A complete guide to ticket options and money-saving tips for Dutch public transport — from airport transfers to intercity trains.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Schiphol (AMS) | NS train to Amsterdam Centraal Station | About 15–20 minutes, around €5–6 |
| Schiphol (AMS) | NS train to Rotterdam/The Hague | About 25–35 minutes, around €12–15 |
| Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) | Bus + metro/train | About 30 minutes |
| Eindhoven (EIN) | Airport bus + train | About 30–60 minutes |
Transport Cards and Tickets
- OVpay: Simply tap a contactless bank card or mobile device at the gate to enter and exit; fare is calculated by distance. It’s the easiest option.
- OV-chipkaart: A nationwide transport card in the Netherlands, available as anonymous or personalized; you must first buy the card and then top it up. Can be used on trains, trams, buses, and metros.
- GVB Hourly Ticket: Valid for trams, buses, and metros in Amsterdam; available in 1/24/48-hour options.
- Amsterdam Travel Ticket: Includes airport transfers and city public transport, ideal for short stays.
Travel Between Cities
- Amsterdam – Utrecht: About 27 minutes.
- Amsterdam – Rotterdam: About 40 minutes.
- Amsterdam – The Hague: About 50 minutes.
- Amsterdam – Maastricht: About 2 hours 30 minutes.
Using Bicycles
The Netherlands is a cycling nation. Renting a bike costs around €10–15 per day. Be aware of the braking system and the requirement for lights at night. Cyclists must use designated red or brick-colored bike lanes, signal turns with hand gestures, and avoid riding against traffic or on one-way streets — violations will result in fines. Train stations and city centres have multi-storey bike parking facilities, but spaces are limited.
Tips
- Use the 9292 or NS app for schedules, platforms, and transfer options — they’re more accurate than general maps.
- Trains have first and second class; second class is comfortable enough. For intercity trips, check NS’ website for discounted fares.
- Always tap in and out; forgetting to tap out may result in a charge for the longest possible journey. Make sure the gate records your card or device.