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Travel with NS in simple language

If you do not travel by train often or find it hard to remember everything, no worries. We guide you step by step. On this page, you will find simple explanations on preparing your journey, how the station works, and what to expect on the train. You can also practise with Steffie’s explanation modules.

Steffie explains

Steffie explains complicated things simply. Together with NS, she created a practice module about travelling by train. This lets you calmly practise planning, checking in, changing trains and more.

Preparing at home

Using the Journey Planner

Your journey starts at home. The NS app or ns.nl let you easily plan your route.

  1. Enter your departure station and arrival station.
  2. Choose the date and whether you want to depart or arrive at a specific time.
  3. Click Plan.

You will then see how long the journey takes, if you need to change trains, and how busy the train will be.

  • One figure = quiet
  • Two figures = moderately busy
  • Three figures = busy

Click on a journey for more details. You will see step by step how to travel, which platform to use, and where to change trains.

Tip: Check the NS app again shortly before departure. Sometimes details change, such as departure time or platform.

Choosing a ticket

Single ticket

If you travel infrequently, buy a single ticket at the NS Ticket Machine.
You can pay with your payment card (and on some machines with coins).

If you need assistance, call the free number on the machine. A service staff member will ask for the machine number and assist you.

OV-chipkaart

If you travel regularly by train, bus, tram or metro, an OV-chipkaart is useful.

  • You buy the card for € 7.50.
  • You load credit onto it.
  • For journeys by train, you need at least € 20 credit on the card.

Travel with your payment card

You can also check in and out with your payment card or credit card. This is handy if you travel occasionally.

At the station

Stations have a range of facilities to make your journey easier:

Ticket machine

At the ticket machine, you can buy a ticket or add credit to your OV-chipkaart. You can also check your balance here.

Checking in and out

  • Before boarding, check in at a gate or post.
  • Hold your card or payment card against the scanner.
  • You will hear a beep and the gate will open.
  • If there is no gate, use a post with a scanner.

Please note:

  • Only gates showing a green arrow will open.
  • A red cross means the gate is closed.

If it does not work, check the screen for errors, verify your balance or ask for help. You can also press the blue button on an information pillar.

Always check out when you reach your destination.

Travel information boards

At major stations, there is a board on each platform showing:

  • Departure time
  • Arrival station
  • Intermediate stations
  • Any delays (in red)

Smaller stations also have boards with this information.

Services at the station

  • OV Service & Tickets shop: for questions about your ticket or journey.
  • Information desk: at major stations.
  • Information pillar: press the blue button for questions or the red button in emergencies.

Toilets

Most stations have toilets. Payment is by payment card. Follow the signs marked ‘WC’.

Changing to another operator

If you change from NS to another operator like Arriva, first check out with NS and then check in with the other operator. The scanners are located close together on the platform.

On the train

1st and 2nd class

The numbers 1 and 2 indicate where you can find 1st or 2nd class.

  • 1st class: wider, more comfortable seats.
  • 2nd class: standard seats.

You need a more expensive ticket for 1st class.

Quiet carriage

You must not talk or use your phone in quiet carriages. Look for the large ‘STILTE’ or ‘SILENCE’ sticker and the icon of a person holding a finger to their lips.

Toilets on the train

Every NS train has free-to-use toilets. Longer trains have several toilets. Follow the pictograms to find them.

Wi-Fi

Most trains offer free Wi-Fi. Select ‘Wi-Fi on the train’, accept the terms, and you are online.

Travel information screens

The screens show you:

  • which train you are on
  • the current time
  • your arrival time
  • helpful tips and information about stations

Station name signs

When you enter a station, look out of the window. The station’s name appears on a blue sign so you know exactly where you are.

NS Travel Assistance

Do you need help boarding, changing trains or disembarking? Book NS Travel Assistance. This service is free of charge.
You can book via:

An assistant will help you at the station and with boarding and disembarking.

Do you have questions?

Visit our service and contact page. If you cannot find the answer there, please get in touch with our Customer Service. We are happy to help you.