Trains in the Netherlands

NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) is the main national rail operator. You can buy tickets through the NS app, at yellow ticket machines in stations, or at service counters. OV-chipkaart, a reloadable transit card, works on trains, trams, buses, and metros nationwide. Contactless bank cards are also accepted on NS trains. Book intercity or international trips in advance through the NS website or app for the best availability.

Domestic NS trains within the Netherlands do not offer seat reservations, you board any departure and sit in any open seat. International trains like Thalys (now Eurostar) to Brussels or Paris and ICE to Germany do require or strongly recommend reservations. For popular international routes, book well ahead, on weekends and holidays, as reserved seats can sell out.

Schiphol Airport has a train station directly beneath the terminal. NS trains run frequently between Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal, with a journey time of roughly 15 minutes. Follow signs to the train platforms from the arrivals hall. You can tap in with an OV-chipkaart or contactless bank card, or buy a single-use ticket from the yellow machines near the platforms.

There are no luggage restrictions or fees on NS domestic trains. Overhead racks and open areas near doors accommodate suitcases, though space fills up during rush hours. For large or heavy bags, try to travel outside peak times. Intercity Direct and international services have similar luggage areas. Keep bags out of aisles and doorways, and stay near your belongings.

Intercity trains connect major cities and skip smaller stations, making them faster for longer distances. Sprinter trains stop at every station along the route and serve smaller towns and suburban areas. Both types are operated by NS and use the same ticketing system. On routes between large cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, Intercity trains are generally the quicker choice.

Yes, the Intercity Direct service that runs via the high-speed line between Amsterdam and Rotterdam requires a supplement on top of the standard fare. This applies specifically to the route through the high-speed tunnel section. The supplement can be paid through the NS app or at station machines. Regular Intercity trains between the same cities do not require a supplement but take longer.

Yes. Direct international trains connect the Netherlands to neighboring countries. Eurostar runs from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to Brussels, Bruges, and onward to Paris. ICE trains connect Amsterdam and Utrecht to Cologne and Frankfurt. NS International handles bookings for these cross-border services. Advance booking typically offers better pricing and guarantees a seat, on Eurostar and ICE routes.