How do you use the train in Amsterdam?

• You can use a single-use smart card (Single ticket ?) or an OV-chipkaart (smart card) to travel by train in Holland. The single-use chipcard is perfect for incidental travellers. You can buy it at a NS ticketing machine or service desk. Single-use smart cards always cost 1 euro more per trip.



In 2026, using the train in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands is simpler than ever thanks to the OVpay system. You no longer need a specific transport card; you can simply "tap in and tap out" using your contactless credit card, debit card, or a mobile wallet (Apple Pay/Google Wallet) on your phone or smartwatch. This works for the NS (National Railway) trains as well as local GVB trams, buses, and metros. When you enter a station like Amsterdam Centraal, tap your payment method at the yellow card reader or gate. Crucially, you must tap out at your destination station to ensure you are charged the correct fare; failure to do so results in a maximum "default" fee. For travelers staying longer, the GVB offers a daily fare cap of roughly €10.00 for local travel. If you prefer a physical ticket, you can still use the yellow ticket machines at stations, but be aware that a €1.00 surcharge is typically added for disposable paper tickets.

People Also Ask

You can pay using one of the following cards: V-pay, Maestro, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay, and American Express. Which OV-chipkaart fits your way of travelling best?

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The Dutch capital's center is very walkable as it's so compact – perhaps a little too much as it tends to get very crowded.

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The NS app is the official planning application for the Dutch Railways.

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Check in and out with your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile to travel by bus, tram, metro or train. No registration is necessary. You pay the same travel fares you would if you were using an OV-chipkaart.

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Where to buy tickets? The 1-hour ticket and 24-hour ticket are available in the tram and bus, or from Ticket Vending Machines ? at all metro stations. All other travel cards - like multi-day tickets, the child ticket, and OV-chipkaart - can only be purchased at: GVB Service Points ?

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Step 3: Buy Your Ticket Metrolink offers two main ways to purchase your ticket: on the fly and from the comfort of your home and at the station before you board, Metrolink also offers contactless ticketing through the Mobile App available for download here.

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That's because, in the Netherlands, there is no social or written requirement to tip a restaurant worker. However, if you received good service or thoroughly enjoyed the food, it's customary to give a small tip — around 5-10% of the bill. If your service was just average, round up the bill or leave some change.

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The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer.

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The free GVB app (for iOS and Android) is the app for travelling by tram, bus, night bus, metro and ferry in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands. It's your go-to travel app for frequent travellers or for just a visit.

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Access Amsterdam's public transport network with OVpay, the Public transport chip card (OV-Chipkaart) or the I amsterdam City Card, for unlimited use of the GVB public transport system for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours. Please note: GVB's public transport network is cashless.

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