Transport
PAYING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
You do not need a special card to use public transport in the Netherlands. There are a few different ways to pay for travel:
Paying with your bank card or credit card (OVpay)
The easiest option is OVpay. With OVpay, you check in and check out using your bank card or credit card by holding it against the card reader.
It’s important to use the same card on each journey. The system calculates the exact fee based on where you check in and out, and the amount is charged to your account.
Using an OV‑chipkaart
You can also travel with a personal OV‑chipkaart (a public transport card). This card is not required, but it can be useful for travel subscriptions or services such as OV‑fiets.
If you use an OV‑chipkaart with a subscription or travel on account, you are charged later, usually as a monthly invoice. If you travel without a subscription, you usually pay from prepaid credit on your card. There is a small fee to apply for a personal card.
If you cannot use OVpay, you can also buy single‑use tickets at a train station or online via NS.
GOOD TO KNOW
Checking in and out
Checking in and out is important and can be confusing at first. Once you know what to look for, it becomes routine.
- You must check in at the start of your journey and check out at the end with a bank card or credit card (OVpay) or an OV‑chipkaart.
- Some train stations have gates, but others have no gates. If there are no gates, check in and out using the card reader on a pillar on the platform. This is how many people forget, especially at smaller stations.
- If you forget to check out, you may pay more for your trip. You can request a refund from the transport company (NS for trains, Arriva for buses). You can find more information about NS refunds here.
How to catch the bus
These are some of the normal practices in the Netherlands and may feel unusual at first, but you’ll get the hang of it!
- Buses only stop at official bus stops and not in between.
- Bus drivers expect you to signal that you want to board, for example by giving a small wave. This is especially important if several bus lines stop at the same bus stop.
- You usually enter the bus at the front and exit at the back. There are check‑in machines at the front and back of the bus.
- Sometimes the driver may signal that you can enter through the back doors, for example if the bus is full or you have luggage or a stroller.
- Follow the stops on the screens carefully. When your stop is next, press the Stop button and be ready to exit when the bus stops.
- Buses only stop if someone wants to get on or get off, so signalling the driver is important!
Discounts on public transport
If you travel by public transport often, you can save money with a subscription. There are several optional, paid subscriptions that offer free or discounted travel.
- The Weekend Free subscription is popular, offering free train travel from 18:30 on Fridays to 04:00 on Mondays for a fixed monthly fee. This is great for exploring the Netherlands on your days off!
- Other subscriptions offer discounts during off‑peak hours, weekends or public holidays. There is also a Co-Travel Discount (up to 3 people) or an Off-peak Group Ticket (2-7 people).
- Discount options, conditions and prices can change, so it is best to check the official NS website.
Subscriptions are linked to your personal OV‑chipkaart which you can apply for online on the OV‑chipkaart website. A personal OV‑chipkaart includes your name and photo and will be sent to your home address.
Getting to your final destination from the train station
The OV‑fiets is a popular way to travel the last part of your journey (from the station to home, work or the city centre).
- OV‑fiets is a paid rental service. It is useful if your destination is too far to walk but too close to take another bus or train.
- You rent a bike from the bike garage at a train station and return it to an OV‑fiets location. Returning it to a different location (or not returning it at all) may incur extra fees.
- OV‑fietsen are available at many stations, but keep in mind that the number of bikes is limited, so they may not be available during busy periods. The NS app indicates how many bikes are available at your destination.
To use OV‑fiets, you need a personal OV-chipkaart. Conditions and pricing can change, so check the NS website for up‑to‑date information.
Travel apps in the Netherlands
There are two main apps used to plan daily door‑to‑door travel using trains, buses, trams and the metro. Both apps show departures, platforms and alternative routes.
- 9292 – A popular choice among locals!
- NS app – This app also shows disruptions on the train network and allows you to receive updates about your train by setting notifications.
For train travel to destinations outside the Netherlands, such as Antwerp or Cologne, you can use the NS International app.
DRIVER’S LICENCE
When you first arrive, you can drive with your foreign licence for a limited period. Thereafter, you may need to exchange your licence for a Dutch one or pass a Dutch driving test.
Exchanging a foreign driver’s licence
A special rule applies if you qualify for the 30% ruling – with this you can exchange a driver’s licence from any country for a Dutch one.
For the most up‑to‑date rules, check the official RDW website. The IamExpat, Holland Expat Centre South and Gemeente Breda websites also offer more information.