This is how public transport works in the Netherlands

Last updated: 06/11/2025, 09:53

In the Netherlands, you can get almost anywhere by public transport. With trains, buses, trams and metros. On this page you can read more about public transport in the Netherlands.

There are several transport companies

The Netherlands has several transport companies responsible for different forms of public transportation.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS)

regulates most of the train transportation in the Netherlands. Other transport companies are responsible for buses, trams and metros in different regions.

Visit the website of the transport company in your area for key transportation information. And for possible discount offers.

You can plan your trip in advance

If you need to go somewhere soon, you can plan your trip in advance on the internet. For a train journey, you can look online at the NS website. At www.ns.nl

you can see when your train is going, from which platform, and if there are any problems. You can also do that with their app for your phone.

If you would like information on all types of trips, check out www.9292.nl

. You can then plan exactly how to get from your home to your destination. This way you can avoid unexpectedly long waits. You can also download the 9292 app on your phone.

You must have a valid ticket

You always need to have a valid ticket. There are several ways to get a valid ticket. For example, by checking in with a public transport chip card. Or by buying a paper ticket from a ticket machine.

You can often rent a bike at stations

At many train stations you can rent bikes from the NS. This is called a public transport bike. You need a personal public transport chip card to rent a public transport bike. On this you put the public transport bike subscription for free. You can do this yourself by logging on to the NS website at My NS. In Products, under From Door to Door you can choose public transport bike. Then you can order a public transport bike subscription. You will also find information on this page about how renting a public transport bike works.

To use a public transport bike you pay per 24 hours. Even if you need a bicycle for less than 24 hours, you will pay that amount.

These are the rules on public transport

On public transport, you have to follow certain rules. Below you can read the most important ones:

You must always be able to show that you are paying for the journey

You must always be able to show that you have a valid ticket. This can be a paper ticket. Or a public transport chip card that you used to check in. Or a bank card that you can pay using contactless and that you have checked in with. If you do not have a valid ticket, you can be fined if you are checked.

You may only travel in the class for which you have a ticket

If you have a 2nd class ticket, you may not sit in 1st class. If you do, you may be fined if you are checked.

Sometimes you are allowed to take your bike on public transport

You may bring bikes on the train or metro. But only between 09:00 and 16:00 and after 18:30. You have to buy a separate bike ticket for your bike. On the bus, you are never allowed to bring a bike.

There are special areas for wheelchairs and pushchairs

If you are in a wheelchair, there are special places for them so you have enough room. These are usually the same places you can put a pushchair.

Smoking on public transport is prohibited

Smoking is prohibited everywhere on public transport. As is smoking e-cigarettes. You are also not allowed to smoke at stations and at some bus stops. If you do, you could be fined.

You may not make noise or mess

Do not make unnecessary noise on public transportation and do not throw litter on the ground.

There are sometimes silent compartments on the train. This is indicated on the window and in the compartment. Here you must be completely silent.