The Dutch Railsystem, (NS) is the best way to get around the country. You can buy paper train tickets at the train station, but you can also use your OV-chipkaart to travel. When using the OV-chipkaart to travel by train for the first time, you should activate first ‘reizen op saldo’ this is required to select 1st or 2nd class. To request for ‘Reizen op Saldo’, go to ns.nl/reizenopsaldo/activeer (Dutch and opens in a new window) or contact NS customer service 0900-2021163 (€ 0,10 p.m.). Then visit a ticket vending machine or a NS information desk at one of the NS train stations to complete the activation.
Make sure that your e purse balance is at least equal to the NS boarding fee €20,- . The poles to check in are located on the platform or at the gates when entering the station. If you transfer from one NS train to another NS train, you don’t have to check out and check in again. Just check in at the beginning and check out at the end of your journey. The NS train rates are calculated differently, based on rate units.
More information about travelling by NS train. ovchipkaart.nl or ns.nl (opens in a new window)
Do you have a NS season ticket, for example your voordeelurenkaart, (off –peak discount pass)? Then you can use this pass as an OV-chipkaart. Activate ‘Reizen op Saldo’ is in that case not required for traveling by train, and you will also benefit from a reduced boarding fee €10,- instead of €20,-.