Plan your journey with ease
Planning your journey is easy with the NS International journey planner. In just a few steps, you can view the best route, current travel times and ticket options. This helps you prepare your trip step by step. Whether you are looking for a direct connection or want to reserve a seat, the planner provides all the information you need.
Supplement or not?
You can travel within the Netherlands on an international train with a valid domestic ticket, except for the Eurostar and Nightjet. A supplement may apply in certain cases.
Overview of ICE and Intercity Direct Supplements
| Category | ICE train | Intercity Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Routes with supplements | Within the Netherlands (e.g. Amsterdam C - Hengelo, Amsterdam C - Utrecht C - Arnhem C) | Rotterdam C - Schiphol Airport - Amsterdam Zuid - Lelystad Centrum |
| Cost of supplement | € 3.00 (between Amsterdam C and Hengelo) or ICE supplement (between Amsterdam C, Utrecht C and Arnhem C) | Intercity Direct supplement (price varies) |
| Who does not pay a supplement? | Travellers with a valid NS season ticket (including OV-chipkaart from another provider linked to NS season ticket) Children with a Railrunner (age 4 to 11) | Travellers with an international ticket Children with a Railrunner or Kids Vrij subscription |
| Where to buy the supplement? | Online / NS app (as e-ticket) NS Ticket Machine NS Tickets & Service shop | Supplement kiosk on the departure platform Online / NS app (as e-ticket) NS Ticket Machine NS Tickets & Service shop |
| Extra costs at machine or service desk | € 1.50 extra for a single-use chip card | None specified, except for the supplement itself |
| Validity of supplement | One single trip | One single trip |
International travel and the OV-chipkaart
You book your journey from your departure station in the Netherlands to your destination abroad on a single ticket. If you are entitled to 40% or 100% discount on the domestic section, please indicate this when booking. You will then receive an international ticket with the discount applied. Do not forget to bring your NS season ticket along with your ticket. Both must be shown during inspection. Please note: an NS season ticket is not valid on the Eurostar.
Opening gates with an international ticket
Most international tickets display a square barcode. You can open the gates using a barcode scanner. If you travel with an international ticket on a single-use chip card, check in at the gate with that card. This activates your ticket immediately. In case the gate does not open, go to the information kiosk by the gates and press the blue button. A staff member will assist you. You can also ask a service employee at the station for help.
Checking in and out
If you booked your international journey starting from the departure station of the international train and also travel within the Netherlands, please check in and out on the domestic section using your OV-chipkaart. From the departure station of the international train, you continue travelling with your international ticket. We recommend booking your entire journey on a single ticket to avoid having to check in and out during your trip.