City Guide
Utrecht
Public transport
Trams, buses, trains
Time zone
CET (UTC+1/+2)
Getting around Utrecht
Vredenburg Market | Vredenburgplein
A large central market with fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, meat, fish, nuts, clothing, shoes, electronics and household products.
Organic Farmers’ Market | Vredenburgplein
A weekly farmers’ market with organic and regional products, including fruit and vegetables, cheese, bread, pastries, meat, sustainable fish and fresh juices.
Fabric and Textile Market | Breedstraat
Known locally as the Lapjesmarkt, this historic market specialises in fabrics, ribbons, buttons, zips, sewing materials and other textile supplies. It is recognised as the largest and oldest fabric market.
Flower Market | Janskerkhof
Every Saturday, Janskerkhof becomes a colourful flower and plant market. Browse bouquets, garden plants, bulbs, seeds, small trees and other seasonal greenery.
More to discover
Popular areas
Nearby highlights
Local favorites to look for
Utrechtse botersprits
A crisp, buttery biscuit associated with Utrecht and traditionally formed by piping the dough into its recognisable shape.
Domtorentjes
A typical Utrecht confectionery speciality first made by the long-established Theo Blom bakery near the Dom Tower.
Vockingworst
An artisanal Utrecht liver sausage made according to a family recipe dating back to 1891.
Broodje Mario
An iconic Utrecht sandwich made with a large Italian roll, cheese, salami, chorizo, raw vegetables and green pepper.
Meet people, practise Dutch & find support
Utrecht has an extensive network of buses, trams and trains. U-OV operates local and regional buses and trams in Utrecht and the surrounding province, while NS operates national train services. Plan your journey before travelling, check in and out correctly, and check the parking conditions if you travel by car.
Plan your journey
Use the U-OV app to see routes, departures in real time.
Pay as you travel
Check in and out with your contactless using OVpay.
Travelling by train
Use NS for journeys to other Dutch cities and to and from Schiphol Airport.
Which type of transport should you use?
- Bus: useful for travelling between the city centre, residential neighbourhoods and surrounding towns.
- Tram: convenient for Utrecht Science Park, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein, with connections through Utrecht Centraal.
- Train: suitable for Schiphol Airport and journeys to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other Dutch cities.
- Night bus: available on selected routes after the regular daytime timetable ends.
U-OV tram lines 20, 21 and 22 connect Nieuwegein and IJsselstein with Utrecht Centraal and Utrecht Science Park. U-OV also operates designated night-bus services.
Parking in Utrecht
Street parking is paid in many parts of Utrecht. Parking times and prices vary by zone, so always check the signs, parking meter or official parking map before leaving your car. The municipal parking map shows paid-parking areas, parking garages, P+R facilities, bicycle parking and environmental zones.
Consider P+R (Park and Ride)
Park outside the busy city centre and continue by bus, tram or public rental bicycle.
Read the P+R instructions before travelling.
Utrecht has four municipal P+R facilities: Berlijnplein, Papendorp, Utrecht Science Park and Westraven. A combination ticket costs €5 and includes one day of parking and return public transport to the city centre for up to five people.
IMPORTANT!
Routes & schedules
Official resources
Good to know
Let passengers exit before boarding | Avoid rush hours when possible | Official taxis have a blue number plate, roof light, taximeter and driver permit
