The Netherlands has a large road network for a relatively small country. You can easily travel from one side of the country to another in a couple of hours! Road conditions are very good and signage is clear and easy to follow, which is ideal for visitors from abroad. Most roads are lit up at night and you will find an impressive number of roadside restaurants, hotels and fuel stations.
The very high use of bicycles in the Netherlands means there are many cycle lanes in cities and towns. Motorists are also expected to treat cyclists with courtesy in home zones – these are redesigned suburban areas.

The use of (hidden) speed cameras on motorways and in residential areas is common and speed bumps and road narrowing devices are commonly used in residential areas as a way of reducing speed. The surface (asphalt) and drainage system of many motorways is currently being renewed in order to guarantee even better driving conditions. On motorways, illuminated signs above the road give information on upcoming traffic-jams and a change in the maximum speed limit.

City Driving

• The roads leading into (or connecting) the largest cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht and Eindhoven) are often congested with traffic, especially at rush hour

• Roads in towns and cities are generally in good condition

• Driving in the very centre of cities might also be a bit challenging due to the large number of one-way streets

• Signage, however, is very clear and on many roads that lead into a city you will find an information sign and city map (just inside the city border on the side of the road)

• The routes to parking lots are clearly indicated but parking in city centres is much more expensive than parking on the outskirts

Country Driving

• Country roads in the Netherlands are mainly well sign posted and many of them are two-lane. Farm roads are mostly single lane

• Drivers should be aware that they might encounter large tractors which will make passing quite challenging 

• There may also be dirt on these roads and the verge of the road may be very soft 

• However, these are the ideal roads to take in order to enjoy some of the traditional Dutch countryside