The Hague (Den Haag), seat of the Dutch government and home to international courts, is 48 km southwest of Schiphol Airport. The direct train connection makes this an easy transfer, with trains running every 15-20 minutes and taking about 30 minutes.

About The Hague (Den Haag)

The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands and the seat of the International Court of Justice, giving it a gravitas and diplomatic character unique among Dutch cities. The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), the International Criminal Court, and dozens of embassies create an international atmosphere quite different from Amsterdam\'s tourist-focused energy.

The city center around the Binnenhof — the stunning Gothic complex housing the Dutch parliament since 1446 — is one of the oldest political centers still in use worldwide. The Mauritshuis museum, right beside the Binnenhof, houses Vermeer\'s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt\'s The Anatomy Lesson, making it one of the world\'s finest small museums.

Beyond politics and art, The Hague surprises with its coastal character. Scheveningen, the city\'s seaside resort district, has a wide sandy beach, a renovated pier, and a thriving seafood scene. The Hague also boasts excellent Indonesian cuisine — a legacy of the Dutch colonial era — with restaurants along the Denneweg and in the Chinatown area serving some of the best rijsttafel in the country.

Nearby Landmarks

Binnenhof Mauritshuis Peace Palace Scheveningen Beach Madurodam

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €75-90 (~$82-99 USD)
Time 30-45 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Train (NS Intercity)

Cost €11
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. From Schiphol Airport station, take a direct NS Intercity train to Den Haag Centraal.
2. Trains depart every 15-20 minutes (EUR 9.50, 28-33 min journey).
3. Some trains stop at Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor) first — stay on until Den Haag Centraal for the city center.
4. Exit Den Haag Centraal and you are at the edge of the government quarter.
5. The Binnenhof and Mauritshuis are a 10-minute walk southeast of the station.
6. Tram 1 from Centraal reaches Scheveningen beach in 25 minutes.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €75-90 (~$82-99 USD) 30-45 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Train €11 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last train from Schiphol to The Hague departs around midnight. After that, night bus N44 runs hourly (EUR 5). A taxi from Schiphol to The Hague costs EUR 80-110. Uber operates for this route. The Hague is safe and quiet at night. First morning trains start around 5:30 AM.

Luggage Tips

NS trains have ample luggage space. Den Haag Centraal station has luggage lockers. The city center is compact and flat, making rolling suitcases practical. If heading to Scheveningen beach, tram 1 from Den Haag Centraal reaches the seafront in 25 minutes and has space for bags.

Accessibility

Schiphol and Den Haag Centraal stations are fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and level boarding. The Hague's city center is flat and more wheelchair-friendly than Amsterdam — fewer canal bridges and wider sidewalks. The Binnenhof is partially accessible. The Mauritshuis has full wheelchair access with elevator.