The public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used for travel on buses, trams, metros and trains. As a tourist you can purchase an anonymous OV-chipkaart or a disposable OV-chipkaart. You can purchase either card at public transport service desks, from ticket vending machines in stations, at tobacco shops (such as Primera), and in several supermarkets. OV-chipkaart points of sale carry the pink OV-chipkaart logo. Find a salespoint nearby your location in the Netherlands.
Before you can travel you need to load credit onto the card. You can do this at a counter or ticket vending machine. Be aware that not every ticket vending machine accepts credit cards. While using a bus, tram, metro or train you will always need to check in beforehand. You can check in at the entrance of the public transportation of your choice. You always need to check out when you leave the vehicle, even if you want to switch to another type of public transportation. When you leave The Netherlands you can get the leftover credit back at a public transport company counter. Should you wish to terminate the card, please request a form from the counter.
Checklist for using public transportation in the Netherlands:
- Get an OV-chipkaart (anonymous or disposable)
- Load credit onto the card
- Check in at the entrance of the public transport
- Don’t forget to check out when you’re stepping out of the bus, metro or train!
Check out 9292
When planning your journey in advance, check out 9292. It’s very easy to take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to other cities or to the airport. When you travel to the Eye Filmmuseum, keep in mind that you will need to travel by ferry. The ferry is always free of charge.