Randstadgebied

Randstadgebied, often referred to as the Randstad, is a densely populated metropolitan region in the western Netherlands. It forms the country’s economic and demographic core and centers around four principal cities—Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht—together with many surrounding towns and municipalities.

Geographically, the Randstad is a polycentric, highly urbanized zone spanning parts of North Holland, South Holland and Utrecht. It is connected by an extensive rail and road network and sits along the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, with the North Sea to the west. The region is characterized by a high population density and a broad mix of urban and suburban communities.

The Randstad concentrates a large share of the Netherlands’ population and economy. It hosts major ports and airports, notably the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport, and supports diverse sectors such as services, finance, technology and logistics. The region serves as a major national and international hub for trade, research and culture.

Transport and infrastructure are central to the Randstad’s identity. It features a highly developed transport system with frequent intercity rail, local metro and tram networks in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, and significant road corridors. The RandstadRail light rail connection links The Hague, Rotterdam and Zoetermeer. The region’s logistics capabilities underpin its economic role.

Governance and planning within the Randstad are distributed across the provinces of North Holland, South Holland and Utrecht, with regional bodies such as the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and the Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Area. Planning programs, including Randstad 2040, address housing, mobility, sustainability and climate adaptation to guide long-term development.

The Randstad remains a central focus of Dutch urban policy due to its size, density and economic weight.