How to purchase bus tickets in Netherlands?

To travel by bus you can use an OV-chipcard. You can put a balance on the ov-chipkaart at a station, online or order a card with balance. Another option is to order a day pass. You can also pay for a one-way journey by debit card on the bus.



In 2026, the most convenient way to pay for bus travel throughout the Netherlands is via OVpay, which allows you to "check in and check out" using your contactless debit card, credit card, or mobile wallet (Apple/Google Pay). You simply tap your card against the reader when you board the bus and tap again when you exit; the system automatically calculates the correct fare based on the distance traveled and charges your bank account directly. For those who prefer a dedicated transit card, the anonymous OV-chipkaart is still widely available at train stations and newsagents for a fee (approx. €7.50), which you can then "top up" with credit at automated kiosks. While some regional buses still allow you to buy a "single-trip" paper ticket from the driver using a card, cash is no longer accepted on Dutch buses for safety and efficiency. If you are staying in a major city like Amsterdam for several days, you might also consider a GVB "Day Pass" or an "Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket," which can be purchased as a digital barcode on your smartphone via the GVB app, offering unlimited travel for a fixed 24-to-96-hour window.

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You can buy e-tickets straight from the travel advice in the 9292 app. The affiliated public transport services for bus, tram, metro and ferry are Arriva, Breng, Connexxion, EBS, Hermes, HTM, Keolis, RET, U-OV and Waterbus.

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The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable. The rail network in the Netherlands is quite extensive and the trains are modern and comfortable.

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Buses and trams don't accept cash, so it'll be very useful to get a ticket you can use across each form of public transport. You'll find more information about ticket prices and how to get them in our section about how to buy tickets.

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The receipt is your ticket. With this receipt, you can check out when you leave the bus and if you want to change buses you can use it to check in with on the other bus. See which debit and credit cards you can use to pay on the bus. Please note: It is no longer possible to pay with cash on the bus.

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Bus routes and tickets Please note that it is no longer possible to buy tickets on any GVB buses, including night buses. Payment by debit or credit card is possible, as well as your public transport chip card. The Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket is also excellent value if you plan to explore the region.

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As of 2023, all domestic trains, metros, trams, and buses in Amsterdam (and nationwide) accept payment from contactless methods including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. As long as your card has an OV chip in it, you should be able to use it to pay for your fare.

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View and pay traffic fines online You need to log in with DigiD. You can then check your camera photo and pay your fine online. Non-residents can fill in a form to request the camera photo and pay fines through bank transfer.

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Travel using the e-purse on metro/trams/buses is generally cheaper than buying single 1 hour tickets, especially for shorter trips. Travel on trains with the anonymous card saves paying the €1 disposable ticket surcharge.

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The benefits You can now check in and out on the train, bus, tram and metro throughout the Netherlands with your debit card, credit card or mobile phone. Pay for your trip just as easily as your groceries in the store. Handy, because: you no longer need a separate OV-chipkaart.

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You can pay by cash (coins and banknotes), Maestro, and usually also by credit card. You'll get a disposable chipcard ticket, the same as you would get from the ticket machine. When you buy a ticket at a ticket machine or at the ticket office, you'll get a disposable chipcard ticket.

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You can choose between a personal or anonymous OV-chipkaart, both of which cost € 7.50. If you sign up for a 1-year NS season ticket, you'll receive a free personal OV-chipkaart (except for Flex Basis and Flex Weekend Voordeel). You can also opt for a single-use chipkaart, which is a paper ticket with a chip.

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The Netherlands boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system. It is easy to travel throughout the Netherlands by train, bus, metro or ferry. What's more, it is incredibly sustainable.

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