The Netherlands has one of the best public transport networks in Europe. Trains are run by NS and cover virtually every town of any size. Services run frequently — often every 15 minutes on main routes — and the trains are clean and reliable. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht form the core of the network, with fast connections between them every 10–15 minutes throughout the day.
Payment across all public transport (trains, trams, buses, metros) is handled through a contactless smartcard system. The traditional OV-chipkaart is being phased out in favour of OVpay, which lets you simply tap in and out with your debit or credit card. This makes getting around very easy for visitors — no need to buy a special card. Just tap your bank card at any reader when you board and when you exit.
Cycling is arguably the best way to experience the Netherlands at ground level. The country has an extraordinary network of dedicated cycle paths, and most cities are genuinely built around the bike. Rental bikes are available at train stations through NS OV-fiets as well as countless independent shops. Outside city centres, marked cycling routes (fietsroutes) connect towns across the countryside.
For exploring rural areas — particularly Zeeland, the eastern provinces, and the Wadden Islands — a car gives you considerably more freedom. Roads are well maintained and distances are short. Parking in city centres is expensive and often hard to find; leave the car on the outskirts and use public transport into the centre.