Editing Utrecht (section)

==Getting around==

'''Train'''

Utrecht is the train hub of the Netherlands, most Dutch cities are reachable within an hour. There are 3 smaller train stations. Check the timetables in [www.ns.nl here].


'''Bike''' 

THE way to get around in Utrecht. Everyone uses bikes all the time (so be carefull for them!). Most hosts can teach you how to ride along on the back of them. 

* A good way to see Utrecht is to rent a bike. All the guarded bikestands around the trainstation also rent bikes for around 7 euro's a day. Outside the trainstation you can rent bikes in [http://www.fietspad.net/route.html here] and [http://www.fietspunt.net/index.htm here]. 

* Good bikeroutes through the province of Utrecht can be found in [http://fietsenindeprovincieutrecht.nl/knooppunten-planner knooppuntenplanner], it is in Dutch but not hard to understand. 

* Don't forget to lock your bike, stealing of bikes is a big problem throughout the Netherlands.

* All around the center there are guarded parking places for bikes. For some you have to pay after one day, some are totally free. See their locations and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].

'''Walking''' 

The historic centre of Utrecht is the ideal size to walk in. If you just want to stroll around and see old buildings, go to the southern part of the medieval city, this has the best unspoiled and small scale size. If you want to go shopping, stay on the north, this is the shopping area, just next to the big shopping streets there are streets with very cool alternative shops. 


'''Bus and Tram'''
 
There are a lot of bus lines that cover the whole of the city. Most busses run 'till after midnight. Check the bus lines in [http://www.gvu.nl/ here]. A routeplanner, combining different forms of public transport can be found at [http://www.9292ov.nl/9292OV1124.asp ov9292].
 
There is just one small tramway in Utrecht. It goes from the station to Kanaleneiland, Nieuwegein and IJsselstein.


'''Car'''
 
Not advisable in the city-centre. The centre has a lot of small and narrow roads and is made very hard to reach by the government. Parking can also be quite expensive in the centre. More environment friendly ways of transport work better in Utrecht.  When visiting the centre it’s advised to park at Park and Rides around the city. For more information check [http://www.penrutrecht.nl/ this] website.

In most of the center you have to pay for parking, check the exact zones and rates on this [http://maps.google.nl/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=nl&msa=0&msid=113821396085159162133.000001120ef1e898a914e&source=embed&ll=52.092058,5.124607&spn=0.079839,0.15398&z=13 map].


'''Hitchhiking'''
 
Utrecht is quite friendly to hitchhikers, Utrecht is also a highway hub with good connections to Amsterdam, The Hague, Antwerp, Eindhoven, etc. [http://www.liftershalte.info Liftershalte] is a wiki that provides a map with a good overview of places to catch a ride in Utrecht. Some other good spots can be found in [http://www.franknature.nl/hitchhike/hitchhike.htm#Utr here]