Using the NS App as a traveller with a disability
The NS App is especially useful for those travelling with a disability. The app allows you to check which side of the train to exit at the destination, which facilities are available at the station, and users can select the option 'Only display wheelchair-accessible journeys'. The NS App is available for free from both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Showing accessible travel advice
When planning your journey in the NS app, you can choose ‘Show only accessible journeys’ under the heading ‘Extra’. If you check this option, the Travel Planner will only show journeys that are fully accessible independently when travelling with a wheelchair. This means that you will travel the entire journey on trains that allow wheelchair access, such as the SLT and Flirt Sprinters.
Under ‘Extra’ you can also indicate your transfer time, so you have more time to change trains during your journey. You can set your extra transfer time up to a maximum of 60 minutes.
Request NS Travel Assistance in the app
When planning your journey in the NS app, you can choose ‘Show only accessible journeys’ under the heading ‘Extra’. If you check this option, the Travel Planner will only show journeys that are fully accessible independently when travelling with a wheelchair. This means that you will travel the entire journey on trains that allow wheelchair access, such as the SLT and Flirt Sprinters.
Under ‘Extra’ you can also indicate your transfer time, so you have more time to change trains during your journey. You can set your extra transfer time up to a maximum of 60 minutes.
Check exit side of the train
The NS-app shows at the arrival station whether the exit side is on the left or right with respect to the direction of travel. This allows you to line up on the right side in time to leave the train. You can (also) play the notification via an audio message via your smartphone's (standard) audio function.
Instructions for iOS:
- After planning your journey, tap ‘More’ in the bottom right corner
- Then select ‘More information’ in the options menu
- The travel advice will now expand and show the exit side at each exit and transfer point during the journey
- This setting is remembered. This is therefore a one-off process
Instructions for Android:
- After planning a journey, you can tap the arrow icon in the top right corner
- The icon changes and the travel advice is unfolded. You see the exit side at each exit and transfer point during the journey
- This setting is remembered. So this is a one-time process.
- This information is also shown when the travel advice is displayed in the Travel planner.
Facilities at the station
All facilities at the nearest stations or a station of your choice can be easily viewed in the NS-app at the facilities or map. For example, shops, luggage lockers, toilets and water taps.
Where can I find this information?
- Open the NS app.
- Select ‘Departure times’ at the bottom of the bar.
- Find the station of your choice.
- In the top bar, select ‘Facilities’ or ‘Map’.
Check which train runs on your route
All our Sprinter and ICNG Intercity trains have a sliding step, allowing most passengers to board and disembark independently. You can easily check if your train has this feature in the NS app or the Travel planner on NS.nl by selecting your journey and clicking on the train information.
The more agile and manoeuvrable you are with your mobility aid, the easier independent travel will be. If you can manage a small height difference, boarding and exiting should be smooth. If you have reduced arm strength or use a mobility aid with small wheels or very low footrests, we recommend booking NS Travel Assistance.
Always use the door marked with the blue wheelchair icon. This door stays open longer, giving you extra time. Once on board, head to the designated wheelchair space, which also has a seat for an accompanying person. The wheelchair-accessible toilet is nearby.
