Travel more peacefully
The holidays are over, so it is getting busier again on the roads, cycle paths, car parks and on the train. Morning rush hour can be especially crowded on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Would you like to travel more comfortably and avoid crowds as much as possible? A small change to your travel routine can increase the chance of getting a seat. See our tips for travelling with less crowding.
Choose a quieter time
Rush hour is busiest on weekdays from 06:30 to 09:00 and from 16:00 to 18:30. It is particularly busy on Tuesday and Thursday between 07:30 and 08:30 in the morning.
If you can plan your journey flexibly, travel a little earlier or later to avoid the busiest times. Check the Journey Planner before you leave to see how busy your train will be.
Quieter times include:
- during off-peak hours
- on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- at the edges of peak times (before 07:30 or after 08:30)
Choose a quieter train
The NS app has useful features to make your journey as relaxed as possible.
Check the busyness icons
In the journey planner the busyness icons show how busy your train will be:
- One green icon: quiet, plenty of seats
- Two orange icons: moderately busy, there are still seats available
- Three red icons: busy, there may be no seats left
Sometimes a train that leaves a little earlier or later is quieter. A Sprinter can also be a quieter alternative to an Intercity.
Get a notification when it's busy
Plan your journey in the NS app and save it. That way you can get a notification if your train becomes busier than expected. You will then receive a push message with an alternative travel suggestion.
Choose a cheaper time
Travelling outside the busiest times can be quieter and cheaper.
NS PrijsTijdDeal
With NS PrijsTijd Deal you get a discount on your ticket when you choose a quieter time to travel, for example just before or after peak hours. If you plan your journey at least one day in advance in the NS Reisplanner, you will see next to the available departure times whether a PrijsTijdDeal is available and how much discount it offers.
NS Flex Dal Voordeel
With NS Flex Dal Voordeel you travel with a 40% discount during off-peak hours.
Still travelling during peak hours?
Can’t change your journey time? You can still travel more calmly.
Upgrade to 1st class
With NS Flex you can upgrade from 2nd class to 1st class up to 15 minutes after you check in. This helps you travel more calmly and gives you more space around you.
Choose a quieter carriage
Many travellers wait in the middle of the platform by the (escalators) and board there. Walk a little further along the platform and board the first or last carriage, for example. Those are often quieter.
Help us map where it’s busy
Is it busier on the train than you expected? Report it through the NS app so we can take targeted action, for example by running longer trains on busy routes.
Your report also helps us keep the busyness icons accurate and up to date.