activities. They are cheaper than hotels and perfect if you want to meet fellow travellers.
Explore lesser-known destinations
The most expensive cities are the ones you already know: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague. But plenty of Dutch gems are just as beautiful — and much friendlier for your wallet.
READ MORE | 21 beautiful towns in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam
Try walking the canals in Delft, visiting the beaches of Scheveningen, or wandering around Gouda (yes, there is cheese). These places cost less, feel authentic and give you breathing room from crowds.
Plus, you will impress Dutch people. Nothing delights locals more than hearing an expat say, “I spent the weekend in Zwolle.”
Travelling in the Netherlands on a budget is absolutely possible. All you need is a few smart strategies and the willingness to explore beyond the obvious.
What are your best tips for travelling on a budget? Drop them in the comments.
