Public Transportation in the Netherlands
The OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart should be your first introduction to Dutch public transport. The OV-chipkaart (Dutch for openbaarvervoer, or public transport) is an innovative card payment system that works on all Dutch public transport options. There are two types of OV-chipkaart. The anonymous one is personal. An unknown card can be purchased and topped up at the ticket office, stations, or trains. Online purchases are not permitted for individual cards. The card will require you to upload a photo. These cards can be topped up online or at a ticket machine. You can sign up for automatic topping-ups if your balance exceeds a certain amount.
Your journey’s cost will depend on how far you travel. When you check-in, your card will be charged a boarding charge. The fare cost will depend on where you travel. The fare will be refunded upon your departure from your destination. You will be charged EUR20 if you don’t check-in. For more information, visit the OV-chipkaart website.
These are the things you need to know before using your OV chipkaart
You don’t have to worry about paying unexpected travel costs. Your OV chipkaart can be loaded with products like season tickets and monthly passes. These tickets can be purchased online, but you’ll need to manually load them onto your card at an upload point (or one yellow OV chipkaart machine).
If you’re moving between transport modes/operators on the same trip, you will need to check-in and out again. Students can take advantage of their OV chipkaart to get discounts. You should not pay too much for transport if you’re still at school.
Apps for public transport in The Netherlands
It is possible to research online and plan your trip to a foreign country. The Netherlands has many public transport apps, including:
You can plan your entire trip using this app and the website (9292). Online fares can be checked, and credit applications may be made.
- NS – The national train app has a journey planner that helps you plan your train travel. You will be notified about cancellations and delays.
- OV-chipkaart.nl is a website that allows you to order personal transport cards. You can check your balance and order individual transport cards.
The Netherlands: Train travel
Long-distance travel is made possible by the train, the most popular public transport option in the Netherlands. The high quality of the Dutch network, which is among the busiest in Europe, is the reason for this. Today, approximately 611,000 people commute by train daily, compared with 1.3 million in 2019. Although most of the country is easily accessible by rail, connections to the north are less reliable.
NS (Nederlandse Schoorwegen) operates Dutch trains. NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) also operates trains in certain regions, including Arriva Netherlands, which is in the country’s north, south and south. You should pay attention to the Intercity and Sprinter NS trains. The Sprinter is the slower of the two types. It stops at all local stations. Intercity services stop only at major stations, however. This allows for a more comfortable and faster journey. Sprinter trains are not equipped with toilets. You may need to use the facilities at the departure station.
The Netherlands has a reliable rail system that is connected and almost always runs. There are occasions when the system does not work as it should. Cancellations can be caused by strong winds, technical issues, or staff shortages. Even a minor disruption can impact the network’s ability to serve many passengers and trains. It’s wise to download the NS App to keep track of disorders and other updates. Please contact NS ahead to ensure you and your companion get the assistance and support you need. For more information, visit the dedicated pages of NS.
The Netherlands: Train prices and tickets
Distance and travel time for train tickets to the Netherlands are determined by how far you travel. Tickets are not cheap but comparable to those in other European countries. No matter when you buy your ticket, it will cost the same. Traveling during rush hour will cost you more (de splits: 06.00-18.30 and 16:00-18.30). There are two ways to pay for train travel. You can use your OV chipkaart card or buy a ticket. You can purchase tickets online, at a ticket counter, or the station.
Subscriptions can be a great way of saving money on train travel. A subscription to your OV-chipkaart can help you save money on train travel. The NS website has information on several schemes. To travel by train in the Netherlands, you will need at least EUR10 (or EUR20 if anonymous cards are used) in your OV chipkaart. Check out! You could be charged EUR20 extra for not checking out.
Timetables and maps for trains
Randstad’s standard train service operates between 05:00 and midnight. There are regular trains, and some intercity routes offer seven to eight trips an hour. You may find local courses that offer up to four visits an hour. Randstad cities are served by night trains every hour. This service may not be as standard in smaller towns or rural areas. Visit the NS Journey Planner to find the best route and convenient times.
NS offers current maps showing the rail situation. These maps can be found on the NS App and the NS website. There are also large maps, posters, and printed timetables at stations. You will also find electronic displays with information about departures.
Stations and stops at Dutch train stations
The Netherlands offers a variety of facilities, depending on the station’s size and location. A platform might not be available at smaller stations. You will find larger station ticket offices, restaurants, and bicycle repairs. You will also find workspaces and shopping centers. For EUR0.70, you can also use the restrooms at most stations. Pay cash or by card. You will also receive a EUR0.50 coupon that you can use at the station. Visit the NS website to learn more about your station facilities.
The OV-fiets feature is a popular one in many Dutch stations. A small daily charge is required to rent a bicycle. A personal OV-chipkaart is required. A subscription costs EUR0.01 per year. Two bikes can be rented per day. If you wish to return your OV fits, you will be charged EUR10 more.
There are many regional and city trains in the Netherlands
Sometimes life at the surface can be too hard. When this happens, you will need to go underground. The Netherlands has two underground metro systems. Rotterdam/The Hague has the most extensive Dutch metro system, with 70 stations on five lines. Amsterdam’s metro system has 39 stations along five lines.
Due to the compactness and popularity of the Dutch cities, the metro network is quieter than those in New York, London, or Tokyo. However, it can get busy. This is especially true in bad weather when many people abandon their bikes to use the metro. You should expect a more extended trip these days because they are busier.
The Netherlands has international trains.
For the weekend, you want to escape flat landscapes. Many international rail connections link the Netherlands to France, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. These include:
- Eurostar (Belgium & France)
- Intercity Berlijn (Germany)
- Intercity Brussel (Belgium)
- ICE International (Germany/Switzerland)
- Thalys (Belgium and France)
These trains offer many of the same amenities as regular Dutch Intercity trains. The Eurostar and Thalys trains provide more comfort and a greater variety of entertainment and refreshments. These services may have baggage restrictions, so check before your trip.
As in many other countries, the bus is the most used form of public transport in The Netherlands. A bus is the best choice, whether you live in rural areas or travel between cities. The Dutch bus service is very efficient, so this is no problem..
Bus in Rotterdam
Even though the bus operators in the Netherlands are different for each country, your OV chipkaart will allow you to access it all. Some buses travel along local routes, stopping in urban and rural areas. There have been many intercity bus lines connecting to regions in recent years. Many commuters use these buses faster and more conveniently than trains.
Bus operators include Arriva, Connexxion, and HTM. You can use WiFi and USB bus sockets to get work done while traveling. Most likely, you will need to use the front doors to enter and exit your bus.
The Netherlands: Prices and information for bus tickets
There are two bus travel options: you can buy a ticket directly from a driver or check in with your OV chipkaart. Some providers also offer online ticket purchases. You could be fined if caught with a key but not checked out.
If you are a frequent traveler, a season ticket can help you save money on bus travel. Visit their website to learn more about local bus companies. If you’re over 65, you can travel to certain cities at a reduced cost or without additional charges. Some towns allow children as young as five years old to ride the bus for free.
Maps and timetables of buses in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has buses that run from approximately 05:00 until just after midnight. Some buses run almost every 10 minutes in major cities. Rural buses, however, have fewer facilities and depart less often. Night buses run in Amsterdam every hour. You can view bus timetables and maps on the transport app or directly from the website for bus operators. Route maps are also available at bus shelters, and many bus stops.
There are many bus stops and stations in the Netherlands.
Bus stations are often located near significant stations and will have multiple routes. You can find a Dutch bus stop at the bus shelter. A sign usually marks the location as a bus stop, and sometimes it has a live departure board. It’s a good idea to get up and move towards the bus stop sign, as some drivers won’t stop for people who are only sitting in shelters.
Hire a Dutch taxi
It might seem odd to consider taking a taxi when there are many other transportation options, such as walking or biking. Taxis are often the most convenient mode of transportation. Taxis are easy to find in the Netherlands, as most towns and cities have taxi ranks near significant attractions, stations, and ports.
You can use our directory to find a taxi or a car rental.
The Netherlands has a metered taxi system. They generally charge the same rates. Before starting your journey, you can negotiate a fixed fare agreement between yourself and your driver. There are shared taxis available in many Dutch cities. They are not available in large cities. Uber is available only in the most prominent Dutch cities. Sneleentaxi is a platform connecting taxi drivers with passengers in the Netherlands. This allows you to get lower taxi fares.
Coach travel in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is compact and small, so it may be a good idea for you to hire a coach to travel around the country. Traveling by coach is more cost-effective and convenient than hiring a car or taking the train. Flixbus has the best rates and covers all major cities and towns.
International coach travel is an option for traveling across the border. Megabus and National Express offer international services to the UK. Flixbus connects the major Dutch cities to destinations across Europe, from Lisbon in the west to Bucharest in the east. Bus stops and stations may not be located in the most prominent locations. These stations are often found at the edge of cities and towns. You can avoid disappointment by checking the site before you travel.
To provide comfort breaks during longer journeys, coaches will make stops at rest stops. You can get refreshments and use the restrooms here. When you travel internationally, you should always bring your passport.
The Netherlands has many airports.
Do you want to travel to warmer climates by flying? You’ll most likely be departing from one of the five Dutch airports. These can be found in Maastricht, Rotterdam, Groningen, and Eindhoven. Current plans include expanding Lelystad Airport, Flevoland. Amsterdam Schiphol is the Dutch’s biggest airport. European’s busiest airport, Schiphol, is just a short train ride from central Amsterdam. You can also fly internationally from there.
The flag carrier of the Netherlands is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij). TUI Fly Netherlands and Transavia are two other low-cost airlines.
Schiphol Airport
The country’s biggest airport is Schiphol Airport, which is in the Netherlands. It is also ranked second in international passenger traffic. It was home to almost 25 million passengers in 2021. This is a decrease of 72 million passengers from 2019. It is approximately 10 kilometers from Amsterdam. It offers many amenities, including shopping and dining options and a sauna.
Schiphol is located close to Amsterdam, so it’s easy for you to travel to the airport via train or bus. Schiphol is well connected to other parts of the Netherlands. Many locals fly to Schiphol, then take the train back home. There are many bike parking options at the airport.
Eindhoven Airport
Eindhoven Airport, the second-largest airport in the Netherlands, is in Eindhoven. This airport is the hub for budget airlines such as Transavia and Ryanair. Most of its destinations are located in Europe.
Take the train to Eindhoven Central Station and then take bus 400 or 401 to reach the airport. You can also park your car and take taxis.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Rotterdam, The Hague Airport, serves as the hub for Rotterdam and The Hague. This airport serves as a hub for flights to Europe or Morocco. There is car, bike, and motorbike parking at the airport. Public transport is also easy to access. The Metro Line E runs between Rotterdam and The Hague. It serves the airport. The metro also has bus 33.
Other modes of public transport exist in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands: Tram travel
The tram is the best way to see the Dutch streets in their entirety than the other modes of transport. The four most significant cities in the Netherlands have their tram system: Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Amsterdam has the most extensive network, with 500 stops on 15 lines.
The most efficient way to move around in crowded Dutch cities is by trams. You can also use them to explore the city. National Geographic named Amsterdam’s Tram 2 as one of the top tram routes in the country. It begins at Centraal Station and features many of Amsterdam’s most famous attractions, like the Royal Palace and Rijks museum.
These are the top tips for taking the tram in the Netherlands
Take a look at our top tips for tram travel
The OV-chipkaart is valid throughout the country. To avoid ticketing fees, however, you must check in and out.
A conductor can usually sell tickets onboard. About halfway down the tram, you will find the conductor’s office. The majority can speak English.
Trams might not stop exactly where they are supposed to. Make sure you push the stop button.
When you get off the tram, know where you’re going. You may be in a bustling area, only a few steps away from the next tram. Pay attention.
The ferry service is not the best option for public transport in the Netherlands, but they are an excellent choice. There are free ferries that transport cyclists and pedestrians in Amsterdam. There are many options for authentic Amsterdam experiences.
These are not all the ferries the Netherlands has. Some rivers will have pedestrian and bike ferries. These ferries can be operated manually or by staff. Ferries link the mainland to the northern islands, such as Texel. If you plan to travel by bicycle, you must prepare. You might have to detour to another bridge if the ferry isn’t running.
Top tips for traveling by ferry in the Netherlands
You must be in front of the boat to allow others to board the IJ ferry in Amsterdam. You should leave quickly when you arrive to enable others to embark safely.
River ferries might only be available during certain seasons or days. To avoid being left behind, make sure to do your research well in advance.
Public transport discounts in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers many discounts on public transport. Seniors, children, youths, and persons with disabilities are often eligible for these discounts. You can find information about deals on your local transport company’s webshop. The Netherlands does not allow international students to travel for free. To make your trip more affordable, you might be able to buy a subscription or season pass if you frequently travel by public transport.
These are just some of the discounts you can receive on trains
- Dal Voordeel: EUR2.50 a Month, 40% Discount on Peak Tickets for You and Up to 3 Other Travelers
- Dal Vrij – EUR107.90/month, unlimited off-peak travel
- Altijd Vrij – EUR362.49 per month, unlimited free travel
How disability-accessible is public transportation in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers many public transport options. For train travel, you can book NS Travel Assistance. A trained assistant throughout your trip will assist you. You should make this appointment at least one hour before your departure. You can bring your wheelchair, mobility scooter, or specialized bike with you for no cost. You must meet certain conditions before you can use mobility aids. Stations have ramps, and trains have space for wheelchair users. People with visual impairment can use the OV-chip Plus card. You can buy season tickets online or by phone.
Accessible buses and trams can sometimes be harder to find. Many buses have a sliding platform for wheelchair access, and many trams have accessible entrances. There are, however, some items that can be hard to find. It might surprise you that trams are only a few steps long and that people with mobility aids can access not all stops. For more information, contact your local transport authority.
What is the environmental impact of public transport in the Netherlands?
Public transport is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint sustainably. Sustainability seems to be a vital part of the Dutch transport policy. Trains are powered mainly by renewable energy. NS aims to eliminate its use of fossil fuels by 2040. Many cities have electric buses and are trying to reduce carbon emissions. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets claims that The Hague has one of the most sustainable transit networks.
Safety tips for public transport in The Netherlands
In 2019, a survey found that most Dutch feel safe using public transport. These tips will help you avoid unpleasant situations. Make sure you plan your trip to a new place in advance. Call or meet someone to let them know that you are safe.
You should not jump onto the train if the train doors close and the whistle is heard on the platform. You may injure yourself. You could injure yourself. NS can be reached via WhatsApp or SMS at 6 13 18 13. Train staff is always available and readily visible so that you can ask them for assistance.
How to complain about public transport in the Netherlands
If your journey did not go according to plan, contact NS (a transport company). Train companies will usually offer refunds for delays of more than 30 minutes. However, these policies are subject to certain conditions. If you are unhappy with the service, you can complain to the OV Ombudsman.