How to use trains in Amsterdam and the Netherlands? Where to buy tickets for the Dutch trains, check departures and how to travel by train with children in 2026? We have all answers!
Last updated: 26 August 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
You will probably start your visit to Amsterdam with a train ride to Amsterdam from Schiphol airport. Inside the city you can use both trains (Sprinter and Intercity services) and other means of public transport – tram, metro, bus.
If you decide to explore other cities in the Netherlands, or visit Belgium, Germany and France, just hop on the train in Amsterdam – and travel with comfort to your destination. And here we explain all the details how you can use trains in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
In this guide
Always book train tickets from Amsterdam to Paris at the official websites. Eurostar tickets are now available for travel up to December 12, 2026 – book early and travel at the best rates.
Train stations in Amsterdam
There are 10 train stations in Amsterdam:
- Amsterdam Centraal
- Amsterdam Sloterdijk
- Amsterdam Lelylaan
- Amsterdam Zuid
- Amsterdam RAI
- Amsterdam Muiderpoort
- Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA
- Amsterdam Science Park
- Amsterdam Holendrecht
- Duivendrecht
The Sprinter Amsterdam network calls at all 10 stations listed above, so getting from one side of the city to the other by train is usually simple and cheap – even if you’re not going anywhere near Centraal.
Buying train tickets in the Netherlands (2026)
How to buy a train ticket in Amsterdam in 2026?
The easiest way to pay for the trains in the Netherlands is OV pay – you just check-in and out at the station with your contactless debit card, credit card or mobile. Please remember: checking in with OV-pay automatically entitles you to 2nd class travel on trains. You cannot travel 1st class with OV-pay.
You can also buy a train ticket is via the train company official website NS.nl. Here you can also calculate the travel price and check possible routes.
It is possible to buy a train ticket from the yellow vending machines at the station. In this case you’ll pay € 1 surcharge for every ticket. Please note: most machines don’t accept cash.
On some routes around Amsterdam you can also use Amsterdam Travel Ticket (train or bus from the airport + public transport in Amsterdam) or Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (public transport in Amsterdam + train and bus in the area, check the ARTT map here).
Sprinter and Intercity ticket prices: examples for 2026
Train ticket prices in the Netherlands depend on distance, not on whether you travel by Sprinter or Intercity. Here are a few sample full-price, 2nd class single fares to give you an idea of what to expect (always confirm the exact fare on NS.nl, as prices can change):
| Route | 2nd class | 1st class |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Centraal → Amsterdam Sloterdijk (short, in-city hop) | € 3,00 | € 5,40 |
| Amsterdam Centraal → Schiphol Airport | € 5,50 | € 9,90 |
| Amsterdam Centraal → Utrecht Centraal | € 10,00 | € 18,00 |
Remember: buying at a yellow vending machine adds a € 1 surcharge per ticket, and OV-pay or an OV-chipkaart automatically checks you in at 2nd class.
Where to check the train schedule?
These are two official websites of the Dutch train company Nederlandse Spoorwegen. You can always find the latest travel information here:
- NS.nl – domestic trains in the Netherlands.
- NSInternational.com – international trains.
Group discounted tickets in the Dutch trains
If you are travelling with a group of 2 to 7 people during off-peak hours (weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30. All day in the weekends and on public holidays), you can buy group train tickets. Check the details at NS.nl >>
Discounted Dutch train tickets for children in 2026
Children up to the age 3 travel in the trains for free if not occupying a seat. For children age 4 – 11 you can buy a special kids train ticket – Railrunner. It costs € 2,50 and is valid all day in all trains in Amsterdam, as well as domestic trains throughout the Netherlands.
Types of Dutch trains and classes
What is a Sprinter train? Sprinter vs Intercity
There are two major types of trains in Amsterdam and the Netherlands – Intercity and Sprinter. A Sprinter train is a regional train that stops at every station on its route, including the smaller ones. Dutch Intercity trains skip the smaller stations and run directly between the larger cities, so they’re faster over longer distances.
The price for travelling by Intercity and Sprinter is the same – it depends on distance, not on the type of train.
Sprinter Amsterdam trains are a good choice for short hops within the city – for example between Amsterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Zuid or Amsterdam Sloterdijk – since they stop at every station along the route.
| Feature | Sprinter | Intercity |
|---|---|---|
| Stops | Every station on the route | Major stations only |
| Speed | Slower – more stops | Faster over longer distances |
| Ticket price | Same as Intercity for the same distance | Same as Sprinter for the same distance |
| Best for | Getting around Amsterdam and nearby suburbs | Travelling between Dutch cities |
There is also a high-speed Intercity Direct train, operating between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. If you travel by Intercity Direct, you need to purchase an Intercity direct supplement (€ 3,20 one-way in 2026).
First class and second class trains: what is the difference?
In most trains in the Netherlands you can choose between travelling 1st and 2nd class. They differ in price (first class is ~60% more expensive) and comfort of seating. The first class compartments have larger seats (see the photo below) and more space between them, especially in the Intercity trains. It’s usually less crowded in the first class compartments than in the second class.
How can you find the right compartment? The first and second class seating is indicated by the class number on the board of the train. You can also see different types and colours of seat when you enter the train.
Using the train: check-in, luggage & fines
Check-in and check-out
When you use trains in the Netherlands, you have to check-in at the station gates at the beginning of your journey and check-out when you reach your destination point. Simply scan your ticket or OV-card or bank pass at the special card readers. You can find them at station halls (not inside the trains).
Please remember that if you check-in with your bank-pass (OV-pay), you can travel only by 2nd class. It’s not possible to travel 1st class with OV-pay.
Travelling with luggage on Dutch trains
You can take your luggage with you for free on the train. The most important rule is that your suitcases may not exceed (height, width or depth) 85 centimetres.
Most trains don’t have a special spot for luggage. Sometimes you can find suitcases stands near the bike area. But it general you can just put your suitcases near your seat. Make sure that it doesn’t obstruct the aisle.
Important: keep an eye on your luggage. It is your own responsibility.
What is the fine for travelling without a valid train ticket?
As of October 1, 2025, the fine for travelling without a valid ticket on Dutch public transport – including NS trains, trams, metros, and buses – has increased to €70. Always ensure you have a valid ticket before travelling to avoid stress, fines and potential consequences.
Travelling by international trains from Amsterdam in 2026
For information on travelling by train from Amsterdam to international destinations please visit NSInternational.com. You can also check our guides:
Best-selling tours and tickets in Amsterdam
> I amsterdam City Card: 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120-hour pass from € 67
> Van Gogh museum tickets from € 26
> Lovers canal cruise from Central station tickets from € 15,50
> Zaanse Schans, Marken, Edam and Volendam day trip from € 45
> Amsterdam: Moco museum entrance tickets with Banksy & more from € 17
FAQ about trains in Amsterdam in 2026
What is the difference between Intercity and Sprinter trains in the Netherlands?
Intercity trains run between the larger cities, and Sprinters connect smaller stations. Sprinter Amsterdam trains stop at every station on the route, thus travel time by Sprinter is usually longer than by Intercity. The price for travelling by Intercity and Sprinter trains in the Netherlands is the same.
What is the difference between first class and second class on Dutch trains?
First class costs about 60% more than second class and offers larger seats with more legroom. It’s usually less crowded, especially on Intercity trains.
Can I pay for trains in the Netherlands with cash?
Most ticket machines don’t accept cash. The easiest way to pay is with a contactless debit or credit card (OV-pay) at the gate, or buy online.
How much is the fine for travelling without a valid train ticket in the Netherlands?
As of October 2025, the fine is €70.
Can I bring luggage on Dutch trains?
Yes, luggage is free to bring on board. The maximum size per item is 85cm in any single dimension. There are no dedicated luggage areas on most trains – put bags near your seat without blocking the aisle.
Can children travel for free on Dutch trains?
Children under 3 travel free if not occupying a seat. Children aged 4–11 can use the Railrunner ticket, which costs €2.50 and is valid all day on all domestic trains.
What is the Railrunner ticket?
The Railrunner is a discounted train ticket for children aged 4–11. It costs €2.50 and is valid all day on all trains in the Netherlands, regardless of distance.
How much does a Sprinter or Intercity ticket cost from Amsterdam?
It depends on the distance, not the train type – Sprinter and Intercity cost the same for the same route. As a guide: Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Sloterdijk costs €3.00, Amsterdam Centraal to Schiphol Airport costs €5.50 (2nd class) or €9.90 (1st class), and Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal costs €10.00 (2nd class) or €18.00 (1st class). Always check NS.nl for the current fare before you travel.
Have a nice time in Amsterdam!
Plan your visit to Amsterdam in minutes:
- Arriving to the Netherlands by plane? This is how you can easily get from the airport to the city center.
- Travelling from another European city (Paris, Brussels, Berlin) by an international train? It will take you to Amsterdam Central station in the city center.
- There are hundreds of nice hotels in Amsterdam for every taste and bugdet. We recommend Ambassade hotel, Andaz Prinsengracht and other hotels in the Nine Streets area on the canal belt of Amsterdam.
- Travel by public transport in Amsterdam with an unlimited pass for 1-7 days.
- To save on transport and entrance tickets buy the I amsterdam city card, which includes public transport, museums entrance, canal cruise and 24 hours bike rental.
- Check out the best things to do in Amsterdam, day itineraries and book entrance tickets to popular attractions in advance.
- Make your trip to the Netherlands complete by visiting Giethoorn (the Dutch Venice), Volendam and Zaanse Schans.
Related articles:
- How to get from Amsterdam airport Schiphol to the city center?
- Amsterdam public transport tickets
- How to use public transport in Amsterdam?
- Amsterdam metro: map, tickets, times
- What is included in the I amsterdam city card?
- Things to do in Amsterdam: the ultimate local guide
- Is Amsterdam expensive? Calculate your travel budget
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