🇳🇱 Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak
The Smart Way to Explore the Netherlands
If you’re planning to travel across the Netherlands and want a convenient, cost-effective, and flexible solution, the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak might be your best option. Whether you’re visiting iconic cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, or taking a day trip to picturesque villages and coastal towns, this ticket offers unlimited travel in one day — with one important condition: you must travel outside peak commuting hours.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak is, how it works, what it costs, when and where it’s valid, and why it’s one of the top choices for tourists who want to explore the country without worrying about buying separate tickets for each journey.
🎟️ What Is the Holland Travel Ticket?
The Holland Travel Ticket is a special type of one-day pass that allows unlimited travel on all public transport in the Netherlands on a specific calendar day. It’s designed for convenience and savings — especially if you’re planning to visit multiple destinations in a single day.
There are two versions:
- Holland Travel Ticket (Any Time) – Full-day travel with no restrictions
- Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak – Cheaper version with time limitations on weekdays
⏰ What Does “Off-Peak” Mean?
The Off-Peak version of the Holland Travel Ticket is valid only outside weekday rush hours, specifically:
- Weekdays: Valid after 9:00 AM until the end of service (typically around midnight)
- Weekends and public holidays: Valid all day
This means you can’t use it on trains or buses before 9:00 AM on Monday through Friday. However, after 9 AM, you are free to travel anywhere in the country on any mode of public transport.
🚆 What’s Included in the Ticket?
With the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak, you can enjoy unlimited travel for one day on the following:
- Trains (2nd class) operated by NS (Dutch Railways), Arriva, Connexxion, Breng, and Keolis
- Metro, trams, and buses operated by companies like GVB (Amsterdam), RET (Rotterdam), HTM (The Hague), and others
- Ferries that accept OV-chipkaart access (such as those in Amsterdam)
🟢 No need to check the provider — if it’s part of the Dutch public transport network and accepts OV-chipkaart, it’s included.
💰 Price of the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak
- Off-Peak Ticket: €48 (fixed price)
- Any Time Ticket: €70
Compared to the regular ticket, the Off-Peak version offers a €22 saving, making it a great deal for travelers who don’t need to start early in the morning.
🗓️ Where and When Can You Use It?
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | After 9:00 AM | Until last service (≈midnight) | Not valid before 9:00 AM |
| Saturday | All day | Until last service | No restrictions |
| Sunday | All day | Until last service | No restrictions |
| Public Holidays | All day | Until last service | No restrictions |
🧳 Where to Buy the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak?
You can purchase the ticket:
- At NS ticket machines in any Dutch train station
- At NS service counters in larger stations
- Via online platforms (if available in digital format)
- Through Dutch travel apps and tourist info centers
Once purchased, the ticket is valid for one specific date, which you must select at the time of purchase.
🗺️ Best Day Trips Using the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak
Here are some travel ideas to make the most of your one-day unlimited pass:
🚲 Amsterdam → Zaanse Schans → Volendam → Haarlem
See windmills, historic fishing villages, and golden-age architecture — all in one day.
🏰 Rotterdam → Delft → The Hague → Scheveningen Beach
Architecture, ceramics, politics, and the seaside: a full and rewarding day.
🌷 Amsterdam → Utrecht → Giethoorn (by train + bus)
Explore a charming canal village after a quick Utrecht visit.
🚄 Long-Distance Option:
Amsterdam → Maastricht or Groningen and back — experience the full north-south range of the Netherlands.
🔍 Comparison with Other Travel Passes
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity | Restrictions | Includes Regional Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Travel Ticket (Off-Peak) | €48 | 1 day (post-9AM) | Weekday time limit | ✅ Yes |
| Holland Travel Ticket (Any Time) | €70 | 1 day | None | ✅ Yes |
| NS Group Ticket | Varies | 1 day (off-peak) | Min 2–7 people | ✅ Yes |
| Amsterdam Region Travel Ticket | €21–40.50 | 1–3 days | Limited to region | ❌ No |
| GVB Day Ticket (Amsterdam only) | €9.50–€41 | 1–7 days | Amsterdam city only | ❌ No |
✅ Pros of the Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak
- Affordable all-in-one option for traveling the entire country
- Unlimited transfers – no need to calculate fares or distances
- Valid on all modes of public transport in one day
- Ideal for tourists planning a full-day exploration without early departures
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- Not valid before 9:00 AM on weekdays – don’t forget!
- Only valid on the day selected – can’t be transferred or rescheduled
- 2nd class only – if you want 1st class, you’ll need a supplement
- No refund if partially used – plan your travel carefully
💡 Travel Tips
- Plan your departure after 9 AM to avoid fines or invalid scans.
- Use rail planner apps to optimize your itinerary and connections.
- Start your trip with a long-distance journey to maximize value.
- Keep your ticket accessible – you’ll need to scan in/out at gates.
🔚 Conclusion
The Holland Travel Ticket Off-Peak is one of the best deals for tourists looking to explore the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam — as long as you don’t need to leave before 9 AM. It offers full flexibility across all public transport systems in the country and is ideal for a packed day of sightseeing, cultural visits, and even spontaneous adventures.
For just €48, you gain the freedom to move between cities and regions at your own pace — no separate tickets, no hassle, and no stress. It’s a smart, simple way to make the most of your time in the Netherlands.
Let the Dutch journey begin — one tap, one train, one tram at a time!