Travelling by train

Travelling by train is convenient if you want to get from one city to another quickly, or if you want to travel long distances. In the Netherlands, there are different types of trains and multiple operators with which you can travel.

On this page

How does train travel work?

  1. Make sure you have a valid ticket - An e-ticket, an OV-chipkaart with credit, a single ticket, or a bank card or smartphone with OVpay.

  2. Check in - Check in at the card reader on the platform or at the entrance gates in front of the station. Read all about checking in and out here.

  3. Check the information boards and screens - The information boards and screens show the (final) destination of the train. You can also see from which platform the train departs. You can find these boards in the station hall and on the platforms. You can also see this information in the 9292 planner.

  4. Get off the train at your (final) destination - Have you reached your (final) destination and has the train stopped? Open the door by clicking the button next to or on the door.

  5. Check out - Have you arrived at your final station? Or do you need to transfer to another operator? Then don't forget to check out.

Tip – Buy an e-ticket for your complete journey by public transport in the 9292 app. This way, you have all the tickets for your journey together in one app.

1st or 2nd class travel

Some train companies, like NS and Blauwnet, differentiate between 1st and 2nd class. With other operators, this distinction does not exist, so you always travel 2nd class.

2nd class travel

You travel in 2nd class by default. This is the cheapest option. 2nd class can be recognised by the blue seats. In the compartment, there is a '2' next to the information screens, and on the outside of the train, there is a '2' on or next to the doors where the 2nd class is.

1st class travel

Would you like to have more seating space on the train? And do you not mind paying a bit more? Then you can also travel in first class. This class can be recognised by the red seats. In the compartment, there is a '1' next to the information screens. On the outside of the train, there is a '1' next to or on the doors where the 1st class is.

1st class ticket

Do you want to travel in 1st class? Then you need a valid ticket. For example, you can get a season ticket for 1st class. Do you want to sit in 1st class for one time only? Below we explain how it works per ticket.

  • OV-chipkaart - Before you check in, go to the ticket machine at the station. Hold your public transport chip card in front of the card reader and tap 'Change class'. Then click on 'Today 1st class'. Have a nice trip!

  • OVpay - It is not possible to travel in 1st class with OVpay (yet).

  • Single ticket - You can buy a single ticket for 1st class at the station or online.

Are you travelling with a season ticket, such as an NS Flex season ticket? Then sometimes different rules apply for changing classes. Check the conditions of your season ticket for more information.

Read more about 1st class travel with NS here.

Please note – You can be fined if you are sitting in 1st class with a 2nd class ticket. Be aware of where you sit down.

Rules on the train

Are you travelling by train? Then there are a number of rules that you must adhere to. This way, we keep travelling pleasant for everyone. For example, be quiet in the quiet compartment, and do not put your feet on the seat opposite or next to you. Read all the rules that apply on public transport here.

Different types of trains

There are different types of trains in the Netherlands. Below, we explain the difference between local trains, express trains, the Intercity direct, and international trains.

  • Local trains (Sprinters) - Local trains stop at every station. This is useful if you have to travel a short distance.

  • Express trains (Intercity) - Express trains only stop at major stations, such as cities. This is useful if you have to travel long distances.

  • Intercity direct - The Intercity direct travels between Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal, and Breda.

  • International trains - International trains travel from major stations in the Netherlands to stations abroad. You need a special train ticket to travel on an international train. You can purchase a ticket via the NS International website or via Eurostar. It is often mandatory to reserve a seat for these trains. This way, you also know for sure that you will have a place to sit.

Plan your journey with the 9292 planner

Not sure how to get to your (final) destination? Plan your journey with the 9292 planner. It will show you which platform you need to be on and whether you need to transfer.

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