Traveling by train in the Netherlands

The Netherlands maintains an extensive and robust train network. Intercity services that connect larger cities depart at least twice every hour and do not stop at all stations. Local train stations are often only serviced by so called Sprinters: local trains that stop at every station.

Schiphol International Airport is also well-connected to the railway infrastructure. The Intercity Direct service, subject to a surcharge, provides for an even quicker journey between Schiphol International Airport and Rotterdam.

The Netherlands has more than 400 train stations. During daytime, a train stops at each of these stations at least twice per hour. The rail map depicts the entire Dutch network with all its stations. Many routes are discontinued through the night. Schiphol International Airport however is serviced through the night once every hour by a train that departs from or heads to Amsterdam. The trip planner shows exactly when this train departs. Please be advised to schedule your trip not earlier than 10 days before departure. That way, any route changes due to construction work are automatically taken into account while planning your trip.

Our website enables you to find the cheapest train tickets. Some special offers are however exclusively sold in the Netherlands. Other online offers may require an iDeal payment, a service only available to travelers with a Dutch bank account. The number of train tickets that can be paid for with a credit card are limited. Train tickets are not valid in the bus, tram or metro, although exceptions to this rule do exist.

Special ticket deals are not available at train stations, where you will always pay the regular fare. In addition, a one euro surcharge applies to tickets purchased at train stations. A surcharge also applies for paying with a credit card. The online ticket module enables you to purchase a regular train ticket without any surcharges. The e-ticket you will receive and have to print contains a barcode that opens the ‘Chipkaart’ gates at the train stations.

If you do not possess an e-ticket, you are required to check in and check out for every individual railway operator. However, as most trains are operated by NS, you will travel exclusively with NS for most of your journeys. Please do not forget to check in and out, as traveling with an non-validated ticket exposes you to the risk of being fined.

More tips: Special rates apply to traveling with Thalys. Surcharges also apply while traveling between Schiphol International Airport and Rotterdam with Intercity Direct. This surcharge is paid for each individual and for each one-way journey. You can however also use the regular intercity on this route, which takes longer to reach its destination, but is not subject to this surcharge.