Need info on getting around Utrecht on public transport?
Utrecht is one of the main cities of the Netherlands and lies 45km south of Amsterdam. Please see how to get to Utrecht for information on arriving by train or coach and getting oriented at Utrecht Central Station.
Let’s take a look at how to get around the city by various forms of public transport – including buses, trams and trains as well as foot, bicycle and taxi.
Utrecht On Foot
The cheapest and easiest option, Utrecht city centre is small enough so that the majority of visitors can quite easily get around on foot.
From Utrecht Central Station you can access the city centre by walking via the covered pavilion square at Stationsplein-Oost (located past platforms 1-4) and then into the Hoog Catharijne shopping centre.
After a few minutes walk you will reach the exits at the Vredenberg square. From here you can make your way to the Oudegracht (old canal) and imposing Dom cathedral tower at the heart of the old centre. Just watch out for the cobbled streets and cyclists! See our Utrecht city guide for things to do.
Utrecht Trams
There are 3 tram lines running in Utrecht which are operated by U-OV – this is now run by Transdev which took over the concession from Qbuzz.
They serve the satellite towns of Nieuwegein and IJsselstein (a few kilometres south of the city) and the Utrecht Science Park (eastern edge of the city). The lines are as follows:
| Tram Line | via | ||
| 20 | Nieuwegein Zuid | Utrecht Central | P+R Science Park |
| 21 | IJsselstein Zuid | Utrecht Central | P+R Science Park |
| 22 | Utrecht Central | P+R Science Park |
Note, if you plan to travel by tram in Utrecht then (unlike Amsterdam) the card readers are located on the platforms rather than on board the tram.
The tram is used by people visiting the Utrecht IKEA store – a short walk from stop Kanaleneiland Zuid (direction Nieuwegein/IJsselstein).
Towards Utrecht Science Park it stops at Utrecht FC football stadium at Galgenwaard.
Tickets are the same as for U-OV buses, described below.
Utrecht Buses
Utrecht bus services can be useful if you need to head to the outer areas of the city. Buses are operated under the name U-OV which are run by Transdev (city buses) and Keolis (regional).
U-OV use yellow electric buses.
There are various bus terminals at opposite ends of Utrecht Central Station – either A & B at the City-side (Centrumzijde) or C & D at the Jaarbeursplein (Jaarbeurszijde). Bus stops in the city have electronic boards which give live info on the next departing buses.
Minibus line 2 is a useful circular route which travels around the museum quarter.
Utrecht Bus/Tram Tickets (2026 rates)
Tickets can be purchased at one of the U-OV sales points/ticket machines at Utrecht Central. Note, tickets can no longer be bought on-board buses.
All travellers aged 12 or over must have their own ticket. Children 0-11 can ride for free on U-OV services when accompanied by an adult.
Distance fares: You can use credit on a personal or anonymous OV-chip card to travel on any U-OV service. This costs €1.16 (boarding fee) + €0.201 per km. You must always check-in and check-out of your journey using the card readers next to the doors.
OVpay is also available on U-OV – meaning you can check-in and check-out with your contactless debit/credit card/mobile – for travel at the above standard distance rate. You pay a maximum tariff of €10 per day (U-OV Max).
U-OV day tickets are now only available via the U-OV app. The costs are €10 (1 passenger), €18 (2 passengers), €24 (3 passengers), €28 (4 passengers), and €30 (5 passengers).
Utrecht Train Stations
Utrecht Central is the main station of the city. There are a number of smaller stations out in the suburbs which can be reached using various stopping trains – Utrecht Leidsche Rijn, Utrecht Lunetten, Utrecht Maliebaan, Utrecht Overvecht, Utrecht Terwijde, Utrecht Vaartsche Rijn and Utrecht Zuilen.
See how to buy a Dutch train ticket
Utrecht Taxi
Taxis in the Netherlands are expensive and you will likely pay €12 to €25 for a short trip in the city. There are 2 taxi ranks at Utrecht Central station – at the Jaarbeurs-side and at the city centre side (Rijnkade). You can also find small taxi ranks at Janskerkhof, Lange Viestraat, Mariaplaats, Neude and Stadhuisbrug.
The main taxi firm in Utrecht is UTC (tel +31(0)30 2300 400). Note, there is no official Uber presence in Utrecht.
Sneleentaxi is a reliable taxi firm offering rides anywhere in the Netherlands – including any rides to/from and within Utrecht. It serves all airports and offers competitive fixed fares.
You can book with Sneleentaxi here
Cycling in Utrecht
Having a large student population, cycling in Utrecht is very popular with an extensive network of dedicated cycle lanes. In fact, the busiest cycling path in the country can be found next to the Tivoli-Vredenberg theatre.
The world’s largest bike parking facility can be found at Utrecht Central Station, which has a capacity for 12,500 bikes.
Bikes are available for rent at the Tourist Information Centre at Domplein 9.
There are OV-Fiets bike rental points (residents only) at Utrecht Central station (Stationsplein/Jaarbeursplein/Knoop), Janskerkhof and P+R Utrecht Science Park.
Last checked and updated 5 January 2026 (originally published in 2013).
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