There are two main ways to pay while travelling by train in the Netherlands. You can either buy tickets online or from a ticket machine, or you can use your OV-chipkaart, or smartphone using OVPay. You can look up the NS Journey Planner to check timetables and plan your route.

In 2026, the easiest and most common way to pay for public transport in the Netherlands is through OVpay. You no longer need a specialized card or a paper ticket; you simply "tap in and tap out" using your contactless debit card, credit card, or your smartphone (via Apple Pay or Google Pay). This works seamlessly across all Dutch trains, buses, trams, and metros. The system automatically calculates the correct fare based on the distance you traveled and charges your bank account the next day. For those who prefer a dedicated card, you can still buy an "Anonymous OV-chipkaart" at yellow machines in train stations or at supermarkets like Albert Heijn for a small fee, which you then "top up" with credit. If you are traveling long distances by train, you can also buy a digital "e-ticket" on the NS (Dutch Railways) app, which provides a QR code to scan at the gates. Just remember: in the Netherlands, you must tap out at the end of every journey, or the system will charge you a maximum penalty fare.