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Train travel in the Netherlands will get more expensive next year. NS, the national rail company, plans to raise ticket and most season ticket prices by an average of 4.7 percent starting 1 January 2027. Rounded up, that’s about a 5 percent increase, which is higher than inflation.
What’s increasing, and why
NS says it needs the extra money. According to Daan Schut, the board member in charge of fares, the ticket revenue is needed “to buy new, comfortable trains, to pay for increased costs, and to keep investing in good facilities.”
The 4.7 percent increase comes from three things: expected inflation for 2027, a correction for 2026 inflation, and a previously agreed ‘catch-up’ for inflation not included from 2020 to 2023. This increase follows strict rules in NS’s agreements with the government. At least it’s less than this year’s 6.5 percent rise. After heavy losses since 2020, NS made a profit again this year.
Off-peak discounts
To help offset the price increase and encourage people to travel outside rush hour, NS is making off-peak travel cheaper. In 2027, the maximum discount on its ‘PrijsTijd Deals’ for quieter trains will go up from 60 percent to 80 percent. NS is also making these tickets easier to use. Right now, you have to book them at least a day ahead, but next year you’ll be able to buy them on the same day you travel.
NS also wants to discuss with the government bringing back the summer season ticket, Nederland Dal Vrij. This ticket let people travel unlimited off-peak and on weekends for 49 euros a month this year.
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What isn’t changing
Not all fares are going up. The Railrunner ticket, which lets children travel all day for 2.50 euros, will stay the same price. The Kids Vrij season ticket, which allows children up to age 11 to travel for free, also remains unchanged. The off-peak discount season ticket (Dal Voordeel) for young people aged 12 to 17 will still be available.
Looking at the bigger picture
This price increase is part of the ongoing cost-of-living debate and continues the trend of rail fares rising faster than inflation. It comes after a difficult period for NS and Dutch public transport, including a national strike in September and ongoing weekly strikes in regional transport. Commuters are also facing higher costs for things like energy and rent. NS hopes the off-peak discounts will help travelers save money, but these deals only work if there’s space on the train and you can travel outside busy times. For people who have to commute during peak hours, fares will simply be higher from January.
What absolute nonsense. It's already way cheaper to travel by car than by train, even with current petrol prices.