Dutch Railways (NS) has confirmed it will not bring back the €8.50 Youth Day Pass (Jongerendagkaart), despite requests from Parliament to reconsider the decision. The announcement comes as NS prepares to raise ticket and subscription prices by approximately 6.5% starting January 1, 2026. Environmental organisations and passenger advocacy groups are warning that higher fares could discourage people from using trains.
Why the Pass Is Gone for Good
NS eliminated the Youth Day Pass on July 1, 2025, and replaced it with a 40% discount during off-peak hours for travellers aged 12-17 through NS Flex Dal Voordeel (youth version). The railway company argues that the ongoing discount better serves young people who make frequent, shorter trips for school, sports, or social activities.
However, for teenagers making longer journeys during off-peak times (such as day trips to other cities) the old €8.50 day ticket was often significantly cheaper than paying 40% off regular fares. This has made train travel more expensive for certain types of youth trips.
Photo Credits: Alp Ancel
Reactions from Critics
Passenger advocacy group Rover says train travellers are unfairly "paying the bill" for NS's cost increases and has urged the company to keep fare rises closer to the general inflation rate rather than exceeding it.
Environmental organisations like Natuur & Milieu have warned that making train travel more expensive undermines the Netherlands' climate goals by making cars and planes comparatively more attractive. Studies have shown that flying is already cheaper than taking the train on many European routes, and higher rail fares worsen this problem.
Political response: Earlier this autumn, a large majority in the Tweede Kamer (Dutch House of Representatives) called for the Youth Day Pass to be reinstated. The State Secretary for Infrastructure has now informed Members of Parliament that NS will not bring it back.
What This Means for Young Travellers
The day pass is permanently discontinued. No new Youth Day Passes are being sold. If young travellers purchased passes before July 1, 2025, those tickets remained valid for their selected travel dates, but no additional passes have been available since then.
Youth discount is still available: Travellers aged 12-17 can still receive 40% off train fares during off-peak hours (weekdays after 9:00 a.m. and weekends) through NS Flex Dal Voordeel (youth version). NS waives the usual annual subscription fee for this age group, making the discount itself free to access.
Consider alternatives: For long off-peak journeys that would have been cheaper with the old day pass, young travellers and their families should compare options including advance-purchase tickets, regional train operators, or group tickets where available.
The Bigger Picture
NS states that government regulations and rising operational costs drive pricing decisions. The company has limited freedom to set prices independently under its concession agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Many fare levels are either regulated or constrained by the terms of NS's license to operate the national rail network.
Critics argue that steep fare increases risk reducing train ridership precisely when the Netherlands is trying to shift travellers away from cars and airplanes toward more sustainable rail transport. Expect continued pressure from Members of Parliament, passenger advocacy groups, and environmental organisations for more affordable youth travel options and smaller fare increases going forward.
