My gateway to exploring the Netherlands, this train station was the start and end to just about…read moreeach daily expedition. Like spokes on a wheel, you can get about anywhere from here, there's plenty of bike parking, shops, restaurants, a mini-mart, drug store, a Starbucks, and the trains are swift, cheap and clean. We (Americans) are so far behind the Dutch when it comes to public transportation, it's honestly embarassing. Only the Japanese can give them a run for their money, when it comes to efficiency and value.

Main railway station for the city of Groningen, has all the normal NS station shops and facilities…read more There's a big bike parking structure out front, and a big bus depot to the side where you can travel further by public transport. The station is walking distance from the old center of town, and the Groninger Museum is located directly across the canal from the front of the station.

We came to Alkmaar to go to the cheese market, and decided to take the train. As far as the train…read morestation goes it's a two story with lots of windows that let the sun shine through, and clean. The first thing I noticed was the police presence on the upper floor. The second was the massive bike parking lot. I've never seen so many bikes in one place! Trains ran on time. By the way the town of Alkmaar is a charming story book town.

Alkmaar train station, lots of food stalls so grab a sandwich before you head on the train!read more