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Getting Around in the Netherlands: A Guide for International Students
Welcome to the Netherlands! One of the first things you’ll notice is how easy and enjoyable it is to travel here. Whether you’re heading to class, exploring a new city, or planning a weekend trip, the Dutch transportation system has you covered.
Bikes: The Dutch Way of Life
Cycling isn’t just a mode of transport, it’s part of the culture. With dedicated bike lanes and flat landscapes, biking is often the fastest and cheapest way to get around. The cost of a second-hand bike usually ranges from €50 to €150.
Tip: Always buy a sturdy lock - it helps keep your bike secure!
Public Transport: Reliable and Connected
The Netherlands boasts an excellent public transport network. Trains, buses, trams, and metros connect cities and regions seamlessly. To use it, you’ll need an OV-chipkaart, a rechargeable smart card that works on all public transport.
Good to know:
- The card costs €7.50 (one-time purchase)
- You pay separately for trips or subscriptions
- The card does not give discounts by default; you need a subscription for that
- You can choose between a personal OV-card and an anonymous one
Personal vs Anonymous OV-card
| Personal Card | Anonymous Card |
| Automatic top-ups | Manual top-ups |
| Discount options | No subscriptions possible |
| Block and replace if lost | Cannot be replaced |
How to Apply for a Personal OV-chipkaart
A personal OV-chipkaart is ideal if you plan to travel frequently and want access to subscriptions or automatic top-ups. Here’s how to get one:
- Go to the official website: OV-chipkaart.nl
- Choose “Apply for a personal card.”
- Provide your personal details and upload a passport-style photo.
- Payment: The card costs €7.50 and is delivered by post within about 5 working days.
- Activate your card: Once received, you can link subscriptions (e.g., NS Flex) or set up automatic top-ups via your account.
Tip: Make sure you have a Dutch bank account for easy payment and top-up options.
Train Providers You'll Use
- NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) – Main national operator for intercity routes
- Arriva – Regional trains and buses in north, east, and south
- Qbuzz & Connexxion – Regional transport in specific areas
- NS International – High-speed trains to Belgium, France, Germany
Tip: NS covers most routes, but smaller towns often use Arriva or Qbuzz.
Recommended Travel Apps
- NS App – Train schedules, tickets, real-time updates
- 9292 – Route planner for all public transport
- Arriva App – Regional train and bus routes
All apps are available in English and make navigating stress-free.
Typical Costs for Students
Prices are approximate and may vary by distance, time, and ticket type. No rights can be derived from these figures.
| Item | Average Price |
| Second-hand bike | €50 - €150 |
| OV-chipkaart | €7.50 (one-time) |
| Train (short trip) | €4 - €8 |
| Train (city-to-city single trip) | €15 - €25 |
| Bus/tram ticket | €2.50 - €4 |
Tips for Smooth Travel
- Always check in and out with your OV-chipkaart
- If you switch to a different operator, simply check out and check in again. Forgetting to do this can result in a fine.
- Use apps for real-time updates - delays happen
Exploring Beyond Your City
Want to see more of Europe? Dutch trains connect to Brussels, Paris, and beyond. For budget travel, check out FlixBus or low-cost airlines from Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport.
Ready to start your adventure? Whether you’re pedaling through picturesque streets or hopping on a train to explore, transportation in the Netherlands is designed to make your student life easy and exciting.
Watch this short video for an easy visual guide to transportation in the Netherlands: Public transport | Study in NL.