Can you travel in the Netherlands without OV-chipkaart?
There are two main ways to pay while traveling by train in the Netherlands. You can either buy tickets online or from a ticket machine, or you can use your OV-chipkaart, or smartphone using OVPay.
OV-chipkaart
A single, disposable paper ticket is probably the best option if you only plan to use the train, bus, tram or metro once. However, the OV-chipkaart can save you money if you plan to use the train, bus, tram or metro more frequently and over a longer period of time.
It's easy to buy an OV-chipkaart at a station. Just follow the on-screen prompts at the yellow ticket machines, or ask for one at a service desk. At Schiphol, the ticket machines are located right next to the escalators that descend to the train platforms.
The OV-chipkaart
The card can be fully personalized, but it's not a requirement. Since there is no separate OV-chipkaart for tourists, a visitor to our country may use a disposable chip card or an 'anonymous OV-chipkaart'.
The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable.
Of course, if you are only here for a holiday and will be walking around and only occasionally using trams, buses or metros. there is not much point in getting an OV-chipkaart. However, if you plan on being here for a while, then getting a card you can use to jump on a bus or train when you like is pretty handy.
Travel using the e-purse on metro/trams/buses is generally cheaper than buying single 1 hour tickets, especially for shorter trips. Travel on trains with the anonymous card saves paying the €1 disposable ticket surcharge.
A personal OV-chipkaart costs € 7,50 and is valid for five years. You will receive your new card within six working days. Please note: there is no mail delivery on Mondays.
| Distance | 7 miles |
|---|---|
| Average train duration | 14 min |
| Average train ticket price | £4 (€5) |
| Train frequency | 50 a day |
| Direct train | Yes, there are 33 direct trains a day |
The personal OV-chipkaart can only be purchased online via www.ov-chipkaart.nl; they cannot be bought from NS directly. This website also provides information about the status of your order.
How do tourists use public transport in the Netherlands?
The OV-chipkaart is the ticket for public transport in the Netherlands. With an OV-chipkaart in your pocket you don't have to think about strip tickets, metro or train tickets anymore. There's just one ticket for the train, tram, bus and metro. There are foreigners who come to the Netherlands who love it.
Both are available from the yellow ticket machines with the blue overhead sign reading 'traintickets'. OV-chipkaart cardholders can also use the ticket machines with the yellow overhead sign. The ticket machines are located near the platforms at Schiphol Plaza.
Throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used to travel by public transport. If you're in Amsterdam for a longer period of time and use public transport regularly, buying an OV-chipkaart is the best way to go.
Planning your visit: Netherlands trip cost and budget
Traveling to the Netherlands on mid-range budget costs around $152 per person, per day. A couple would spend $1,926 in one week. A solo traveler would spend $1,063 in one week.
Train, bus, and tram Train travel with the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) trains is the best way to get around the Netherlands. Almost all cities in the country are connected by the rail network.
With speed limits of just 30 km/h, Amsterdam prioritises people and active transport, making it one of the most walkable cities in the world. It is a city that has long been synonymous with cycling and also has its fair share of hidden gems that can be explored on foot.
Check in and out using your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile phone. Easy if you travel on the train infrequently!
- Hack #1. NS Group Discount (NS groepskorting) ...
- Hack #2. The Spoordeelwinkel. ...
- Hack #3. Ask your Dutch friends for a 40% discount. ...
- Hack #4. Kruidvat/ AH NS day tickets (when available) ...
- Hack #5 Flixbus.
➢ Choose an amount you wish to add. ➢ You can pay using cash (coins) and debit cards (Dutch PIN/Maestro/V-Pay) and credit cards (MasterCard/Visa). Topping up the debit on the “OV-Chipkaart” outside train stations.
Ticket information
The Tourist Day Ticket solves these problems for you, as it is valid with all transporters and has a fixed price. This makes the Tourist Day Ticket the ideal travel card Netherlands.
What is the cheapest way for public transport in Amsterdam?
Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus. The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer.
Yes, checking in and out with your contactless debit or credit card is cheaper than buying a regular ticket from the bus driver. The price for your trip is the same as when you travel with your OV-chipkaart without a discount or season ticket.
How do you pay for public transport in Amsterdam? Public transport in Amsterdam is cashless. Simply check in with your Debit or Credit Card, or save money on travel with the I amsterdam City Card, which offers unlimited use of Amsterdam's public transport system for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
If you are going to spend several days in the capital city and plan visiting other towns in the country, purchasing an OV-chipkaart is the best idea. You will be charged according to the distance of each journey. The smart card costs 7.50€ and it is rechargeable.
GVB 72h / 3 days
This card entitles you to unlimited travel around Amsterdam - day and night - on bus, tram and metro for 72 hours from first check in.
