The Hague (Den Haag) has a compact city center and a well-developed public transport network run by HTM, making it easy to get around without a car. Whether you're commuting to an international organization, heading to the beach at Scheveningen, or traveling to nearby cities, the tram and bus system covers the city thoroughly. For expats, understanding how HTM works is essential for daily life in Den Haag.
The HTM Tram and Bus Network
HTM operates 12 tram lines and several bus routes. The tram network is the backbone of city transport, connecting the center to neighborhoods like Bezuidenhout, the international zone, and the seaside resort of Scheveningen. Tram 1 runs from the central station to Scheveningen beach, a popular route in summer. Tram 9 connects the central station to the seaside via a scenic route. Buses fill in the gaps and serve areas not covered by trams, including night buses on key routes. All HTM services use the OV-chipkaart. Check in at the platform or vehicle door and check out when you leave.
Rail Hubs and Intercity Connections
The Hague has two main rail hubs. Den Haag Centraal is the primary station for domestic and international trains, serving NS and Randstadrail services. Den Haag HS (Hollands Spoor) is the second station, used by some international trains and local services. From Centraal, you can reach Amsterdam in about 45 minutes, Rotterdam in about 25 minutes, and Utrecht in about 40 minutes. The Randstadrail (lines 3, 4, and 19) is a light rail system that connects The Hague to Zoetermeer and nearby suburbs, blending tram and train features.
Subscriptions and Apps
For regular commuters, HTM offers several subscription options. A monthly HTM season ticket gives unlimited travel within your chosen zones on your personal OV-chipkaart. Students may qualify for the student travel product. If you only travel occasionally, simply load credit onto your card and pay per trip. The HTM app shows real-time departures, route planners, and service alerts. It's a must-have for daily travel. For door-to-door planning across all Dutch transport, the NS app and 9292 journey planner are the most popular tools.
The International Community
The Hague's large international community means many transport resources are available in English. See our The Hague international community guide for more on settling in. For transport news and updates, follow our transport coverage, and for the basics of the Dutch transport card, read our OV-chipkaart guide.