Forget the Swiss, it's the Dutch who know how to run a railway (NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Holland))

Member Name: jamesontheroad

Product:	NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Holland)
Date:	13/10/08 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Frequent, comprehensive, reliable and cheap to use with Eurostar from the UK

Disadvantages: NS only operate trains in Holland, not the UK :)

The NS rail network covers virtually every corner of Holland, and it does so with clockwork efficiency. Trains are fast, frequent and punctual; they're also dead simple to comprehend if you're a visitor, with stations that are easy to navigate and different speeds of train service. Trains run 24hrs a day with clockface departures throughout the country. And bicycles are more than welcome outside the rush hour.

I've used NS a couple of times in the last year, namely thanks to a handy ticket available to Eurostar travellers in the UK. Rather than booking through travel with Eurostar to Amsterdam or other major cities (which can be done, but only on more expensive high speed Thalys trains) I call Eurostar directly and ask for a ticket to Brussels with the "any Dutch station" add on. This brilliant ticket costs less than £20, and allows you to travel from Brussels to any Dutch station, provided you stick to regular Intercity and slower "stoptreins". Plan your route carefully, and you can enjoy a layover en route in Brussels or Holland and continue travelling the next day. The same 24hr rule applies for your return.

Some say that the best train system can be found in Switzerland. Well I've been to Switzerland, and I beg to differ. The Dutch know how to run a railway, and it's a proud reflection of this friendly country.

Summary: Your clean, fast and affordable chariot awaits "meneer en mevrouw" !