The OV-chipkaart is the smart card that will become the standard payment method for the public transport system in the Netherlands.The smart card is the size of a bank card and contains an invisible chip. The OV-chipkaart can be loaded with credit in Euros with which you can travel anywhere within The Netherlands by train, metro, bus and tram. You can also use it with a travel product included such as a day or Star season ticket.
Two cards
There are personal and anonymous cards. You determine which type of OV-chipkaart best suits your needs. Example of a personal OV-chipkaart front - back (opens in a new window)
How does it work?
Journey costs are per kilometre. Simply ensure your euro total has enough to see you to the end of your journey or has a valid travel product. At HTM, card readers will be on the transport itself: hold your card to the reader as you board to check in, and again as you leave to check out, the journey cost or product will then be deducted.
In addition to the OV-chipkaart, you can still use paper HTM tickets. Passengers can also purchase single tickets from the bus or tram driver. In general buying a single ticket is always more expensive than traveling with the OV-chipkaart.
More information
Download the information brochure 'Travelling with the OV-chipkaart' or Read more on the website of the OV-chipkaart. (opens in a new window)