OV-pas
After almost 15 years, the OV-chipkaart is being retired. It's time for a new card with new technology: the OV-pas. Discover how it works and how to switch over soon.
From OV-chipkaart to OV-pas
The OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipkaart. While it may just look like a new plastic card, there are a lot of technical changes.
For example, your data is no longer stored on your card, but in a very secure online database instead. This means you can arrange more online and no longer need to go to the NS ticket machine (although you can still do so if you wish).
In the future, there will also be a digital pass that you can add to your Wallet on your phone.
How do I get an OV-pas?
Do you have an NS season ticket? If so, you can continue to travel using your OV-chipkaart until you receive a message from us asking you to switch to an OV-pas. We will start transferring season tickets at the end of the year.
Do you have a business subscription? Find out more about the new NS-Business Card.
What if you don't have an NS season ticket?
In that case, you can order a separate OV-pas from OVpay.nl, or you can travel with your debit card. In both cases, you will always travel in second class, without a discount.
What if you already have an OV-pas?
At the moment, you can travel with us using your OV-pas, without any discount. We are not yet able to add NS season tickets to a public transport card.
How to travel with your OV-pas
Actually, not much will be changing for you as a traveller. The OV-pas will continue to be a single card that you can use for train, bus, tram and metro journeys.
Tracking costs
You won't see your balance and fare for your journey on the gates or posts when you check out. You can track your travel history and costs in the OVpay app or in Mijn NS.
Checking and topping up your balance
You can check or top up your balance in the OVpay app. Regrettably, our ticket machines do not offer this service yet, but conductors or service personnel can tell you what your balance is.
About OVpay
OVpay is the new way to check in and out of public transport. You can check in and out with your new OV-pas or your debit card. This allows you to travel anywhere in the Netherlands by train, bus, tram, and metro.
Frequently Asked Questions about the OV-pas
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My OV-chipkaart has (almost) expired
If your OV-chipkaart has expired or will expire this year, you will receive or be able to order a replacement OV-chipkaart.
At the end of the year, we start transferring season tickets to the OV-pas. You will be informed when it is your turn.
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I already have an OV-pas. Can I add my season ticket to it?
No, that’s not possible. At the moment, you cannot travel using an NS season ticket on your OV-pas. So please continue to travel using your OV-chipkaart to use your season ticket.
We will start transferring season tickets to the OV-pas at the end of this year. We will contact you as soon as it is your turn. -
Can I use the Combined Travel Discount?
No, that’s not possible yet. You cannot use the Samenreiskorting discount with your OV-pas. This is because we aren't yet able to add discounts or season tickets to the OV-pas.
Would you like to use the Samenreiskorting discount? If so, please use an OV-chipkaart or buy a discounted ticket.
For more information or answers to other questions, check out our FAQ about travelling with your OV-pas.
