Amsterdam Train Travel Guide: NS Day Trips & Tickets

Amsterdam is compact, but the Netherlands is tiny. You can be in a completely different city, or even on the beach, in less time than it takes to queue for the Van Gogh Museum.

The Dutch railway system (NS) is fast, frequent, and easy—if you know the rules.

1. How to Buy a Ticket (Don't)

Just like the trams and buses, OVpay works on trains.

• The Old Way: Buying a disposable yellow paper ticket at the machine costs a €1 surcharge per ticket.
• The New Way: Tap your contactless debit/credit card at the gate.
• Important: You tap in at the station entrance (or on the platform at smaller stations), not on the train itself.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

2. The €20 Rule (If you have an OV-chipkaart)

If you insist on using a blue OV-chipkaart, be warned: To open the train gate, your card must have a minimum balance of €20. Even if the trip only costs €5. If you have €19.50, the gate will stay closed. This is why using your debit card (OVpay) is superior—it has no minimum balance requirement.

3. Sprinter vs. Intercity

Check the screens:

• Intercity: Fast. Stops only at major stations.
• Sprinter: Stops at every tiny village.
• Tip: If you are going to Utrecht or Rotterdam, always wait for the Intercity. The Sprinter adds 15-20 minutes to the trip.

Photo by Lucía Régules on Unsplash

4. Top 3 Day Trips (Under 30 Minutes)

Haarlem (15 minutes)

Often called "Little Amsterdam." It has the same canal charm but without the crushing crowds.

• Why go: The Corrie ten Boom house, the Grote Markt, and great shopping.

Photo by S van Heusden on Unsplash

Zandvoort aan Zee (30 minutes)

"Amsterdam Beach."

• Why go: On a sunny day, half the city takes this train. It drops you 200 meters from the sand.
• Warning: On hot summer days, these trains are packed like sardines.

Utrecht (25 minutes)

A student city with a unique canal system.

• Why go: The canals here have "wharves" (werf) at water level, meaning you can sit and drink a beer right on the water's edge, far below street level.

Back to Amsterdam?

Once you return to Central Station, you'll need the trams again. Refresh your memory with our Complete Guide to GVB Public Transport.

Back in the city? A day trip is fun, but the real magic is here in Amsterdam. For all your other days, use Mokum Tour to unlock the stories behind the canals. Get the full guide →

5. Silence Please

Look for the "S" symbol or the word Stilte on the windows. In these carriages, you must be silent. Not quiet—silent. The Dutch take this seriously, and fellow passengers will not hesitate to shush you if you're chatting.

Common Amsterdam Train Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Buying a paper ticket You pay €1 extra per ticket. Use your debit card instead.

Mistake #2: Not having €20 on your OV-chipkaart The gate won't open. Use OVpay (debit card) to avoid this minimum balance rule.

Mistake #3: Taking the Sprinter to Utrecht It stops everywhere. The Intercity is 15 minutes faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my GVB day pass on the train? A: No. GVB passes are for trams, metro, and buses in Amsterdam only. NS trains require a separate ticket (or just tap your card).

Q: Do I need to book train tickets in advance? A: No. Prices are fixed for domestic travel, and seats are not assigned. Just turn up and go.

Q: Is there WiFi on the train? A: Yes, most NS trains have free WiFi and charging ports.