Who runs what
NS runs the main network: fast Intercity and stopping Sprinter trains. Some regional lines are run by Arriva, Keolis and others.
In the big cities: GVB in Amsterdam, RET in Rotterdam, HTM in The Hague. Utrecht has trams too.
Regional companies such as Arriva, Connexxion, Qbuzz, EBS and Keolis, depending on the region.
Free GVB ferries cross the IJ behind Amsterdam Central; ferries also serve the Wadden islands.
NS runs night trains between the big Randstad cities, and cities run night buses at weekends.
How to pay
| OVpay (bank card or phone) | OV-chipkaart | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your contactless debit or credit card, or phone | A dedicated travel card |
| Top up needed | No, charged to your account | Yes, with a balance |
| Discounts and subscriptions | Can be linked | Can be loaded (personal card) |
| Best for | Most adults, occasional travel | Children, students, people without a contactless card |
- 1Check in
Hold the same card or phone against the reader at the start of every train, tram, bus or metro trip.
- 2Check out
And again at the end. Forget it and you pay a high boarding fee instead of the real fare.
- 3Change trains
Switching between NS and another rail operator? Check out and in again at the pole of the other company.
- 4Use the same card
With OVpay, use exactly the same card or the same phone for check-in and check-out.
Saving on travel
Peak hours are weekdays roughly 06:30 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:30. Many employers pay a travel allowance or provide an NS Business Card; students may get free or discounted travel through DUO.
Bikes and trains together
Rent a blue-and-yellow NS bike at most stations with a subscription linked to your card.
Large guarded bike parkings at stations; the first 24 hours are usually free.
Allowed outside peak hours with a bike day ticket. Folding bikes go free when folded.
Practical tips
- Plan with the NS app for trains and 9292 for door-to-door journeys with all operators.
- First class is quieter and more spacious, at a noticeably higher fare.
- Quiet carriages (stiltecoupé) are marked with a "stil" sign: no calls, no music.
- Schiphol Airport has its own train station under the terminal with direct trains across the country.
- Strikes and maintenance happen; check the app before leaving.
Sources
This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.