Travelling with an auditory impairment
Are you deaf or hard of hearing? NS is here to help make your journey as comfortable as possible. Our trains provide visual signals when doors close, and stations offer hearing loops at information points and OV Service & Tickets shops. You can easily reach Customer Service through Tolkcontact Teletolk. This page explains how to prepare your journey from home, the facilities available at stations, and the support on the train.
Prepare at home
If you want to prepare your journey calmly at home, you can easily do so with the NS app or the Journey planner. This shows the facilities available at your departure and arrival stations and helps you plan the best route. The app lets you save favourite journeys, load e-tickets, see which side you will leave the train on, and find your way around the station.
Do you want to stay informed about delays or transfer information? Turn on notifications in the NS app to receive live travel updates directly on your phone. This helps you know what to do and travel well prepared.
At the station
Stations offer several facilities designed for travellers with an auditory impairment. All OV Service & Tickets shops and information points have a hearing loop. Set your hearing aid to the hearing loop setting to hear our staff clearly without distracting background noise.
If you cannot hear the announcements, do not worry. The Journey planner provides almost all information about delays, disruptions and changed departure tracks, so you are always well informed.
On the train
Our trains include several features that make travel easier for travellers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The newest Sprinters (Flirt, SNG, SLT), Intercity New Generation (ICNG), and modernised double-deckers (DDZ and VIRM) show a visual signal when the doors close: a flashing red light above the door. This lets you know exactly when boarding or leaving is no longer possible.
On older trains without red lights, pay close attention to the train conductor at the door; when they prepare to blow their whistle, the doors are about to close and boarding is no longer allowed.
Almost all trains have travel information screens showing current updates about your journey and transfer options. Information materials from NS always include text, so you do not miss anything.
Safe travel
Emergencies on the train are thankfully rare. Knowing what to do if something happens will give you peace of mind. Our Safe travel page offers practical tips and clear explanations to help you travel well prepared and confident.
Calling with Teletolk
Do you need assistance with calling? Use a sign language or text interpreter. This lets you communicate with NS easily without missing any information.