/Media/Q0untygp/Logo Brave Ones
Join our talent pool

Dutch Public Transport: A Guide for International Students

18-11-2024
3 1024X614

Dutch Public Transport: A Guide for International Students

Ah, Welcome to the Netherlands, you’ve finally made it! A country where bicycles reign supreme and canals weave through cities. But as much as you’d love to cycle everywhere with the wind in your hair and tulips in your basket, reality checks in. Sometimes, you just need to hop on a bus, tram, or train. But don’t worry! Navigating Dutch public transport is easier than understanding when not to use the word ‘Lekker’ (don’t worry we’ll cover that later).

 

The OV-chipkaart

Meet Your Best Friend

First things first: if you’re planning to stick around in the Netherlands for more than a weekend, you’ll need an OV-chipkaart. Think of it as your golden ticket to ride—no, not Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but close enough.

Types of OV-chipkaarten:

  • Personal OV-chipkaart: Personalized with your picture, which means the card and the sweet discounts are all yours.
  • Anonymous OV-chipkaart: For those who like to live on the edge (or have commitment issues), this one isn’t tied to your identity.
  • Disposable OV-chipkaart: Perfect for tourists or those who have a severe aversion to long-term planning.

Pro Tip: Check out our blog How do I get an OV Chipkaart in the Netherlands and become a pro

Trains

The Country’s Speedy Spine

The Dutch train system is something to behold. If trains were a competitive sport, the Netherlands would have a cabinet full of trophies. They’re reliable, frequent, and will take you almost anywhere. Whether you’re heading to Amsterdam for a weekend, visiting the tulip fields in Keukenhof, or just commuting to university, trains are your go-to.

Reading the Train Timetables:

Dutch trains run on a time schedule that’s tighter than your budget during exam season. The NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) is the national railway company, and they have an app that will save your life (or at least get you to class on time).

  • Direct trains: Bless your lazy soul—these are non-stop or limited-stop.
  • Sprinters: The local trains that stop everywhere, like that one overly friendly classmate.
  • Intercity: The express service that gets you from A to B faster than you can say stroopwafel (Not really but I was trying to be funny).
1 1024X614

Buses and Trams

The Unsung Heroes

While trains get you from city to city, buses and trams are the unsung heroes that’ll get you from the station to your front door. They’re especially handy in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Using Buses and Trams:

  • Check the route: The 9292 app or website is your new bestie—think of it as Google Maps but with more Dutch charm.
  • Stop buttons: Don’t be shy—smash that button like you’re in a game show when your stop is coming up. The driver won’t know to stop unless you do.

Fun Fact: Dutch bus drivers have been known to wait for running passengers. So yes, you can make that last-minute dash from the other side of the street, but don’t push your luck.

 

Metro

The Underground Wonder

If you’re in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, you might find yourself on the metro. It’s like the bus but faster and underground. You’ll feel like a real city slicker navigating the metro, especially when you get the hang of transferring between lines like a pro.

 

Ferry Tales

The Free Ride You Didn’t Expect

If you’re in Amsterdam, there’s a magical little secret called the ferry. Best of all, it’s FREE! Yes, you heard that right. It’s your reward for surviving Dutch bureaucracy. These ferries take you across the IJ river, connecting the city center to the trendy Noord district. It’s like a mini-cruise, minus the buffet.

4 1024X614

Cycling and Public Transport

 

The Ultimate Combo

This is the Netherlands, after all. Even if you’re using public transport, you might still want to combine it with cycling. Most stations have bike parking (good luck finding a spot in Amsterdam though), and some trains allow bikes onboard during non-peak hours—just check the rules, so you don’t end up with a fine.

 

The Curious Case of the Dutch Language

Don’t worry if your Dutch isn’t up to scratch yet. The public transport system in the Netherlands is foreigner-friendly. Announcements and signs are often in both Dutch and English, especially in larger cities. And if you do get lost, Dutch people are generally friendly and will help out. Plus, most of them speak better English than you do.

 

Final Tips to Keep Your Sanity

  • Always check in and out. Seriously, we can’t stress this enough. You don’t want to be that person who loses €20 because you forgot to check out.
  • Mind the gap! And no, that’s not a cheeky nod to British trains. Some Dutch trains have a significant step between the train and the platform.
  • Be on time. The Dutch are punctual—if your train leaves at 10:03, it leaves at 10:03.
  • The Platform! Pay attention to the platform number you don’t want to miss a train, bus, tram or metro because you have to run from platform 1 to 6 (Speaking from experience). And no platform 9 and 3/4 doesn’t exist in the Netherlands (If you know, you know)

 

So there you have it—a survival guide to Dutch public transport. It might seem daunting at first, but soon you’ll be gliding from city to city like a true Dutchie. Before you know it, you’ll be giving directions to confused tourists and timing your check-ins with the precision of a local. Just remember: if all else fails, there’s always the bike.

3 1024X614

Dutch Public Transport: A Guide for International Students

1 1 1024X576

3 ways to save money traveling in the Netherlands

Marc Kleen Webasn7esoy Unsplash

Cycling in the Netherlands: Do’s and Don’ts for International Students