Off to Amsterdam next week, on the tuesday morning, we'd like to get a train to another city, maybe Alkmaar or Den Haag to check out the RLD, and then a train straight to Schipol to catch the flight back.
Where would you recommend we go, and how far is it from Amsterdam and Schipol.

Thanks,

Cannot advise on relative merits of the two RLDs.

Den Haag is approx 45 minutes by fastest service from Amsterdam, note that there are two main stations there - HS and Centraal - with different direct services. RLD is a short walk from HS, a bit further from Centraal. Return to Schiphol, from either station, is approx 30 minutes.

Alkmaar is not so far from Amsterdam - approx 30 minutes - but further back to Schiphol - approx 45 minutes.

Go to www.ns.nl for detailed schedule.

thanks for that


I think it may be better to go to Den Haag, so that we can get back to the airport quicker.

Doesn't really matter which one we go to, its not the last time ill be going to Holland!

Then use http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=geleenstraat+den+haag to get directions, I find that the street name only appears on maximum magnification. HS station is SW of this, Centraal to the north.

I am fairly sure that the RLD at Poeldijkstraat is no longer operating (from the train it looks as if being re-developed). Do not know about Doubletstraat.

Suggest you buy a ticket to HS then, if the next train is to Centraal, you can change there to one which will take you the one stop to HS.

I've only ever been to Den Haag for purposes unrelated to mongering, but I wouldn't bother going to the Alkmaar RLD in the morning. You're likely to be disappointed.

What time of day does Alkmaar RLD get going? I don't want to get there too early, planning my next stopover...


Magoo