Explore the Netherlands by train

The Netherlands is the perfect flight-free holiday destination, with well-linked trains and world-class cycling infrastructure. Travel to the Insta-favourite city spots of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, cycle through the tulip fields near Haarlem or enjoy the quieter canals of Utrecht. See the Netherlands flight free, in partnership with Byway.

Get a free first class rail upgrade on 2025 Byway trips departing after 1st April when you book on or before the 25th March 2025. T&Cs apply.

Browse Netherlands by train

Find a flight-free holiday to see Netherlands and lots of other places along the way.

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Popular flight-free trips in the Netherlands

Narrow down your options with some of this place’s most popular picks…

5 days taking in the canals and waterside towpaths by boat and bike – away from the crowds.

7 days breathing in the Dutch fresh air, with a cycle along the paths of the South Limburg hills and the Landgoed Rhijnauwen forest.

5 days following in the footsteps of Van Gogh – both ears optional – while discovering Eindhoven and Nuenen.

4 days admiring the tulips and flower fields surrounding Haarlem, with a ferry ride to Rotterdam – see the Netherlands in full bloom.

4 days shopping in Breda, exploring a treasure trove of vintage shops, independent boutiques and plant-filled coffee shops.

9 days taking in the Dutch coasts, followed by a bus or bike ride to the dune-backed beaches beside the historic city of Middelburg.

More flight-free destinations

Feeling inspired? How about some of these other slow-travel spots?

The art of slow travel…

Slow travel isn’t about the time a trip takes – but the quality of the journey. By opting for slow travel, you’ll stop in more places, and delve into rich sights and experiences. Together, First Choice and Byway are helping you love the journey as well as the destination.

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Frequently asked questions about flight-free travel

What is included in a Byway trip? – All accommodation.
– All travel, unless Byway tell you otherwise (e.g. some local bus/ferry journeys that can’t be pre-booked or pre-paid).
– A journey guide with details of your trip and activity recommendations.
– A WhatsApp group with the Byway Team for on-demand support, free disruption rerouting and weather-related travel tips.
– Package protection through our ABTA bond.
It doesn’t include:

– Tickets for activities, ski or event passes.
– Local car or bike hire, although you can get recommendations for the best places to hire from.
– Extra-large luggage, including surf boards or musical instruments.
– Local transfers, taxis or buses you might choose to take within an area once you’re there.
– Travel insurance ¬– please arrange this separately.
Not included as standard, but possible to add on request for certain trips:
– Your pets.
– Your bikes.
– Experience bookings.
– Evening meals or lunch.

Once you’ve found your ready-made trip, you’ll be directed right to Byway to complete the booking.
You will see a summary of your trip and your payment options. If your holiday is more than eight weeks away, you can secure your trip with only a 25% deposit.
You can also advise any preferences around travel times or other requirements you might have. You’ll then be taken to the payment page.
Once you’ve booked, the Byway Team will secure your accommodation and book your key travel tickets. They will then follow up with all the details of your trip, including accommodation and travel times, within a week of your booking.

Yep! Byway generally book flexible tickets during your trip so that if you choose to adjust your trip before you go or while you’re away, it’s no problem to make the changes you need, with no or minimal fees. The only tickets that may not be flexible are your outbound and homeward journeys from the UK.

One of the great things about travelling by rail is that, with a few limitations, you can take as much luggage as you can carry! Unlike airlines, there’s no charge for excess baggage, so as long as your luggage can fit in the luggage racks or overhead spaces on board, you’ll be able to take it with you. If Byway suggests experiences en route from one overnight stay to another, you’ll always get advice on where to leave your bag, and if you choose to walk from one place you’re staying to another, you can arrange bag transfers. Note that there are exceptions for over-sized luggage such as surf boards, musical instruments or bicycles, so let the team know if you’re hoping to take anything other than suitcases with you.

Contact Byway

If you’ve got any questions about flight-free travel, a specific itinerary or something you’d like to change or add on to your trip, chat to the Byway team.

ASK BYWAY