Train tickets in the Netherlands are easy to buy: book an e-ticket online at NS.nl, or simply tap in and out at the station with your contactless bank card. Here is everything you need to know about Dutch train tickets, prices in 2026, discounts, and the difference between Sprinter and Intercity trains.
The Netherlands have an extensive railway network, which includes around 400 stations. Intercity (faster) trains run between the larger cities, and Sprinter (slower) trains connect smaller stations. It’s easy to travel around Holland by train.
Dutch train tickets at a glance (checked 29 October 2026)
- Buy online: an NS e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from the machine, check fares on NS.nl
- Tap and go: check in and out with your contactless bank card or phone (OVpay), how it works
- Prices 2026: fares depend on the distance you travel, see your route’s price
- Children 4 to 11: Railrunner day ticket for € 2,50, buy a Railrunner
- Groups of 2 to 7: cheaper off-peak group ticket, order online
- Around Amsterdam: unlimited train, bus, tram and metro from € 23 a day, Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
- International: Paris, London, Brussels and Berlin, book at NS International
Train schedule in 2026
Visit the official Dutch national rail company (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) website NS.nl for up-to-date information on train schedule, possible routes and fares. For international trains consult NSInternational.com.
Planning a winter day trip? International trains run straight from Amsterdam to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Drink Glühwein in Münster or Düsseldorf (trains from € 20), explore the famous Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, or do your holiday shopping in Paris (from € 35). Book now for the best fares.
See Christmas market trains →
You can get almost everywhere by train in the Netherlands. Still, please note that some popular places, like Volendam, Giethoorn, Keukenhof, and Efteling, don’t have a train station.
If you have a complex route with several transfers, it can be a good idea to save your travel information, including the stations where you need to change the train.
Here you can find our guides how to travel from major Dutch airports by train:
- How to travel from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam center?
- How to get from Eindhoven airport to Amsterdam?
- Schiphol airport train station: tickets and platforms
Train ticket prices in the Netherlands in 2026 and discounts
The price of a Dutch train ticket depends on the distance you travel. On 1 January 2026 NS raised fares by 6,52% on average, and first class went up more than second class. Check the exact fare for your route at NS.nl.
| Ticket | Price in 2026 | Best for | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single or return e-ticket (NS.nl or NS app) | Depends on distance | One trip on a set date | Check fares |
| Contactless bank card or phone (OVpay) | Full 2nd class fare, no card needed | A few trips, no planning | How it works |
| Single-use ticket from a machine | Fare + € 1 | Paying at the station | Buy online instead |
| Railrunner (children 4 to 11) | € 2,50 per day | Families | Buy |
| Off-peak group ticket (2 to 7 people) | Group price, off-peak only | Friends and families | Order |
| Intercity Direct supplement | € 3,20 one way | Amsterdam to Rotterdam high-speed | Buy |
| Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket | € 23 / € 34 / € 44 (1, 2, 3 days) | Unlimited travel around Amsterdam | Book |
| Anonymous OV-chipkaart | € 7,50 for the card | Frequent trips, also bus and tram | OV-chipkaart.nl |
If you take a high-speed Intercity Direct train between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you will need to purchase an Intercity direct supplement. The supplement for a one-way journey costs € 3,20 in 2026.
- Read more: Travelling from the Netherlands to Paris, Brussels, Berlin >>
- Amsterdam to Paris by train: Eurostar tickets from € 35
- How to travel from Schiphol airport to Paris?
How and where to buy a Dutch train ticket?
The easiest way is to buy your train ticket online at NS.nl. This e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from a ticket machine. The ticket can be used any time at the selected date.
Alternatively you can get them from the vending machines at the stations or at the ticket desks. When you buy a disposable (single-time use) train ticket, you will be charged € 1 over the standard travel fare for the ticket itself.
Pay with your contactless bank card (OVpay)
The easiest option for visitors: you don’t need a ticket at all. Hold your contactless debit card, credit card or phone at the card reader at the gate to check in, and do the same with the same card when you leave the station. You pay the full second class fare, and the total for the day shows on your bank statement the next day.
Good to know: every traveller needs their own card or phone, so you can’t check in two people with one card. Take the card out of your wallet before you tap, or another card may be charged. And don’t forget to check out: NS charges € 33,30 if you forget to check out in 2026.
If you are planning to travel around the Netherlands, we recommend to consider buying an OV-chipcard, which is valid in all means of public transport in the country. An empty smart card costs € 7,50 (but it will help you avoid paying € 1 every time you purchase a disposable ticket) and is valid for 4 to 5 years.
To travel with an OV-card you need to have a sufficient credit (€ 20 for travelling by train and € 4 for travelling by bus, tram, and metro).
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You can purchase an OV-chipcard at service desks or OV-chip marked machines at the train stations, at Tickets & Info offices or vending machines.
Travelling by train with a group discount
If you are travelling with a group of 2 to 7 people during off-peak hours (weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30. At weekends and all day on public holidays), you can buy group train tickets. Check the details at NS.nl and order ticket online >>
Train tickets for children
If you are travelling with children aged 4 to 11, you can buy a special kids train ticket, the Railrunner. It costs € 2,50 and is valid all day in all domestic trains.
Children up to the age 3 travel for free if not occupying a seat.
How long is a Dutch train ticket valid?
A single or return train ticket in the Netherlands is valid on the date indicated on the ticket. It means that you can take any local train on the chosen date and route. But you can use the ticket only once.
Can I make a seat reservation on Dutch trains?
No, seat reservation in the trains in Holland is not possible.
Is the train system in the Netherlands 24 hours?
No, the Dutch trains operate 24/7 only on certain routes, like between Schiphol airport and major cities. If you need to travel at night, check NS.nl website to plan your trip.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket: 1 to 3 days travel pass
Tip! If you are planning to stay in the Amsterdam area, Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can be a good option for you.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) is valid for 1 to 3 days of unlimited travel by train, bus, tram and metro in Amsterdam and surrounding areas (including Volendam, Edam, Marken, Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, Zandvoort and Keukenhof).
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket map. You can find a full-size image at Iamsterdam.com official website. Learn more about ARTT >>
| Validity | Price | Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | € 23 | Book |
| 2 days | € 34 | Book |
| 3 days | € 44 | Book |
The ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 hours after the last valid day.
Order Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online >> (also on Tiqets)
Check-in and check-out in the Dutch trains
No matter which type of ticket you are using at the start and the end of your trip you have to check-in and check-out. Simply scan your ticket or OV-card at the special card readers. You can find them at station halls, metro gates and near the entrance doors in trams and buses. If you forget to check out, NS charges € 33,30 in 2026.
If you are travelling with an e-ticket, you generally don’t need to check-in and out. The ticket has your name, travel route and the date when it’s valid, and that’s enough. However many train stations in the Netherlands are equipped with gates, and you need to open them to access the station.
With your e-ticket you can open the gate by scanning the ticket barcode at one of the gates equipped with a barcode reader (in has a “Scan ticket” symbol on its display).
Travelling 1st and 2nd class in Holland
In most trains in the Netherlands you can choose between travelling 1st and 2nd class, which differ in price and comfort of seating. The first class compartments have larger seats and more space between them, especially in the Intercity trains.
The first and second class seating is indicated by the class number on the board of the train.
Fine for travelling without a ticket in trains
The fine for travelling without a valid ticket on public transport in the Netherlands is € 70 + the cost of a train ticket. This fine is the same for all forms of public transport: train, bus, tram, metro. The administration fee is € 20. The fine was raised from € 50 in October 2025.
Visiting Amsterdam? Plan your trip
- Arriving to the Netherlands by plane? This is how you can get from the airport to the city center.
- Travelling from another European city by an international train? It will take you to Amsterdam Central station in the city center.
- Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1 to 7 days.
- Alternatively buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes public transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and 24 hours bike rental.
- Check out our list of top 15 best things to do in Amsterdam.
More about public transport in the Netherlands:
Frequently asked questions about Dutch trains
Where can I buy train tickets in the Netherlands?
The easiest way is to buy your train ticket online at NS.nl. This e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from a ticket machine. Alternatively you can get them from the vending machines at the stations or at the ticket desks.
How much is a train ticket in the Netherlands?
It depends on the distance: the longer the trip, the higher the fare. Fares rose 6,52% on average on 1 January 2026. Check the exact price for your route at NS.nl, where an e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from the machine. Children aged 4 to 11 travel all day for € 2,50 with a Railrunner.
Can I pay with a contactless bank card on Dutch trains?
Yes. You can check in and out at the gates with a contactless debit card, credit card or phone (OVpay). You pay the full second class fare, and every traveller needs their own card. See how OVpay works.
Can I buy a train ticket on board, or do I need to buy it before boarding?
You need to buy your ticket before you board. Dutch trains don’t sell tickets on board the train, so you can’t pay a conductor once you’re travelling. If you board without a valid ticket, you risk a € 70 fine plus the cost of the ticket, so buy online at NS.nl, at a station vending machine, or at a ticket desk before you get on.
How long is a Dutch train ticket valid?
A single or return train ticket in the Netherlands is valid on the date indicated on the ticket. It means that you can take any local train on the chosen date and route. But you can use the ticket only once.
Can I make a seat reservation on Dutch trains?
No, seat reservation in the trains in Holland is not possible.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on Dutch trains?
First class seats are larger and have more space between them than second class, especially in the Intercity trains, and first-class carriages are usually quieter since fewer passengers pay the upgrade. The price difference can be significant: on some routes a first-class ticket costs around 60 to 80% more than second class for the same journey. Carriages are marked with the number 1 or 2 near the doors, so you can see which class you’re boarding before you get on.
What is the difference between Intercity and Sprinter trains?
Intercity trains are the faster, long-distance services that connect major Dutch cities with fewer stops, while Sprinter trains are the slower, all-stops services that also serve smaller towns and suburban stations. For a trip between two large cities an Intercity is usually faster, while for smaller destinations along the way you may need to take a Sprinter for part of the journey.
Is the train system in the Netherlands 24 hours?
No, the Dutch trains operate 24/7 only on certain routes, like between Schiphol airport and major cities. If you need to travel at night, check NS.nl website to plan your trip.
What is the fine for travelling without a valid train ticket?
The fine for travelling without a valid ticket on public transport in the Netherlands is € 70 + the cost of a train ticket. This fine is the same for all forms of public transport: train, bus, tram, metro. The administration fee is € 20. The fine was raised from € 50 in October 2025.
Do children travel for free on Dutch trains?
Children up to the age of 3 travel for free if they don’t occupy a seat. For children aged 4 to 11, you can buy a special Railrunner ticket for € 2,50, which is valid all day on all domestic trains.
What is an OV-chipkaart and do I need one?
An OV-chipkaart is a smart card valid on all public transport in the Netherlands: train, bus, tram and metro. An empty card costs € 7,50 and is valid for 4 to 5 years, and using it means you avoid the € 1 surcharge charged on every disposable paper ticket. It’s not required, you can also buy single-use tickets, but it’s worth it if you’ll be making several trips.
About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself: real tips, not tourist traps.