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Visit Leiden
Leiden by night: illuminated canal houses and bridges in the city centre

Travelling to Leiden

Getting to Leiden is easy — the city sits on the main rail line between Amsterdam and The Hague, just 20 minutes from Schiphol Airport. Whether you arrive by plane, train, car or boat, here is everything you need.

From Schiphol Amsterdam Airport

Direct trains run from beneath the terminal to Leiden Centraal in about 20 minutes, up to six times an hour. Buy a ticket at the yellow machines or tap in and out with a contactless bank card — no paper ticket needed. A taxi takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

From other airports

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport: bus 33 to Rotterdam Centraal, then a 35-minute train — about one hour in total.
  • Eindhoven Airport: bus to Eindhoven Centraal, then train via Rotterdam or Utrecht — allow 2.5 hours.

By international train

Eurostar and Thalys-operated services connect London, Paris, Brussels and Antwerp with Rotterdam and Amsterdam; change there for a direct train to Leiden. From Germany, ICE International services run from Cologne, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt to Amsterdam or Utrecht, with easy connections onward.

By car

Leiden is reached via the A4 (Amsterdam – The Hague) and the A44 (Amsterdam – Wassenaar). The historic centre is largely car-free with expensive parking; use a P+R on the edge of the city and walk or take the bus in.

By bus and by boat

Regional buses to Katwijk, Noordwijk, Keukenhof and the coast leave from the bus station beside Leiden Centraal, operated mainly by Arriva. Visitors arriving on their own boat can moor at the Blauwpoortshaven or the Zijlpoort harbour.

From the station into the city centre

From Leiden Centraal you can walk to the city's most beautiful spots within minutes. These locations are close to the station and make a great start to your visit.

Book tickets

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Hire a car for Leiden

Compare rental cars and pick up at Schiphol, Leiden or nearby. Book in advance for the best rates.

You will be redirected to Economy Bookings, our car-rental partner. Some links on Visit Leiden are partner links. You pay the same price and we can keep this guide free.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Leiden?
By train from Schiphol (about 15 minutes), Amsterdam (about 35 minutes) or The Hague (about 12 minutes). Leiden Centraal is a short walk from the centre.
Can I drive into the centre?
The centre is largely car-free. Park at Lammermarkt or Haarlemmerstraat, or use the Haagse Schouw park-and-ride.
Do I need public transport in Leiden?
Barely: the historic centre is compact and quickest to explore on foot or by bike.

Continue exploring Leiden