🇳🇱 Travel Ticket Netherlands
Complete Guide for Tourists
Traveling around the Netherlands is efficient, safe, and incredibly scenic. Whether you’re exploring Amsterdam’s canals, heading to the windmills of Zaanse Schans, or visiting the tulip fields of Lisse, a solid understanding of Dutch travel ticket options will make your journey smoother and more affordable.
This guide covers the different types of travel tickets available in the Netherlands, how and where to buy them, and which one is best depending on your travel style, destination, and budget.
🚄 Public Transport in the Netherlands: Overview
The Dutch public transport system is a well-integrated network of:
- Trains – operated mainly by NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
- Trams – found in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague
- Metro/Subway – in Amsterdam and Rotterdam
- Buses – regional and city lines, by companies like GVB, Connexxion, Arriva, and Qbuzz
- Ferries – in Amsterdam and a few regional areas
The country uses a nationwide system based on the OV-chipkaart, a smart card that allows access to almost all modes of public transport. However, for tourists, disposable travel tickets and tourist passes are often easier and more practical.
🎟️ Main Travel Ticket Types for Tourists
1. OV-chipkaart
The OV-chipkaart is the Dutch public transport smart card. There are three types:
- Anonymous OV-chipkaart (€7.50)
Reusable and rechargeable; suitable for most tourists staying more than a few days. - Personal OV-chipkaart
Tied to a specific person, includes subscriptions and age discounts (only for Dutch residents). - Disposable OV-chipkaart
Preloaded with a fixed trip or pass, such as a 1-day GVB ticket or a one-way train journey.
How it works:
- Check in and out by tapping the card at gates or on scanners.
- Fares are calculated by distance traveled (except for fixed-price day tickets).
✅ Best for: Repeat visitors, frequent travelers, or those staying a week or longer.
2. Netherlands Travel Ticket
This ticket is specifically designed for tourists who want to explore the entire country by public transport.
- Valid on: Trains (NS + regional), buses, trams, and metro services nationwide.
- Unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days.
- Includes travel to/from Schiphol Airport.
Prices:
- 1 day: approx. €70
- 2 days: approx. €90
- 3 days: approx. €110
✅ Best for: Tourists who want to visit multiple cities in a short time, like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague.
⚠️ Not valid on high-speed Thalys or Eurostar trains.
3. Holland Travel Ticket
Similar to the Netherlands Travel Ticket, but with more flexibility. Two versions:
- Off-Peak Version – Cheaper, valid after 9 AM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Any Time Version – Valid the entire day without time restrictions.
Valid on: All public transport (train, bus, tram, metro) across the Netherlands.
Prices:
- Off-Peak: approx. €48
- Any Time: approx. €70
✅ Best for: Day trips across the Netherlands.
⚠️ Excludes high-speed supplements.
4. Amsterdam Travel Ticket
A convenient option for those based in Amsterdam but also traveling to and from Schiphol.
- Includes unlimited GVB travel (trams, metro, bus) + return train between Amsterdam Central and Schiphol.
- Valid for 1, 2, or 3 consecutive days.
Prices:
- 1 day: approx. €18
- 2 days: approx. €24
- 3 days: approx. €30
✅ Best for: Tourists staying in Amsterdam with flights via Schiphol.
5. Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
Perfect for exploring beyond Amsterdam — think Volendam, Zaanse Schans, Haarlem, and more.
- Includes unlimited travel on buses, trams, trains, metro in Amsterdam and surrounding areas.
- Valid on Connexxion, GVB, EBS, and NS lines.
Prices:
- 1 day: €21
- 2 days: €31.50
- 3 days: €40.50
✅ Best for: Day trips near Amsterdam.
6. GVB Day Tickets (Amsterdam Only)
- Unlimited travel on GVB transport (trams, buses, metro) within Amsterdam only.
- 1 to 7-day options available.
Prices:
- 1 day: €9.50
- 2 days: €15.50
- Up to 7 days: €41
✅ Best for: City-only tourists not traveling to/from Schiphol or other towns.
7. E-Tickets and Contactless Payments
As of 2023, OVpay allows travelers to tap in and out with their debit or credit card on most public transport systems in the Netherlands.
- No need to purchase a separate ticket or card.
- Fare deducted from your bank account daily.
- Same price as using an OV-chipkaart.
✅ Best for: Spontaneous or tech-savvy tourists, short stays.
🧭 Where to Buy Travel Tickets?
- At ticket machines in stations and metro stops
- At airports (Schiphol Plaza)
- At tourist information centers
- On buses and trams (disposable tickets)
- Online (NS, GVB, regional providers)
Some travel tickets (like the Amsterdam Travel Ticket) come as a paper card with a chip, while others are digital or printed e-tickets.
🗺️ Example Itineraries & Ticket Advice
🏙️ Staying in Amsterdam 3 Days Only
- Recommended Ticket: GVB 3-Day Ticket
- Cost: €22.50
🛫 Arriving at Schiphol, Staying in Amsterdam
- Recommended Ticket: Amsterdam Travel Ticket
- Includes: Airport transfer + city transport
🚆 Visiting Multiple Cities in 2 Days
- Recommended Ticket: Netherlands Travel Ticket (2 days)
- Cities to cover: Amsterdam → Utrecht → Rotterdam → The Hague
🌷 Exploring Windmills, Tulips, and Seaside Towns
- Recommended Ticket: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket
💳 Quick Visit, No Ticket Planning
- Recommended Option: Tap-in/out with debit or credit card (OVpay)
✅ Final Tips for Travelers
- Always check in and check out with your card or ticket to avoid extra charges.
- Off-peak hours (after 9 AM on weekdays) often have cheaper rates.
- Travel apps like NS, 9292, and GVB are helpful for planning routes.
- Train supplements apply for high-speed trains like Intercity Direct — even with day passes.
- Children under 4 ride free; discounted kids’ tickets are available.
🔚 Conclusion
The Netherlands offers a flexible and well-integrated public transport system that caters perfectly to tourists. Whether you want to explore every corner of the country or just cruise the canals of Amsterdam, there’s a travel ticket suited to your plans.
From day trips to full travel freedom, the right travel ticket makes your Dutch journey smoother, cheaper, and more fun. Before boarding your next tram, train, or bus — choose smart, tap in, and enjoy the ride!