Rail travel in the Netherlands
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Prioritising the traveller, the Dutch railway network is a good way to cross the country. Practically everywhere is reachable by train, having a network consisting of 3434 km of lines. The Dutch network is a well-maintained and well-travelled commuter network with a few excellent international high speed sections. One should be aware that night trains and related services are very limited in terms of time and general availability.
A free travel pass is available to students in the country. Some of the Dutch trains have explicit silent sections which are much appreciated by many. Beyond that, the Dutch have eradicated paper tickets fully, using the OV-chipkaart, often shortened to OV-chip or chipkaart, instead. The card either holds data of the route you're travelling (disposable card) or it holds credit or a travel product (personal and anonymous card). The OV-chipkaart (which also works in buses, trolleybuses, trams and metros) is what sets Dutch public transit apart from that of other countries.
This distinction is a recent development, with network maintainer ProRail improving the network, adding and revamping stations during the first quarter of the 21st century. Historically though, the Dutch were late in starting a rail network, having horse-drawn barges on their extensive inland waterways as a perfectly fine alternative for both cargo and people. After the first line proved successful, the 19th century saw a jump to the 'new' mode of transport, only to be too enthusiastic about railways and see many lines fall into disuse or be completely demolished in the 20th century.
Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS, Dutch Railways) lost its monopoly on rail travel in the 1990s, allowing more domestic and foreign railway operators to join the fun. The network can be crowded, but trains are still a great way to see the country.
StructureThe Dutch rail network connects virtually all notable destinations from Amsterdam to Zoetermeer and Zevenaar to Assen. There are roughly as many stations as there are municipalities in the country (about 400).
Historical backgroundRail transport did not catch on in the Netherlands until 1839. There were many plans to connect the country by rail, but unlike most European countries, the Netherlands didn't need a rail network.
ServicesThe Dutch classes of travel follow the European standard, which is divided into two classes:
Planning your tripThe most reliable way of planning your journey is by using the NS Reisplanner, on the homepage of the NS website, or using the NS app on Android or iOS.
Buying ticketsIn general, railway tickets on NS and regional railway operators are priced on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) distance basis.e. outside 06:30-09:00 and in some cases outside 16:00-18:30 on weekdays).
Using the trainThe Nederlandse Spoorwegen website has information about services at every station on the Dutch network, including departures, accessibility, bike rental, lockers, waiting rooms, service desks, shops and restaurants,…
StationsThe Netherlands has 397 train stations in service, divided over 388 municipalities.
Trains and rolling stockWhile accessibility is a bit of a problem with NS (requiring separate staff at the station to operate mobile ramps to enable step-free access older rolling stock), this issue will be improved with the two Nieuwe…
Heritage and steam railwaysWhen many lines were being closed between 1930 and 1960, some initiatives popped up to save several of these railways, making them heritage railways. All of these run steam trains.
Stay safeThe Dutch railway system is very safe, similar to its European peers. Accidents at grade crossings do happen, but generally they end worse for whatever is on the tracks than the train or the people inside it.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Rail travel in the Netherlands" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons