Public transport in the Netherlands

Last updated: 26/11/2025, 14:59

Below is an overview of the most important information about travelling and transportation within the Netherlands.

Entering the Netherlands for free

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you may enter the Netherlands for free on

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Ns)

trains. You can do so by showing your Ukrainian ID and a German, Belgian, French or Austrian ticket that is not older than 24 hours. With this proof, you can pick up a free day ticket at the Tickets and Service desks at the (larger) train stations of NS.

You are no longer allowed to travel the Netherlands by other public transportation for free since 1 June 2022. You must purchase a valid ticket such as an public transport chip card to travel with public transportation.

Travelling with a valid ticket

In the Netherlands, you need an public transport chip card to travel on public transport. You can buy the public transport chip card at stations, in various stores and supermarkets as well as online. If you want to travel by train in the Netherlands, the

offers various season tickets. They allow you to travel with a discount, for example. A train season ticket must be linked to your public transport chip card. More information about train season tickets can be found on the NS website.

So even with a subscription you need an public transport chip card. More information about applying for the card can be found on the OV Chipkaart website.

Assistance with public transportation

Travelling by public transportation in the Netherlands can be difficult. Public transport ambassadors are ready to help you. These are volunteers, seniors and experienced public transport users who support others in using Dutch public transport.

You can participate in an online information session, visit a walk-in clinic or take a trial trip. In a small group, a public transport ambassador will explain to you step by step how to apply for and use a public transport chip card, for example.

Would you like to take advantage of this? You can contact them via email at ov-ambassadeur@ervaarhetov.nl or call (038) 303 70 10. They can be reached Monday to Friday.

You can find more information at ervaarhetov.nl.

Discounts on public transportation

Children up to 3 years of age travel free on all public transportation.
Children aged 4 to 11 can travel free by train with an public transport chip card through the Kids Vrij scheme
. This requires the purchase of an public transport chip card. They receive a discount on the bus, tram and metro.
Young people aged 12 to 18 can travel at a discount by train outside rush hour with the Young Person's Day Ticket
. This Day Ticket can be purchased in the NS app. They pay the same as adults on the bus, tram and metro.
People aged 65 and older do not get a discount on trains or other public transportation. They do receive discounts on the bus, tram and metro.

Planning your journey by public transportation

On the 9292 website, you can plan a journey by public transportation. Enter your current location and desired destination in the trip planner, and you will see which bus, tram or train to take. 9292 is also available as an app for your smartphone.

9292.nl

Plan your journey by public transportation here

More information

Cycling from a train station

At many train stations you can rent bikes from the NS. This is called a public transport bike. To rent a public transport bike, you need a personal public transport chip card. On this you put the public transport bike subscription for free. To use a public transport bike you pay per time you use the bike.