Commuting within the Netherlands can be a costly expense. This article will guide you through the different modes of transportation, how to pay there, and what we recommend for a regular commute, allowing you to save some money.
In the Netherlands, almost all transport is paid per kilometer instead of per ticket. That means that if you want to travel 2 stops, it will cost you less than traveling 3 stops. The costs per kilometer differ from each carrier.
- Payment methods (“OV Kaart” / “OVpay”)
- Getting a OV Kaart
- Paying by bank card
- How to check-in and check-out
- Save money with these tips:
- Subscriptions
- NS PrijsTijd Deal
Payment methods (“OV Kaart” / “OVpay”)
Unlike in other countries, you can make use of ALL public transport modes via the same payment system. This includes buses, ferries, and trains from different carriers. Currently, the Netherlands is transitioning from paying with a separate prepaid “OV Kaart” to fully using your normal bank cards to pay.
Getting a OV Kaart
You should only need an OV kaart if you want to use a subscription (see below) or if you want to make use of the student travel product from DUO (here). For incidental trips, your normal bank card (even many non-Dutch cards) works just fine. There are two types of OV cards; personalized and anonymous.
Anonymous cards can be purchased at NS train station ticket machines, are work as prepaid cards. You can not use them for subscriptions, but you can share them with other people. Personalized cards have your picture and name on them. These can be used for subscriptions. You can get a personalized OV card for EUR 7,50 here: https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/en/apply-for-personal-ov-chipcard
You need the following:
- Digital photo in jpg, max. 5 MB; Please be responsible when selecting your picture: an inappropriate picture or one that is not recognizable as you might be confiscated.
- iDEAL (If you cannot pay with iDEAL, you can pay with PayPal.
Is your IBAN not from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg or Germany? Please contact us via chat. We will then help you apply for your OV-chipkaart.)
Paying by bank card
Most cards, even non-Dutch cards, are supported. When paying with a card, you will be charged within 24 hours after your trip.
Learn more about OVpay here: https://www.ovpay.nl/en
How to check-in and check-out
When starting a trip (any mode of transport), you check-in by holding your card against a card reader. At train stations, this is either at a gate or at a little pole. Buses have these at all doors. Some trams might only have these at the ‘entrance’ doors.
Hold your card against the reader until it says “Ingecheckt”, a green light and ‘happy sound’ will play. When leaving the vehicle, hold your card against the device again to check out.
Save money with these tips:
Subscriptions
If you have to travel regularly, subscriptions can help keep your costs down. First, understand your needs; do you want to travel on weekends and explore the country (-> NS Weekend Vrij), do you need to travel by train daily? (-> NS Traject Vrij), do you travel specifically outside of the peak hours (-> NS Dal Voordeel)?
Do you live in an area where there are trains not run by NS? Check their subscriptions!
Do you need to go by bus? Check the carriers’ subscriptions!
NS PrijsTijd Deal
For incidental (longer) trips, you can book a train ticket in advance and usually get a good discount. This is called PrijsTijd Deal. Learn more here: https://www.ns.nl/en/tickets/pricetime-deal
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