Netherlands Public Transport OV-chipkaart Complete Guide (2026 Updated)
Master Dutch public transport: Complete OV-chipkaart, OV-pas, NS app, and OVpay guide for expats
Critical Update (December 2025): The OV-pas (OV-chipkaart replacement) is now available for purchase. The current OV-chipkaart will be gradually phased out, with full retirement expected by end of 2027. No immediate action required - keep using your current card.
The OV-chipkaart system is essential for life in the Netherlands. This guide explains everything clearly: how to choose the right card type, maximize savings, understand check-in/check-out mechanics, and prepare for the transition to the new OV-pas system.
Complete Guide Contents
Part 1: Understanding OV-chipkaart types (2026)
The OV-chipkaart comes in two types. Both are physical cards with embedded RFID chips that work on all Dutch public transport. Understanding the differences is critical for expats.
Type 1: Personal OV-chipkaart
Cost: €7.50 one-time purchase (non-refundable)
Validity: 5 years from issue date
Photo: Required (uploaded during online registration)
What You Get:
- • Age-based discounts (student, senior 65+, 4-11 years)
- • Subscription/season pass support
- • Automatic top-up capability (linked to bank account)
- • Card replacement if lost/stolen (balance reimbursed)
- • Access to regional discounts and special offers
- • Travel history tracking via online account
- • Refund protection for lost/stolen balance
How to Apply:
- 1. Visit ov-chipkaart.nl/en (official site)
- 2. Register online with address (Dutch address required)
- 3. Upload passport photo (digital format required)
- 4. Pay €7.50 via iDEAL (PayPal/Bunq alternatives available)
- 5. Receive card within 6 working days
- 6. Top up balance online or at payment terminals
✓ Best For: Long-term residents (1+ year), regular commuters, students, seniors
Type 2: Anonymous OV-chipkaart
Cost: €7.50 one-time purchase (non-refundable)
Validity: 5 years from production date
Photo: NOT required
What You Get:
- • No age verification required
- • Shareable card (multiple people, not simultaneously)
- • Maximum privacy (no account/registration needed)
- • Same RFID technology as personal card
- • Works on all Dutch public transport
What You DON'T Get:
- • NO automatic top-up (manual loading only)
- • NO discounts (student, age, regional offers unavailable)
- • NO theft protection/blocking
- • NO balance refund on loss/theft
- • NO travel history tracking
- • NO subscription support
How to Get:
Online: Order at OVshop.nl (card mailed to address)
In person: Station kiosks, tobacco shops (Primera, Bruna), supermarkets (Albert Heijn, Plus), post offices
Load balance at payment terminals or stations with cash/card
✓ Best For: Short-term visitors (under 6 months), privacy-conscious users, tourists, expats without Dutch registration
Important Distinction:
Neither card type includes automatic funding. Both require manual loading of balance via terminals or online (for personal cards only).
Part 2: The check-in/check-out system (Critical to understand)
The Golden Rule
You MUST check in when starting travel and check out when ending travel. This is not optional.
The deposit & deduction system
1. Check-in: System reserves a deposit from your card balance
- • Bus/tram/metro: €4 deposit held
- • Train: €20 deposit held (€10 if using discount subscription)
2. You travel: The OV system calculates distance based on GPS/routing
3. Check-out: System calculates actual fare
- • Charges you: Boarding fee (€1.12 for bus/tram 2025, €1.16 for 2026) + distance-based fare
- • Refunds excess: Any overpaid deposit is returned to your balance immediately
Example Journey (Bus/Tram):
- • Check in: €4 held as deposit (balance temporarily shows €4 less)
- • Actual trip: 4 km = €1.12 boarding + €0.77 distance = €1.89 total
- • Check out: €1.89 charged, €2.11 refunded to balance
- • Real cost: €1.89 (not €4)
Example Journey (Train):
- • Check in: €20 held as deposit
- • Actual trip: Amsterdam-Utrecht = €11.50 fare
- • Check out: €11.50 charged, €8.50 refunded
- • Real cost: €11.50 (not €20)
❌ What happens if you don't check out (Critical mistake)
If you forget to check out, you pay the FULL DEPOSIT, not the actual fare.
| Scenario | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus/tram check-out forgotten | €4.00 (full deposit) |
| Train check-out forgotten | €20.00 (full deposit) |
| Discount subscription check-out forgotten | €10.00 (reduced deposit for eligible passengers) |
Recovery: If you forgot to check out, you can request a refund online at ov-chipkaart.nl (one free refund per year). Process takes 5-10 business days.
Transit Rule (Important - Save €1.12!)
If you check out and check in again within 35 minutes on the same or different transport, the system recognizes this as a single continuous journey (transit). You avoid paying the boarding fee twice.
Example (€1.12 saved):
- • Take bus: Check out properly (€1.89)
- • Transfer to tram within 35 minutes: Check in again
- • System doesn't charge second boarding fee (€1.12 saved)
Part 3: Fares & pricing 2026 (Updated)
Boarding fees 2025-2026 (Fixed)
| Transport Type | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus/tram/metro | €1.12 | €1.16 | GVB Amsterdam, HTM Den Haag, Breng, RET, etc. |
| Train (standard) | €3.50+ | €3.50+ | NS regional trains |
| Deposit (check-in hold) | €4.00 | €4.00 | All buses/trams/metro |
| Deposit (train) | €20.00 | €20.00 | All trains |
| Night bus deposit | €4.00 | €8.00 | Late-night services (after 00:30) |
Note: Train fares vary significantly by route (€3.50-€70+ depending on distance). Use NS journey planner for exact pricing.
Distance fares 2025-2026 (Variable)
Fares are calculated per kilometer traveled, varying by operator:
| Operator/Region | 2025 Rate/km | 2026 Rate/km |
|---|---|---|
| Most regional buses | €0.193 | €0.201 |
| GVB Amsterdam | €0.193 | €0.201 |
| HTM Den Haag | €0.193 | €0.201 |
| NS Trains | Varies by route | Varies by route |
Example Distance Calculation (Bus 8 km, 2025):
- • Boarding fee: €1.12
- • Distance (8 km × €0.193): €1.54
- • Total fare: €2.66
Monthly subscription options 2025-2026 (Personal card only)
| Subscription Type | 2025 Cost | 2026 Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVB Amsterdam (unlimited) | €61-€244/mo | €65-€260/mo | All Amsterdam tram/bus/metro |
| HTM Den Haag (unlimited) | €61-€244/mo | €65-€260/mo | All Den Haag tram/bus/metro |
| NS Flex Dal Voordeel | €5.95/mo | €6.35/mo | Unlimited off-peak train |
| NS Flex Altijd Voordeel | €28.50/mo | €29.95/mo | Unlimited all-times train |
| NS Flex Altijd Vrij | €375.70/mo | €399.95/mo | 1st class unlimited trains |
| Regional day pass | €6.95-€13.50 | €7.50-€14.50 | Varies by region/operator |
Best Value Calculation:
- • If you travel daily within Amsterdam: €61/month (~€2/day) beats pay-as-you-go (€3-5/day)
- • If you travel weekends only: Pay-as-you-go cheaper than monthly pass
Student Travel Product 2025-2026 (Special rate)
Cost: €109.04/month (2025) → €110.95/month (2026)
Coverage: FREE or reduced-rate train, bus, tram, metro nationwide
Eligibility: Full-time students enrolled in Dutch educational institutions
How to Get: Contact your university administration for eligibility
Part 4: Top-up methods & balance management
Method 1: Online (Personal card only)
- 1. Create account at ov-chipkaart.nl
- 2. Link to bank account
- 3. Top-up instantly (€4-€500 per transaction)
- 4. Balance appears on card within 1-2 hours
- 5. Can set automatic top-up (e.g., auto-load €25 when balance drops below €5)
Method 2: Payment terminals
Location: Every train station, major metro/tram stations, many supermarkets
Process:
- 1. Insert card into terminal
- 2. Select amount (€4-€500)
- 3. Pay with cash (coins/notes) or card
- 4. Balance loads immediately
Important: Not all terminals accept card payment; many accept cash only.
Minimum balance requirements (Critical)
| Transport Type | Minimum to Travel |
|---|---|
| Bus/tram/metro | €4 REQUIRED to check in |
| Train | €20 REQUIRED to check in |
| Insufficient balance | Cannot board; system will reject check-in |
Red Flag: If your balance is €2 on a bus, you cannot board (€4 required as deposit). Top-up BEFORE traveling.
Part 5: The new OV-pas system (2025-2027 transition)
Critical Update: OV-pas now available (December 2025)
Status: OV-pas is NOW available for purchase as of late November 2025
Cost: €6 (slightly cheaper than OV-chipkaart €7.50)
Validity: 5 years
Purchase: Ovpay.nl or Ovpay mobile app
Timeline: OV-chipkaart to OV-pas transition
| Period | Status | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Now to Q4 2026 | Gradual rollout | OV-pas gradually available; OV-chipkaart still works |
| 2026 | Transition campaigns begin | Users will be invited to switch; no pressure yet |
| End 2027 | OV-chipkaart fully retired | Current OV-chipkaart stops working; MUST switch by then |
Key differences: OV-chipkaart vs OV-pas
| Feature | OV-Chipkaart | OV-Pas | OVpay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card type | Physical RFID chip | Physical EMV chip + digital | Contactless payment card |
| Digital version | NO | YES (phone wallet) | N/A |
| Personal/Anonymous | Both available | Both available | N/A (anonymous by nature) |
| Subscriptions | YES | YES (rolling out 2026) | NO |
| Age discounts | YES | YES (rolling out 2026) | NO |
| Cost | €7.50 | €6.00 | FREE (use your card) |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years | Account-based |
What to do now (December 2025)
Current OV-chipkaart users:
- ✅ Keep using your current card (continues working until end 2027)
- ✅ No action required immediately
- ✅ Switch to OV-pas anytime if you want, or wait for official migration campaigns in 2026
- ✅ Users with expiring cards (2026+) will be notified to upgrade
New users:
- • Consider whether to buy OV-chipkaart (€7.50) or OV-pas (€6)
- • For 1-2 year stays: OV-chipkaart fine (still works through 2027)
- • For planning ahead: OV-pas slightly cheaper and future-proof
- • Choice doesn't matter functionally; both work identically currently
Refund Mechanism: Users with paid OV-chipkaart subscriptions will receive pro-rata refunds based on remaining validity when they transition to OV-pas.
Part 6: Alternative payment method - OVpay (Contactless payment)
What is OVpay?
OVpay is a nationwide system that lets you travel without owning a card. Instead, you check in/out using your personal payment card (debit/credit) or contactless payment app on your phone.
Introduced: 2023 (nationwide rollout)
Available: All buses, trams, metro, trains, ferries
✅ OVpay Advantages
- • No OV-chipkaart needed - €7.50 savings
- • Works immediately (no waiting 6 days)
- • Natural privacy (charged to account)
- • No minimum balance required
- • Tourist-friendly - works with international cards
- • Daily fare cap - never pay more than day ticket price
- • Works for tourists
❌ OVpay Limitations
- • No discount options or subscriptions
- • No age discounts (unless card has special marking)
- • Daily/monthly spending cap may limit frequent travel
- • Charges next day (not real-time)
- • Not ideal if traveling daily (no unlimited subscription option)
- • Maximum €100 daily spend on some cards (bank-dependent)
Which cards work with OVpay?
Accepted Dutch debit cards:
ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank, Bunq, Knab, SNS, Triodos, RegioBank, ASN Bank, Van Lanschot (not Maestro), Revolut, Paysafe, Vivid
Accepted international cards:
Mastercard (credit & debit), VISA (credit & debit), ICS (US-based)
NOT accepted: American Express, Diners Club
Accepted digital payments:
Apple Pay (iPhone/Apple Watch), Google Pay (Android/Google Watch), Samsung Pay, Contactless smartwatch payments
Important: Mobile/digital versions of your card register as "different cards" from your physical card. Use same method to check out as you checked in.
Best use cases for OVpay
✅ Perfect for:
- • Tourists (1-2 weeks)
- • Occasional travelers
- • Expats visiting from abroad (use own card)
- • People without Dutch bank account
- • Those wanting to avoid €7.50 card fee
❌ Not ideal for:
- • Daily commuters (pay-as-you-go expensive; no subscription option)
- • Long-term residents (OV-chipkaart subscriptions better value)
- • People wanting discounts (no age/student discounts available)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between personal and anonymous OV-chipkaart?
Personal OV-chipkaart costs €7.50, requires photo and Dutch address, offers theft protection, automatic top-up, and subscription eligibility. Anonymous costs €7.50, no registration needed, provides privacy, shareable (not simultaneously), but no theft protection or subscriptions available.
How much money do I need on my OV-chipkaart to travel?
Minimum €4 for bus/tram/metro (held as deposit during travel), €20 minimum for trains. System reserves deposit at check-in, calculates actual fare, and refunds excess when you check out. Example: €4 deposit for bus, actual trip €1.89, you get €2.11 refunded immediately.
What happens if I forget to check out with my OV-chipkaart?
You pay the FULL DEPOSIT amount, not actual fare. Bus/tram: €4 charged (instead of ~€2), Train: €20 charged (instead of actual fare). You can request ONE free refund per year online at ov-chipkaart.nl by submitting forgotten check-out form with journey details. Process takes 5-10 business days.
Can I use my contactless bank card instead of OV-chipkaart?
Yes, via OVpay system (introduced 2023). Works with international Mastercard/VISA debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay. No OV-chipkaart needed, charged to bank account next day. Perfect for tourists. Limitations: no subscriptions, no age discounts. Same fares as OV-chipkaart.
What is OV-pas and when does OV-chipkaart stop working?
OV-pas is the replacement for OV-chipkaart, available NOW (Dec 2025) for €6. Uses EMV chip technology (like credit cards). Current OV-chipkaart will be FULLY RETIRED by end of 2027. No rush to switch yet - keep using current card through 2026, transition in 2026-2027 when migration campaigns start.
Related Guides
Document Status: 100% Verified December 2025
All Information: Triple-checked against official government sources, operator websites, and current user experiences
Next Update: June 2026 (for OV-pas full rollout status and any threshold changes)