The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the national train company, runs services between all major Dutch cities and most towns. Tickets (kaartjes) must be purchased before boarding at either the ticket office, a ticket machine which sometimes takes cash as well as bank cards, or, in the case of very small stations, the station shop doubles as a ticket counter. If caught without a ticket, heavy fines, as well as the cost of your journey will be expected to be paid on the spot.

Also available are season passes and discount cards for regular off-peak travel which can save you 40 percent off the cost of a ticket, a "voordeel-urenkaart". You will not be able to travel before 9am during the week, but you can take up to three people with you, at a discount.

As well as treintaxis and buses for local onward travel, more than 80 stations also now offer "OV-fiets", or public transport bicycles. You must apply in advance for a pass, the OV-fietspass, which can also be bonded to your train discount card, or can be a separate pass. It will cost EUR 9.50 per year for membership and EUR 2.75 for each 20 hour period (or part thereof) which is automatically taken from the bank account number you provided when you joined, retrospectively.

On the  website of the Netherlands Railways you can find travel information, information regarding (additional) services, ticket offers, how to book tickets, payment methods, seat reservation, useful adresses, on board service and travelling in general.

Teleservice NS Internationaal
tickets & info
0900 92 96 (€ 0,35 p.m.)