Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit The Hague are generally March through May and September through November to avoid the large influx of tourism during the summer months. If large crowds and bustling streets are not a problem however, then the summer months of July and August may be preferable as there are also many unique events taking place in the summer and the city with its meandering canals, verdant gardens and sandy beaches comes alive when the sun glares at it. During the winter months, The Hague Christmas markets are always popular with children and adults alike, but again, it can be difficult to move around due to the large crowds and busy venues. Rainfall around this time of year may also present other issues. All in all, though, The Hague is in a temperate climate zone so winters are not too cold and summers are not too warm, ideal for exploring year-round.

Passport/Visa

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, meaning citizens of the EU, EEA, the USA, Australia, Canada, and several other countries do not require a visa for short stays. If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you may require a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands for stays up to 90 days. In this case, for a short visit to The Hague, you will likely apply for a Schengen short-stay visa. This visa allows you to circulate within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV) along with a residence permit, depending on your purpose of stay. It is worth noting that passports need to be valid for at least six months beyond the period of the intended stay in the Netherlands.

Rotterdam The Hague International Airport (RTM)

The closest airport to The Hague is the Rotterdam The Hague International Airport (RTM), which is easy to get to via public transport links and by car or taxi as it is only 10 miles from the city centre. Further afield is the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), which is around 40 minutes away by bus, a good alternative if flights are limited at the former.

• Web:

  www.rotterdamthehagueairport.nl

• Address:

  Rotterdam Airportplein 60, Rotterdam

• Phone:

  +31 10 446 3444

Public Transport

There are over thirty bus and tram lines in The Hague, so getting around the city using public transport is a breeze. Considering the city’s external links, the extensive train network to and from the city also makes The Hague very well connected to the surrounding areas. Buses and trams generally run from 7am to midnight leaving every ten minutes. The Hague Central train station is usually open 24 hours a day. The most convenient way to pay for a train, tram or bus is with a credit or debit card. For multiple journeys, various tickets can be purchased from stations, hotels and tourist information points. Some might wish to purchase a three-day bus and tram pass, others will prefer the day pass and those looking to do a bit more travelling can buy the Tourist Day Ticket, which includes both water buses and Metro services. Visit the website of Tourist Day Tickets where timetables and further information about companies offering such tickets are available. For more concise information about public transport via train, tram, bus or public bike, the websites and applications of RET and HTM are very helpful, the latter of which also has a separate app for their public bike share scheme.

• Web:

  www.touristdaytickets.com

• E-mail:

  info@touristdayticket.nl

• More info:

  www.ret.nl ; www.htm.nl

Taxi

Whilst there are numerous taxi companies available, the HTMC Taxi Centrale cab service is the most frequent and reliable way to get around The Hague. They accept credit and debit cards and can accommodate special requests such as luxury cars and pet travel. Other options are available for a lower fare including Sneleentaxi and for a more exuberant (albeit slightly less practical) tour of the city, there is Tuk Tuk Den Haag. - HTMC: +31 70 390 7722 - Sneleentaxi: +31 85 303 6816 - Tuk Tuk Den Haag: +31 6 4632 2437

Electricity

230 volts, 50 Hz