Dutch rail fares to rise by an average of 4.7%
Dutch rail fares on NS services will rise by an average of 4.7% in 2027. NS will also expand selected off-peak discounts, while keeping several children's travel options unchanged.
NS plans another fare increase in 2027, while deeper off-peak discounts could help passengers with flexible travel times.
Dutch rail fares on NS services will rise by an average of 4.7% in 2027, increasing costs for passengers across the Netherlands. NS, the Dutch national rail operator, plans the increase after an average 6.52% rise in 2026. However, passengers with flexible schedules could benefit from larger discounts on selected off-peak tickets.
The changes also leave several children’s travel options untouched. Meanwhile, passengers buying selected discounted tickets will gain the option to book on their travel day during 2027. That option does not yet exist under the current booking rules.
The announcement appeared in coverage by NOS, the Dutch public broadcaster. NS board member Daan Schut, who oversees fares, said ticket revenue helps pay for new trains and higher costs. He also cited the need te blijven investeren in goede voorzieningen
, meaning to keep investing in good facilities.
What the average increase means
The 4.7% figure describes an average, rather than a single increase for every ticket. Therefore, passengers should check their own fare before calculating next year’s travel budget. The headline percentage alone does not give the new price of a specific journey or subscription.
For illustration, a €100 travel bill would become €104.70 if it rose by exactly 4.7%. However, that calculation is not a quoted price for any NS product. Your actual extra cost will depend on the tickets you buy.
The increase follows another year of higher fares. In 2026, NS raised prices by an average of 6.52%. As a result, regular travellers face a further increase rather than a return to earlier prices.
Passengers who must travel at fixed times should check their usual tickets first. By contrast, those who can change their departure time may find savings among the expanded off-peak offers. The announcement does not mean that every off-peak journey will become cheaper.
Larger discounts, with same-day booking to follow
Selected discounted advance tickets will offer savings of up to 80%, compared with a current maximum of 60%. However, the words “up to” matter. They describe the largest available discount, not a saving that every passenger will receive.
These offers concern selected tickets for off-peak travel. Therefore, passengers should check the available price for their route and chosen departure before making plans. An advertised maximum discount does not establish the fare for a particular journey.
Currently, travellers must buy these discounted tickets at least one day ahead. During 2027, NS will also make same-day booking available. The supplied announcement gives no exact start date for that change.
Until then, passengers should not assume they can buy an advance discount ticket on departure day. Once same-day sales begin, the change could help people who decide their plans later. Still, they will need to check which tickets and departures qualify.
Children’s travel options stay unchanged
The Railrunner children’s day ticket, an NS product for young passengers, will remain €2.50. Meanwhile, free travel subscriptions for children through age eleven will stay free. The free off-peak discount subscription for teenagers aged twelve to seventeen will also keep its current price.
These are different types of travel products. In particular, a free discount subscription does not mean that every train journey costs nothing. Families should check the conditions for each child’s age and ticket before travelling.
The unchanged prices give families some certainty when planning rail trips. However, adults travelling with children should still check their own fares. The protection for these children’s products does not extend to every ticket in a family booking.
What this means for people living in the Netherlands
Start by checking the product you use most often. Compare your usual journey with the options on the official NS website. Then use the price for that product, rather than the average increase, when setting your budget.
If your schedule allows, compare off-peak departures before paying. However, do not budget on receiving the maximum 80% discount every time. Check the ticket’s travel conditions as well as its price.
Families should review age limits and subscription terms through NS’s official subscription information. In particular, check whether a child needs a subscription rather than a separate day ticket. The announcement does not introduce a deadline for claiming these unchanged children’s prices.
Finally, check the booking rules again when planning journeys during 2027. Same-day discounted sales will start during that year, but no precise launch date accompanies the announcement. Until NS confirms that option is available, keep the existing advance-booking requirement in mind.
