What is the OV-chipkaart (and What's Changing)
Public transport in the Netherlands (train, bus, tram, metro) is built around tap-in / tap-out travel
OV-chipkaart
The classic reusable public-transport card. You load money ("saldo") or a travel product/subscription, then check in and out on card readers.
OVpay & OV-pas
The Netherlands is transitioning to OVpay and the new OV-pas. The OV-chipkaart is expected to be phased out by the end of 2027 (but it remains widely used today).
OV-chipkaart Types: Which One Should Students Choose
Personal OV-chipkaart
Recommended if you want subscriptions/discounts
- Costs €7.50
- Valid for 5 years
- Linked to your name (non-transferable)
Anonymous OV-chipkaart
Best for simple pay-as-you-go
- Also costs €7.50
- Can be shared (not at the same time)
- No subscriptions can be added
One-time disposable chip ticket
Occasional travellers
- Paper tickets with a chip (single-use)
- Available via NS ticket machines and service points
How to Use It: Check-in, Check-out & Minimum Balance
Always Check Out!
When you check in, a boarding fee (instaptarief) is reserved. When you check out, it's recalculated to your real fare. If you forget to check out, you can be charged the full boarding fee.
Minimum Balance You Need on Your Card
Typical minimums (can vary by operator/route):
There are exceptions where some lines require a higher boarding fee.
OVpay: Do You Even Need an OV-chipkaart Anymore?
Contactless Travel with OVpay
No topping up needed
With OVpay, you can check in/out using a contactless debit card, credit card, mobile phone, or the OV-pas. No topping up is needed.
Good to Know
Many subscriptions and student travel products still depend on having a personal OV-chipkaart, so students often keep one even if they use OVpay sometimes.
Student Discounts and "Free Travel" Options
Student Travel Product (Studentenreisproduct)
If you receive Dutch student finance through DUO, you may also be eligible for the Student Travel Product (free/discounted travel on train, bus, metro, tram).
International Students
Eligibility is specific and often limited. DUO explains separate rules for EU/EEA, Swiss, and UK students (e.g., living in NL for a certain time or being a migrant worker).
Check your eligibilityNS Discounts You Can Buy Yourself
Even without DUO travel product
If you travel by train often, an NS subscription (NS Flex) can save money:
NS Flex Dal Voordeel
40% discount in off-peak hours and weekends
NS Flex Weekend Vrij
Unlimited train travel on weekends
NS has multiple options, so compare based on how often you travel and whether you travel mostly on weekdays or weekends.
Co-travel Discount
Handy for trips with friends
If a friend has an eligible NS subscription or student travel product, they may be able to share a co-travel code so you get a discount for off-peak travel.
Practical Travel Tips for Students
Use the right app
Plan routes with NS (train) and route planners like 9292 (all public transport).
Off-peak is cheaper
Many discounts apply only if you check in during off-peak (your check-in time matters).
Don’t forget transfers
On buses/trams/metros, checking out correctly avoids incorrect charges.
Consider a “landing strategy”
If you just arrived, start with an anonymous OV-chipkaart or OVpay, then switch to a personal card if you want subscriptions/discounts.
Official Resources
Bookmark these — you'll need them
Need Help Navigating Life in the Netherlands?
From transport to housing to visas — StudyPath helps international students handle the practical side of studying in the Netherlands.
- Practical guidance on transport and settling in
- Help understanding your discount and subscription options
- Support navigating DUO eligibility and student travel products