Public transport and cycling in the Netherlands

You can travel by train, tram, bus and metro by checking in and out (in- en uitchecken): you touch your card at the gate or device on boarding (in) and touch it on alighting (uit), and the fare is calculated automatically by distance.

• Most systems support direct payment by bank card, credit card or phone (OVpay), and there is a personal or anonymous (anoniem) OV-chipkaart that is loaded with credit and sold in stations and shops.
• Do not forget to check out, otherwise a large amount is deducted as a maximum fare.
• You need sufficient balance when entering.
• For train travel a paper ticket is also available in some cases but is more expensive.

You can buy a subscription to get a discount on journeys: an off-peak discount (Dal Voordeel) that gives a reduction all day or at quiet times, a fixed route subscription between two places (Traject Vrij) and an unlimited subscription (Altijd Vrij) for daily commuters.

• There are discounts for families and groups on holidays, and reductions for elderly people and students.
• Dutch or registered students receive a special travel card.
• For planning use the NS and 9292 apps that show the timetable, delays and platforms in real time.
• In the case of strikes or major delay you can request compensation from NS via the app or website.

Wait for passengers to alight before boarding, and stand behind the line on the platform.

• On trains there are quiet coaches (stiltecoupé) where phones are asked to be kept quiet, and lowering your voice is generally respected on trains.
• Do not put your bag on a seat while others stand, and give up seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant women and disabled people when needed.
• Smoking is not allowed.
• Light food and drinks are allowed on the train, and rubbish is thrown in the places provided.
• People carry bicycles on the train with a bicycle ticket outside rush hours on national trains.
• Ticket inspectors carry out checks, and travelling without a checked-in card is considered travelling without a ticket and is punished by a fine.

Dutch people say they are born on a bicycle.

• Most households own one or more bicycles, and there are dedicated paths (fietspad) separate from cars.
• Basic rules: ride on the right and signal with your hand when turning, give way to traffic from the right unless there is a sign, and stop at a red light.
• Front and rear lights are compulsory in the dark, and it is proper to use a bell and reflector.
• Do not use your phone while riding, since it is forbidden and fined.
• Electric bikes and helmets are allowed, and a helmet is not compulsory but recommended.
• There are many thefts, so use two locks, a frame lock and a chain lock, and park your bicycle in designated racks and do not leave it unlocked.

Children under four usually travel free, and have reduced fares up to a certain age, and families are entitled to discounts on holidays.

• Lifts and ramps are available at most stations, and an assistance service (NS Reisassistentie) for disabled people that you request before travelling.
• Some cities offer subsidised transport for the disabled and elderly (Wmo-vervoer) through the municipality.
• For complaints or lost items contact the NS lost property office or the customer service centre or via the app.
• In an emergency on the train use the emergency button or call 112.
• Community centres and municipalities offer cycling lessons for adults and migrants, which is a wonderful chance to integrate, and some associations provide second-hand bicycles at a symbolic price.

What happens if you forget to check out?