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Travelling by train & bike

Want to take a bike on your outing? Try an OV-fiets, or bring your own bike along. A number of rules apply. Following these will help to ensure a pleasant and responsible journey for everyone.

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Stricter conditions apply from 1 July 2024

Recent years have seen the introduction of more bicycle types. Many bicycles have become larger and therefore take up more space. As a result, stricter conditions will apply starting from 1 July 2024, to ensure that travelling on the train with bicycles proceeds smoothly for everyone.

What's going to change?

Starting from 1 July, tandems and recumbent bicycles will only be allowed for passengers with a disability. Collapsible bicycles will soon be allowed onto the train free of charge during both peak and off-peak hours, as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 45 cm width x 86 cm length x 80 cm height when folded. A collapsible bicycle should be folded up upon boarding and disembarking from the train. Larger bicycles and unfolded collapsible bicycles will only be permitted during off-peak hours with a Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket), if there is sufficient space.

View the Terms and conditions for bicycles on the train (valid from 1 July 2024).

Want to take your own bicycle on the train? These are the rules valid until 1 July 2024.

If you have a normal bicycle, recumbent bicycle, electric bicycle, tandem, racing bicycle, BMX/stunt bicycle or disassembled bicycle, then you can only take it with you on the train during off-peak hours with a Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket), and only if there is sufficient bicycle space available. Please also take the following details into consideration:

  • You may take a maximum of one bicycle per person on the train.
  • You can only take your bicycle on the train during off-peak hours (Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and from 6.30 pm to 6.30 am, and all day on the weekend). During the months of July and August, you may take your bicycle with you on the train all day.
  • Buy a Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket). This is the ticket for your bicycle. Make sure you have a ticket for yourself too.
  • Place your bicycle in the designated area on the train. This is marked with a bicycle symbol on the outside of the train.
  • The greatest capacity for bicycles is in these designated areas. But if you can't find a table, If there is room, you may put your bicycle only in the specially designated space on the train, and you must remove any baggage on your bicycle. This ensures everyone stays safe. If there is no room, then you may not bring your bicycle onto the train. In that case, you should take the next train and follow the instructions given by NS staff.

Please note: cargo bikes, children's bicycle trailers and handcarts are not permitted on the train and you may not take them with you.

Fietskaart Dal

A Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket) costs € 7.50 and can be purchased in the NS app, on ns.nl and from an NS ticket machine. If you purchase a Fietskaart Dal from an NS ticket machine, then you will pay a €1 surcharge. The Fietskaart Dal is valid on all public holidays except for King's Day, and during the months of July and August, you can also take your bicycle on the train with you all day long on weekdays. Check the terms and conditions beforehand.

Buy a Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket)

All day, free of charge

You can always bring along a folded collapsible bicycle for free, as long as it does not or cannot get in anyone's way. Tandems, tricycles and recumbent bicycles used as aids by passengers with disabilities and that meet the NS Travel Assistance terms and conditions may also be taken onto the train all day long, including during peak hours.

Tip: rent an OV-fiets

You can rent OV-fiets shared bikes at many stations, for just €4.55 per bike per 24 hours. What's more, you can rent two bikes with just one (free) season ticket. With the NS app, you can check beforehand how many bikes are still available at your station of choice. Experience true freedom and take an OV-fiets shared bike for the last leg of your journey.

Don't have the NS app yet? Download it for free.

Download from the App Store Find it on Google Play
Jongen bij OV-fiets huurlocatie

FAQ about bringing your bike on the train

  • Which bicycles can you take on the train?

    'Bicycle' means a normal bicycle, recumbent bicycle, electric bicycle, tandem, racing bicycle, BMX and disassembled bicycle. These bicycles may be taken on the train.

    Cargo bicycles, bicycle trailers and handcarts are not permitted and may not be taken on the train.

  • Do I need to buy a ticket?

    Yes, whenever you take your bicycle on the train, you need to purchase a Fietskaart Dal (Off-peak bicycle ticket) for your bicycle. This is the official ticket for your bicycle when you are travelling on the train.

    If you are disabiled and use an adapted bicycle as a mobility aid, you can bring this bicycle with you free of charge if you satisfy the criteria specified in the NS Travel Assistance Conditions.

  • May I take my folding bicycle on the train?
    • You can take your folding bike on the train free of charge if you fold it up, even during rush hour. You do not have to book a place for your folding bicycle.
    • Fold your bicycle before boarding, and unfold it after disembarking from the train.
    • You may not under any circumstances block access to external doors, internal doors or aisles with your folding bicycle (or luggage). This is for safety reasons, as all doors are emergency exits.

  • Can I bring my bicycle when buses are being used?

    No, you may not bring your bicycle with you on an NS bus. Regrettably, there is no space for bicycles.

  • What are the Terms & Conditions?

Don't see your question here? Find the answer to your question at NS Community. If you still can't find what you're looking for, please contact our Customer Service.