Off-peak hours
Off-peak hours are the periods outside the busy morning and afternoon rush hours. Travelling during these times with certain season tickets or tickets qualifies you for a discount.
The off-peak hours are:
- Weekdays: from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Weekdays: from 6.30 pm to 6.30 am
- Saturdays and Sundays: all day
- Public holidays: all day
How to travel with a discount during off-peak hours
The way you get a discount depends on the ticket you use. There is a difference between season tickets and single (promotional) tickets.
Travelling with a season ticket during off-peak hours
With almost all our season tickets, you receive a discount when you check in during off-peak hours. You may also check in up to five minutes before or after off-peak hours, provided you start your journey within 30 minutes of checking in.
Checking in and out again during your journey
Sometimes you need to check out and check in again during your journey, for example when transferring to another operator. Whether you keep your discount depends on your season ticket and the time between checking out and checking in.
NS Flex season ticket
NS Flex allows you to check out and back in during your journey while keeping your discount. Your first check-in time determines if you qualify for the discount.
Please note: the gap between checking out and in must not exceed 35 minutes. If it lasts longer, a new journey begins, which may affect your discount.
Balance-based season ticket
You also receive a discount with a balance-based season ticket when you check out and back in on NS within 35 minutes. If you switch to another operator, all check-in times must fall within off-peak hours to receive a discount for the entire journey.
Travelling with a (promotional) ticket during off-peak hours
If you have a single (promotional) ticket with an off-peak discount, different rules apply:
- You may only travel on the train during off-peak hours. The check-in time does not count in this case.
- It is not permitted to board just before rush hour (for example, at 3:55 pm) and continue travelling during peak time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Off-Peak Hours
Which public holidays does NS observe in 2026?
- New Year's Day: Thursday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April
- Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April
- King’s Day: Monday 27 April
- Liberation Day: Tuesday 5 May*
- Ascension Day: Thursday 14 May
- Whit Sunday: Sunday 24 May
- Whit Monday: Monday 25 May
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
- Boxing Day: Saturday 26 December
* Liberation Day is a public holiday every five years (2020, 2025, 2030, and so on). You will not travel with a discount on 5 May 2026.