Travel information
How to get to Leiden
Leiden is centrally located in the western part of the Netherlands, between Amsterdam and The Hague. The city is easily accessible by international and domestic transport.
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By Plane
The closest international airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located approximately 25 km from Leiden. The airport offers direct flights to destinations worldwide.
From Schiphol, the fastest way to reach Leiden is by train. Direct trains depart regularly from the airport station and arrive at Leiden Central Station in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
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By Train
Leiden Central Station is well connected to the national rail network. Frequent trains run to and from major Dutch cities such as Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amsterdam and The Hague.
International travellers can reach Leiden via the high-speed train connections to Amsterdam or Rotterdam from cities such as Paris, Brussels, London and Berlin.
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By Car
Leiden can be reached via the Dutch motorway network, mainly through the A4 and A44 highways. As parking in the historic city centre can be limited, visitors are encouraged to use public transport when possible.
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Getting around Leiden
Leiden is a compact and pedestrian friendly city. Many locations in the city centre can easily be reached on foot or by bicycle. Local buses connect Leiden Central Station with different districts of the city and the surrounding region.
Public transport in the Netherlands allows travellers to pay directly with their bank card, both debit and credit. This means visitors do not necessarily need to purchase a separate ticket in advance.
Visitor Information
For additional information about Leiden, visitors can visit the Leiden Tourist Office located directly opposite Leiden Central Station. Here visitors can obtain city maps, walking routes, tips on attractions and general tourist information. Visitors can also ask questions through the ‘I Ask Leiden’ bot, available in the bottom right corner of the Tourist Office website.