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3 ways to save money traveling in the Netherlands

18-11-2024
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3 ways to save money traveling in the Netherlands

Are you traveling to university by public transport daily or do you regularly visit cities throughout the Netherlands? Then, we have great ways to save money for you!

 

Group ticket

You should definitely consider buying a group ticket if you are doing a trip with your friends. Up to seven people can be in one group – the more, the cheaper!

A small overview:

  • 2 people: €17,00 per person
  • 3 people: €11,33 per person
  • 4 people: €9,50 per person
  • 5 people: €8,40 per person
  • 6 people: €7,67 per person
  • 7 people: €7,15 per person
 
The ticket is valid for one way to a destination of your choice. During the week you have to travel during off-peak hours, which means before 6:30 am, between 9 am and 4 pm, and after 6:30 pm. On weekends and public holidays the ticket can be used all day long. The only exception is King’s Day (27th of April). You can buy them here.
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Travel products

The first step for travel discounts is applying for a personal OV-chipkaart via their website. It usually requires to have a Dutch bank account, but you can fill out a form if you want to pay with a card from another country. After receiving your card you can purchase travel products. Take a look which one is most suitable for you to save money.

Travel with discount: 

  • Dal Voordeel (€2.50/month for the first three months, afterwards €5.60/month): 40% discount during off-peak hours, at weekends and public holidays
  • Altijd Voordeel (€26.70/month): 20% discount during peak hours, 40% discount during off-peak hours, at weekends and public holidays
  • Weekend Voordeel (€2.20/month): 40% discount at weekends and public holidays

Unlimited travel: 

  • Weekend Vrij (€34.95/month): unlimited travels during the weekend 
  • Dal Vrij (€119.95/month): unlimited travel during the week at off-peak hours and unlimited travel at weekends and on public holidays
  • Altijd Vrij (€353.80/month): unlimited travel during peak hours, during off-peak hours, at weekends and on public holidays
  • Traject Vrij (price depending on your fixed route): unlimited travel on a fixed route, 40% discount on other routes during off-peak hours, at weekends and public holidays
Good to know is that up to 3 passengers can travel with a 40% discount when traveling with a season ticket owner. Check out the NS website for  details. 

€15 yearly bus ticket Nijmegen

For those who travel by bus regularly in Nijmegen, the 15 euro yearly bus ticket is a must. Check the following points to see whether you are eligible for it. 

Requirements:

  • You’re living in Nijmegen
  • You’re 18 or older 
  • You have a personal OV-chipkaart
  • You cannot make use of the DUO student travel product 
  • You don’t earn more than €1.560/month
If you fulfil the requirements go to the this website and click on ”Aanvragen” to apply. You will receive a QR-code, which you then bring together with your OV-chipcard, your ID and 15 euros (card or cash) to the Breng location at the Nijmegen central station. Once that’s done you can travel by bus after 9 am on weekdays and the whole day on weekends in Nijmegen and villages close by.

How to apply for student travel product

If you are working in the Netherlands as an international student for at least 56 hours you might be eligible for the travel product of DUO student finance. Find out how to register for DUO on this blog post. 

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