How to buy a Dutch train ticket? Is it easy to travel in the Netherlands by train? Are Dutch trains expensive? What is the difference between Sprinter and Intercity? Here is everything you need to know about trains in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
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 in the Holland by train.
Last updated: 13 October 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
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.
In this guide
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.
Good news: Eurostar international train tickets are now available for travel up to December 12, 2026. Whether you’re dreaming of summer terraces in Paris, autumnal walks in London, or Christmas markets in Brussels, you can book it now. Book early and travel at the best rates.
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?
Train tickets prices & discounts in the Netherlands
The price of your journey depends on the travel distance. Visit NS.nl website for current fares on your route.
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.
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 – 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 age 4 – 11, you can buy a special kids train ticket – 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.
Amsterdam Centraal train station
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 – 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 1-3 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 >>
Prices in 2026:
- 1 day – € 23,00
- 2 days – € 34,00
- 3 days – € 44,00
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 >>
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 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.
1st class seats in a Dutch Intercity train
2nd class seats in a Dutch Intercity train
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 1-7 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
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. Alternatively you can get them from the vending machines at the stations or at the ticket desks.
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 60-80% 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 4-11, 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 4-5 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.