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OV-chipkaart options

The OV-chipkaart is a pass you can use to travel on all public transportation in the Netherlands. There are various types of OV-chipkaart. Learn about the differences here, and how you can purchase them.

How to purchase an OV-chipkaart

You can purchase an OV-chipkaart for €7.50 at www.ov-chipkaart.nl or from a carrier's service location. If you  take out an NS season ticket, you will receive the personal card free of charge (except with Flex Basis and Flex Weekend Voordeel).

You can also opt for a single-use chipkaart, which is a paper card containing a chip. Please note, this card should not be disposed of with regular waste. Instead, you can place the card in the bin intended for electronic devices.

Don't pay too much
You often end up paying too much unnecessarily at other commercial websites. If you've had this experience, we are very sorry to hear that! Register with Reizigersvereniging Rover (the Rover Traveller's Association), so they can take action against these websites.

Purchase a personal OV-chipkaart

Travelling with your debit card

Travelling with your debit card is ideal for anyone who only travels occasionally on public transport. You no longer need to purchase a separate ticket or OV-chipkaart. When you check in using your debit card, you travel in second class with no discount.

Find out how it works

Characteristics of the personal OV-chipkaart

  • Issued to a specific person.
  • Balance is blocked within 24 hours of reporting theft or loss of the card.
  • Remaining balance refunded upon theft or loss of the card.
  • Automatic top-up available.
  • Suitable for all NS and other public transport season tickets.
  • The recommended price is €7.50.

Characteristics of the anonymous OV-chipkaart

  • Not issued to a specific person.
  • Cannot be blocked after theft or loss.
  • You can see your NS travel details through Mijn NS.
  • Available at NS Ticket Machines with OV-chipkaart logo or other sales locations.
  • The recommended price is €7.50.

Characteristics of the single-use chipkaart

  • Paper ticket that contains an electronic chip.
  • For sale at NS ticket machines, NS Tickets & Service shop, OV Service & Tickets shop.
  • There is no need to add to the balance, but you do have to check in and out at the station.
  • For most products you pay a surcharge of €1.50 per single-use chipkaart.
  • With respect to the ICE single journey surcharge, Euregioticket and Intercity Direct Surcharges, no surcharge is required with this card.
  • Only valid for a date up to one week in the future, unless you are travelling to Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.