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Strike compensation

We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by the strike by NS personnel. Continue reading to find out what you can do and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Changes to the Strike Policy effective September 4

We have simplified the strike policy. Effective September 4, you will no longer be eligible for reimbursement for alternative transportation up to 25 euros per day per person. This change is outlined in the new terms and conditions. 

In the event of a strike, you will still be able to receive a refund for delays. To be eligible, you must generally have checked in.  

Fast and clear compensation

We want to be able to compensate you quickly, clearly and simply in the event of a strike. That is why we have opted for a single compensation scheme via ‘Geld Terug bij Vertraging’ (GTBV). 

The current scheme for alternative transport has proved difficult to implement in practice, costly and hard to monitor. This results in long processing times and high administrative costs. By opting for a single scheme via ‘Money Back for Delays’ (GTBV), compensation remains possible, whilst passengers...

General conditions for the carriage of passengers and hand luggage by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (AVR-NS 2026) - Effective from 4 September

NS strike scheme from 4 September

The right to compensation in the event of a strike is set out in Article 6.4 of Nederlandse Spoorwegen's Terms & Conditions for the transport of Passengers and Hand Luggage (AVR-NS). The NS strike scheme only applies in the event of organised industrial action by NS staff making NS's train transport services entirely impossible.

We will announce on the day of the strike whether the strike arrangements apply. The strike arrangements only apply in the event of an organised strike by NS staff that makes travel on NS trains completely impossible.  

If the strike scheme is in force, you may be eligible for the ‘Money Back for Delays’ (GTBV) scheme. To make use of this scheme, submit a claim for ‘Money Back for Delays’.

What compensation am I entitled to?

We have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below. . You must have checked in with your ticket in order to make use of the strike arrangements.

Conditions apply, including the Terms & Conditions for the NS Delay Refund Scheme (GTBV). The words 'train journey' always refer to an 'NS train journey'.

  • E-ticket or single-use chipkaart (paper ticket)

    You have an e-ticket or single-use chipkaart (paper ticket) that is valid on the day of the strike.{sp}We have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below.

    • Your journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes
      Partial ticket refund. Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request using this web form.
    • Your journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes
      • Ticket refund. Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request using this web form.
      • Or a new ticket. Contact NS Customer Service to request a voucher code.
    • You decide not to travel because your journey would be delayed by more than 60 minutes
      • Ticket refund.Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request using this web form.
      • Or a new ticket. Contact NS Customer Service to request a voucher code.

  • OV chipkaart or OV-pas: full fare or Discount season ticket

    You have an OV-chipkaart or OV-pas that you use for full-fare or discounted travel (Discount season ticket valid on the day of the strike). For each situation, we have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below.

    • Your journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes
      Partial or full ticket refund.Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.
    • Your journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes
      Ticket refund. Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.

  • OV chipkaart: Vrij season ticket outside a free-travel time slot

    You have an OV chipkaart with a Vrij season ticket that you want to use or will use on the day of the strike outside your free-travel time slot (e.g. you have a Weekend Vrij season ticket and are travelling on a weekday). We have listed your options and our offers below.

    • Your journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes
      Partial or full ticket refund. Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.
    • Your journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes
      Ticket refund.Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.

  • OV chipkaart: Vrij season ticket during a free-travel time slot

    You have an OV chipkaart with a Vrij season ticket that you want to use or will use on the day of the strike during your free-travel time slot. For each situation, we have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below.

    • Your journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes.
      Partial refund of your ticket or season ticket (depends on ticket type).Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.
    • Your journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes.
      Partial refund of your ticket or season ticket (depends on ticket type).Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request Form using your MijnNSaccount or this web form.
    • You opt for a different, paid means of transport because the strike has made your journey impossible.
      While the strike scheme is in effect, you are entitled to compensation under NS's {sp}Delay Refund scheme. This only applies if you would have travelled with NS on the day of the strike. To demonstrate this, you need a check in. If you did not check in, we will ask you to provide evidence of your intention to travel with NS on the day of the strike. Based on this information, we will determine whether you are eligible for compensation despite not having checked in or out. Request a refund by submitting a Delay Refund Request using this web form.

  • Debit card, credit card or mobile at full rate

    You can travel using your debit card, credit card or mobile phone, but you’ll pay the full fare without any discount. Below, you can see what your options are in each situation and what we offer.

  • Spoordeelwinkel: E-ticket with an overnight stay

    You have booked an E-ticket with an overnight stay via Spoordeelwinkel. For each situation, we have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below.

    • You are using your overnight stay and your train journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes
      Partial or full ticket refund. You can redeem this offer by submitting a Delay Refund request
    • You are using your overnight stay and your train journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes.
    • You are using your overnight stay but do not wish to travel by train because your journey would be delayed by more than 60 minutes.
    • You do not wish to use your stay or train journey
      . Full refund, including your overnight stay and your ticket. You can request a refund by contacting Spoordeelwinkel Customer Service.

    For more information, visit NS.nl/spoordeelwinkel. 

  • Spoordeelwinkel: E-ticket with a day out

    You have booked an E-ticket with a day out via Spoordeelwinkel. For each situation, we have listed your options, our offers and how you can redeem our offers below.

    • You use your day out and your train journey is delayed by 30-59 minutes
      Partial or full ticket refund. You can redeem this offer by submitting a Delay Refund request.
    • You use your day out and your train journey is delayed by more than 60 minutes
    • You use your day out but do not wish to travel by train because your journey would be delayed by more than 60 minutes.
    • You use your day out, but opt for a different, paid means of transport because the strike has made your journey impossible.
      You are entitled to up to €25.00 in compensation for alternative transportation, or 0.23 cents per kilometer with a maximum of €25.00 for use of own transport, while the strike scheme is in effect.
    • You do not wish to use your day out or your train journey.
      Move your day out and ticket to a new date. You can request a date change by contacting Spoordeelwinkel Customer Service.

    For more information, visit NS.nl/spoordeelwinkel. 

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