Located in the western part of the Netherlands, Gouda is a charming city known for its cheese, candles, and clay pipes. Despite its small size, Gouda has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and bicycles. The city is served by Arriva buses and Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) trains, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city and its surroundings. With such a comprehensive public transportation system, it’s entirely possible for an expat living in Gouda to comfortably live without a car, relying on public transportation and walking.
Arriva Buses
Arriva is the main bus company operating in Gouda, providing a network of routes that cover the city and extend to nearby towns and cities. The buses are modern, clean, and reliable, making them a popular choice for daily commuting. They are also considered safe, even at night, and are used by a diverse range of passengers, including women traveling alone and children going to school. A single journey within the city costs around €2, but there are also day tickets and monthly passes available for frequent travelers. The buses run from early morning until late at night, with reduced services on weekends and public holidays.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) Trains
The NS train service is another key component of Gouda’s public transportation system. Gouda’s central train station is a major hub, with direct connections to big cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Amsterdam. The trains are fast, efficient, and punctual, making them an excellent option for longer journeys. A single journey to Rotterdam, for example, costs around €6 and takes approximately 20 minutes. The train station is also safe and well-maintained, with facilities such as bike parking, a ticket office, and a waiting area. Trains run from early morning until late at night, with night trains available on weekends.
Bicycles
Bicycling is a quintessential part of Dutch culture, and Gouda is no exception. The city is extremely bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes, bike parking facilities, and even bike traffic lights. Many residents choose to cycle for short distances within the city, as it’s often faster and more convenient than taking the bus or car. There are several bike rental shops in the city, offering daily, weekly, or monthly rentals. Cycling in Gouda is generally safe, with the city’s flat terrain and well-maintained roads making it easy even for novice cyclists. However, it’s important to always lock your bike when not in use, as bike theft is a common issue.
Taxis
While not a form of public transportation, taxis are readily available in Gouda for those who prefer a more private mode of transport. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or picked up from designated taxi stands. They are metered and regulated by the city, ensuring fair pricing and safety for passengers. However, they are significantly more expensive than buses or trains, making them a less economical choice for daily commuting.
In conclusion, Gouda’s public transportation system is comprehensive, reliable, and safe, making it entirely feasible for an expat to live in the city without a car. Whether you prefer to take the bus, train, bike, or taxi, you’ll find that getting around Gouda is easy and convenient.
