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How To Buy Dutch Train Tickets
Dutch trains are run by the national rail company 'NS' Nederlandse Spoorwegen and the network covers the country extensively. Travelling by train is convenient, reliable and reasonable value for money. In this article we discuss the different types of rail tickets available in Netherlands and how to buy them... |
Rail Ticket Types in Netherlands
You can purchase a Single, Day Return or Weekend Return to your destination on the day of travel - in either first class or (standard) second class. Return fares are equivalent to 2 singles. So for example, Schiphol airport to Amsterdam Centraal in 2nd class costs €3.80 single and €7.60 return.
The Weekend Return ticket is very useful for weekend trips - being valid from Friday after 1900 until Sunday night and costs the same as a day return.
 | You also have the choice of buying undated single or day return tickets in advance of the travel date. These need to be validated on the day - before you start your journey - at one of the small yellow stamping machines (pictured left) near the platforms. Note, a normal 'valid today' ticket will not need stamping as it already has the date printed on it. NS does not sell UK-style 'open return' tickets where you take the first journey and then return on another day of your choosing. In this case just buy separate singles before travel. |
With a normal train ticket you can just jump onboard any normal service (Intercity and Sprinter trains) and free seating in your class is in effect. A few special trains require supplements for domestic use - including the ICE trains going to Germany and the high speed FYRA trains serving the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Breda route.
Children: If you have children aged between 4 and 11 you can purchase a 'Railrunner' ticket which costs just €2.50 - this is valid the whole day and is great value. Kids 3 and under travel for free.
There are various other ticket types available for sale: Dog tickets (€3), unlimited travel for 1 day (trains only or all public transport), upgrades to first class, and multiple stop roundtrip tickets. Bicycle tickets cost €6 - unless you bring a folded bike. |
NS Discount Card: If you live in Netherlands (or have a Dutch address) you could purchase a discount card for rail travel. Some changes have been made in summer 2011 which have diluted the benefits - the standard card is now the "Dal Voordeel abonnement" or "korting" card for short. This card entitles you (and up to 3 travel companions) to 40% off fares - however the card is not valid during the weekday rush-hour of 0630-0900 and 1600-1830. The card costs €50 per year and can be acquired by filling in a form and making the payment at any station counter. You need to provide a photo which will be scanned onto the card - which can also be used as a personal OV-chipkaart. Note, to get the rail discount the cardholder must use the OV-chip and not paper tickets. Other subscriptions are available. For more info see our blog post: NS Discount Korting Cards |
Where to Buy Rail Tickets in Netherlands
 | You can purchase train tickets at one of the yellow & blue ticket machines found dotted around each NS station. The machines accept payment by various means - all accept Dutch PIN chip cards, only some take euro coins. Note payment with euro notes is not possible. A few machines at major stations will also accept payment by Maestro or credit card (Visa and Mastercard) with a €1 surcharge. |
The machine touch screen interface is straight forward to use - with an English language version available. The screen looks like this:
 | Alternatively, you can also buy your ticket at the 'Tickets & Service' counter in the station and you will pay €0.50 surcharge for the privilege. At major stations there are also separate international ticket counters known as 'NSHispeed' - see our guide to International Train Services To / From Amsterdam. |
Some locals are using the OV-chipkaart to travel on the rail network - tickets are sold as singles and you have to check-in and check-out for each trip. You must have an NS activated personal or anonymous OV card to do this with at least €20 on the e-purse. However, visitors can make do with the normal paper tickets.
The NS has also recently started to sell e-tickets online - payment is via Dutch bank transfer (iDeal) only - so it is only useful for residents at the moment. You print out the ticket in A4 format which will include your name and date of birth. You must have accompanying identification along with the ticket. The e-tickets cost the same as standard tickets and are valid on any train to the destination on the day of travel.
When travelling there are normally conductors on board the train and they often walk through the carriages checking and stamping tickets - so don't think about boarding without a valid ticket!
For more on the Dutch rail network: Dutch Railways Guide
Also check our Amsterdam Rail Network map