Rules on public transport

To keep travelling by public transport pleasant for all travellers, a number of rules apply. We explain them below.

Each operator has its own house rules. If you do not comply with the house rules, you risk getting a fine.

Below, you can read the common rules of all operators. The operator's website may provide you with more house rules based on the type of public transport.

1. Always travel with a valid ticket

Make sure you have a valid ticket. For example, an OV-chipkaart, an e-ticket, or a single ticket.

2. With a 2nd class ticket, you can travel in 2nd class only

You may only sit in 1st class with a 1st class ticket, even when it is busy. Are you sitting in 1st class but have a 2nd class ticket? Then you risk getting a fine.

3. Smoking is forbidden

You are not allowed to smoke in a vehicle, at the stop, on the platform, and in the stations. This smoking ban also applies to the use of e-cigarettes.

4. Only use the emergency button and/or emergency brake in unsafe and life-threatening situations

The emergency button is there for the safety of the passengers. It may only be used when an unsafe or life-threatening situation arises. If you ring the bell when nothing is wrong, you will receive a fine.

This also applies if you press the SOS button on the service and alarm column, or the emergency button at the gates of the station.

5. Placing feet on the chairs or benches is forbidden

6. Make way for other travellers

Place your bag on your lap, under the seat, or on the overhead rack, so that other passengers can sit down.

If you see someone who is pregnant or having trouble walking, stand up so they can sit down.

7. Ensure order, peace, and safety for yourself and fellow travellers

Ensure order, peace, and safety in the vehicles and within the train and metro stations. Consider the following:

  • No noise pollution (no loud music or loud telephone conversations);

  • Clean up your mess;

  • Do not bother other passengers (for example, by making inappropriate comments);

  • Some operators also prohibit drinking alcohol in the vehicle and on the platforms.

Quiet compartment – ​​Some trains have a quiet area. This area can be recognised by the icon of a figure with a finger in front of its mouth. This icon is on the compartment door, on the window, and sometimes also on the seats. The windows often also have 'silence' written on them. Are you in this area? Then make sure you stay quiet.

8. Filming and/or photographing staff is prohibited

It is prohibited to film or photograph employees and other travellers without their permission.

9. Do you hear a whistle or bell signal? Then do not board the train or metro anymore

By blowing the whistle, the conductor lets you know that the doors are about to close. At this point, it is no longer safe to board the train or metro, as you or your bag could get caught in the door.

The metro has a loud bell signal to warn you that the doors are closing. There is also a light above most doors that flashes when the door closes.

Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Some trains have a light above the door that flashes when the whistle is blown. If you are travelling by train and there is no light above the door, pay close attention to the conductor. If you see them blowing their whistle, do not get on.

10. Eating and drinking in the vehicle is prohibited

Some operators prohibit eating or drinking in the vehicle. However, taking a sip of water is no problem.