The Hague: Hop-on Hop-off Old-Fashioned Heritage Tram Tour

The best thing about this tour is the vehicle itself: a 65-year-old Dutch tram that carries you through The Hague at a leisurely pace. It gives you a broad look at the city without asking you to master the local tram network first. You can ride the full circuit, then hop off near the Peace Palace, Madurodam, or Scheveningen beach.

I like the unlimited all-day use, which lets you treat the tram as both a sightseeing ride and a simple way to move around. I also like the route, which links the political heart of The Hague with the seaside resort of Scheveningen. The main drawback is practical: tram-stop signs can be hard to spot, and the service runs only every 30 minutes.

Key points at a glance

• A historic tram, not a standard city bus: The 65-year-old vehicle gives the ride a sense of place and old-fashioned charm.
• Fourteen stops across the city: The route connects Centrum, Central Station, Parliament, the Peace Palace, Madurodam, and Scheveningen.
• One ticket for the whole day: Ride the circuit once for an overview, or hop off several times and reboard later.
• A useful first look at The Hague: The tram helps you get your bearings before exploring the city on foot.
• Audio commentary in multiple languages: You can listen in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese.
• Plan around the half-hour schedule: Service runs from about 10:15 AM until the late afternoon, with the last full circuit leaving Stop 1 at 4:45 PM.

Why this old tram is worth your time

The Hague is easy to underestimate. It has a compact center, but its sights are spread across several different parts of town. The Dutch parliament sits beside old government buildings, the Peace Palace is farther west, and Scheveningen beach lies beyond the city streets. A walking tour can cover one section well, but not all of them without plenty of time and footwork.

This tram solves that problem in a pleasant way. You sit above street level and watch the city change as the route moves from central squares to broad avenues, leafy residential areas, international institutions, and the coast. The old tram adds atmosphere without turning the trip into a museum ride. You are still moving through the modern city, but in a vehicle with character.

The audio guide gives you basic context as you go. It is offered in several languages, including English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese. The commentary is described as informative and entertaining, though you should not expect the same depth as a dedicated walking guide. Some parts could use more detail, and the volume or sound quality may vary on sections of the route.

The onboard staff speak Dutch, English, and German. That matters when you need help finding the right stop or understanding the route. Staff are generally described as friendly, efficient, and courteous, which is useful because the stop signs are not always as visible as they should be.

Following the route from Gravenstraat to Kerkplein

You can begin at any of the 14 stops, but Gravenstraat is the listed starting point for the full timetable. The first departure there is at 10:15 AM, followed by a tram every 30 minutes until 4:45 PM. A complete circuit is the simplest way to see how the different parts of The Hague fit together.

The route also includes Stop 14, Kerkplein, with a listed first departure at 10:13 AM. Since the published times vary slightly by stop, check the current timetable before setting out. The important point is that the tram is not a frequent city service. Missing one can mean a 30-minute wait.

Here is what each stop offers and how I would use it.

Stop 1: Gravenstraat

Gravenstraat places you close to the central sightseeing area. It is a practical place to begin if you are already exploring the old center and want to ride the entire route before choosing where to get off.

Starting here also makes it easier to understand the timetable. The first full circuit leaves at 10:15 AM, and the last full round leaves at 4:45 PM. If you board later at another stop, the final trams may not complete the entire route.

Stop 2: Centrum

Centrum is the obvious choice if you are in the middle of The Hague. This stop gives you access to the city center without needing to walk back to Gravenstraat.

I would use Centrum for a short orientation ride at the beginning of the day. Stay aboard for the first circuit, note the stops that interest you, and then decide where to return on foot. The tram is especially useful here because it quickly shows you the distance between the center and the coastal section.

Stop 3: Centraal Station

Central Station is the most convenient entry point for anyone arriving by train. It also makes the tram a useful first activity if you have just reached The Hague and want to get your bearings before checking into a hotel or choosing a neighborhood to explore.

The route leaves Central Station at approximately 10:22 AM, then every 30 minutes. Be sure to look for the Tourist Tram sticker on the stop post rather than assuming every nearby tram platform is the correct one.

Stop 4: Malieveld

Malieveld brings you into the broad open area near Central Station and the government district. This is a handy stop if you are combining the tram ride with a walk toward the political center.

You will see how quickly The Hague changes from transport hub to formal civic city. It is not the stop I would choose for a long visit by itself, but it works well as part of a route-planning ride.

Stop 5: Madurodam

Madurodam is one of the route’s most useful family stops. The attraction is a miniature presentation of the Netherlands, and the tram gives you a direct way to include it without arranging separate transport.

The tram reaches this stop around 10:29 AM on the first circuit. If Madurodam is a priority, check its own admission details separately, since entry is not included in this tram ticket. Leave enough time for your visit and remember that the next tram may not arrive for half an hour.

Stop 6: Nieuwe Duinweg

Nieuwe Duinweg marks the shift toward the coastal side of The Hague. This stop is useful if you want to break the trip into smaller sections instead of riding all the way to the main beach stops.

The route between Central Station, Madurodam, and Nieuwe Duinweg is also one area where the audio may sound uneven. If the commentary becomes too loud or develops strange background sounds, lower the volume or simply enjoy the view and use the ride as transport.

Stop 7: Kurhaus

Kurhaus is one of the main Scheveningen stops. It puts you near the famous seaside resort area, with its large beachside buildings and broad promenade.

This is a good place to get off for a coastal walk. The stop also works well for a simple half-day plan: ride from the center to Scheveningen, spend time by the sea, then return on a later tram. Since service is every 30 minutes, note the return times before leaving the vehicle.

Stop 8: Zwarte Pad

Zwarte Pad takes you to another part of Scheveningen. It is a useful alternative to Kurhaus if you want to explore a different stretch of the beach area or if your plans are closer to this end of the resort.

The advantage of having both stops is flexibility. You do not have to retrace the entire beach promenade on foot. The limitation is the same as elsewhere on the route: if you miss a tram, your next chance may be 30 minutes away.

Stop 9: Keizerstraat

Keizerstraat provides access to another Scheveningen neighborhood, giving the route more than a single beach viewpoint. This is the stop to consider if you want to see a less purely resort-focused side of the coastal district.

I would use it as part of a one-way walk between coastal stops, then reboard at Kurhaus or Zwarte Pad. The ticket allows that kind of stop-by-stop plan, but the half-hour schedule means you should keep an eye on the clock.

Stop 10: World Forum

World Forum serves the international and conference district. It is not likely to be your main sightseeing stop, but it helps show the range of The Hague beyond old buildings and the beach.

The later trams from this section eventually terminate in the city center rather than completing the full route. That detail matters if you are trying to return to Scheveningen late in the afternoon. For a complete coastal loop, start early and do not count on the final city-bound services for another round trip.

Stop 11: Vredespaleis, or Peace Palace

The Peace Palace is one of the route’s strongest stops. The building is closely tied to international law and peace work, and its setting gives you a different view of The Hague from the parliamentary center.

A tram ride is particularly helpful here because the palace is not right beside Central Station or the main central sights. If you want to visit inside, check separate opening and admission arrangements. The tram ticket gets you to the stop, but it does not include entry to attractions.

Stop 12: Mauritskade

Mauritskade brings you back toward the central civic district. It is a useful place to leave the tram if you want to continue on foot toward nearby government buildings and central streets.

This stop also shows why the ride works as a city orientation tool. Instead of viewing The Hague as a collection of separate sights, you begin to see the links between the station, the old center, government quarter, and western districts.

Stop 13: Kneuterdijk

Kneuterdijk is another central stop, well placed for continuing your day on foot. It is a good choice if you have already seen the outer parts of the route and want to return near the historic core.

I would use this stop for a flexible finish. Get off here after the Peace Palace, explore the center, and avoid waiting for the tram to carry you through streets you have already seen.

Stop 14: Kerkplein

Kerkplein returns you to the central sightseeing area. It is a practical final stop for visitors who want to end near the old center rather than at the station.

The timetable lists an early first departure here, slightly before the Gravenstraat time, so double-check the current schedule if you plan to start at Kerkplein. The listed stop information can be a little confusing, and the physical stop markers are not always prominent.

How to plan the day without wasting time

The easiest plan is to ride one full circuit first. This takes you past the major areas, helps you understand the route, and lets you decide where a longer stop makes sense. After that, use the tram selectively rather than riding every section again.

For a sightseeing-focused day, I would prioritize the city center, Peace Palace, and Scheveningen. Add Madurodam if it fits your interests and schedule. You can also reverse the order by beginning at Central Station, riding to the beach, and returning toward the center later.

Allow for the 30-minute interval at every stop. The tram does not function like a frequent urban service, so a casual lunch or extended beach walk can easily push your return time later than expected. The last full circuit from Gravenstraat departs at 4:45 PM, and service ends in the late afternoon.

Use the stop stickers as your main guide. The exact boarding points are identified by a Tourist Tram sticker on the stop post. If you have trouble locating a stop, the supplied plus codes can be copied into Google Maps with Den Haag added to the search. This is not as simple as walking to a large, obvious bus shelter, so prepare before you leave.

What the $18 price buys you

At $18 per person, the ticket is good value if you plan to use the tram for several rides. A single full circuit gives you a broad introduction, but the real value comes from combining sightseeing with transport. Getting between the center, the Peace Palace, Madurodam, and Scheveningen without arranging separate journeys makes the cost easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you only want a short ride around the center. In that case, a regular public tram may be more practical, depending on your plans. This experience earns its price through the historic vehicle, the audio commentary, and the freedom to hop on and off all day.

The ticket does not include admission to Madurodam, the Peace Palace, or other attractions along the route. Think of it as a sightseeing and transport pass, not an attraction bundle.

Comfort, access, and what to bring

This is a historic tram, so modern access features are limited. There is no step-free route between the platform and the tram. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are accepted only if they can be folded or taken apart easily, since the doors are narrow.

For that reason, this ride is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you need level boarding or generous space for a mobility device, choose another way to see The Hague.

Food is not allowed onboard, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Plan snacks around your stops rather than bringing food into the tram. The historic interior is part of the appeal, but it also means less room and fewer modern conveniences than you would find on a standard sightseeing bus.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the tram to first-time visitors who want a quick sense of The Hague before choosing where to spend their time. It also suits families who want an easy link to Madurodam and Scheveningen, as long as everyone can manage the steps.

It is a good pick for anyone who enjoys historic public transport. The old tram is more memorable than a plain sightseeing coach, and the route covers both city and seaside settings.

You may prefer another option if you want detailed architectural commentary, a guide walking beside you, or a tight schedule. The audio tour supplies a useful overview, but it will not explain every building in depth. The 30-minute service interval also requires patience.

Should you book the Tourist Tram?

Book it if you want one low-cost ride that connects The Hague’s political center, international quarter, miniature Netherlands, and seaside resort. I especially recommend it for a first day in town, when seeing the route once can save you from spending time on the wrong streets.

Skip it if your visit is very short and you plan to stay only in the central area. Also think twice if stairs are difficult, if you need step-free access, or if you dislike waiting between departures.

For most visitors who have a full day and want both city sights and Scheveningen, the combination of historic character and unlimited rides makes the $18 fare sensible. Start early, mark your return times, and use the tram as a framework for exploring rather than expecting a fast, tightly timed shuttle.

FAQ

How long is the Hop-on Hop-off tram ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day, with unlimited use of the Hop-on Hop-off tram during that period.

Where can I board the tram?

You can board at any of the 14 listed stops, including Gravenstraat, Centrum, Central Station, Malieveld, Madurodam, Kurhaus, Peace Palace, Kneuterdijk, and Kerkplein.

How often does the tram run?

The tram operates every 30 minutes, generally from 10:15 AM until the late afternoon.

What time does the first tram leave?

The first departure from Gravenstraat is listed at 10:15 AM. Departure times vary slightly by stop, so check the current timetable before boarding.

What time is the last full circuit?

The last full round leaves Gravenstraat at 4:45 PM. The final trams from some outer stops terminate in the city center rather than completing the entire route.

Which languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese. The activity information describes it as being offered in 10 languages.

Is the tram wheelchair accessible?

There is no step-free access between the platform and the historic tram. Wheelchairs and baby strollers fit only if they can be easily folded or disassembled, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.