NL
Taking your bike with you on the train in the Netherlands is a convenient way to greatly increase your freedom and reach at your destination, provided you know the rules of the game. Combining the efficient rail network with the flexibility of your own two-wheeler opens doors to new adventures, from a day trip in an unfamiliar city to the starting point of a multi-day cycling holiday. But how exactly does it work with tickets, rush hours and those special bike spaces in the carriage? We explain it to you step by step, so you set off confident and well prepared.
The freedom of combining train and bike
For the conscious traveller who plans their own holiday, the combination of train and bike is ideal. It allows you to cover longer distances comfortably and sustainably while leaving the car at home. Once you arrive at your destination station, you step straight onto your own familiar bike. No hassle with rental bikes, but immediate control and the comfort you are used to. Explore the historic city centre of Maastricht, ride through the dunes from Castricum station, or start your cycling holiday through the Hoge Veluwe from Ede-Wageningen. The possibilities are numerous and you decide the pace and the route yourself.
‘ It is important to understand how this ticket works, because without a valid bike ticket you risk a fine. ’
Essential: the Day Ticket Bicycle
To take your bike on the train, you need a specific ticket in addition to your own travel ticket: the Day Ticket Bicycle. This is essential for your journey. It is important to understand how this ticket works, because without a valid bike ticket you risk a fine.
What is it and what does it cost?
The Day Ticket Bicycle is a supplement you pay to take one bike with you on the train for a whole day. The price is set at €7.95. It does not matter whether you travel a short or a long distance; the price stays the same. The ticket is valid all day on the Dutch rail network, with all train operators such as NS, Arriva, Blauwnet, Keolis and Connexxion. You buy the Day Ticket Bicycle as an extra product in addition to your own train ticket.
How do I buy a Day Ticket Bicycle for the train?
Buying a Day Ticket Bicycle is simple and can be done in several ways. The most common methods are:
- Via the NS app: This is the quickest and easiest way. Add the ‘Bicycle’ option to your journey in the journey planner. The app will then automatically add the Day Ticket Bicycle to your purchase. The ticket then appears as a QR code in your app, which you can have scanned at the gates and by the conductor.
- On the website (ns.nl): Similar to the app, you can add a Day Ticket Bicycle to your basket on the website when planning your journey. You then receive the ticket as an e-ticket by email, which you can print out or show on your phone.
- At the station: At every ticket machine at the station you can buy a separate Day Ticket Bicycle. This is handy if you decide at the last minute or do not have a smartphone with you. You then receive a single-use chip card.
Peak hours and off-peak hours: when is your bike allowed?
The most important condition for taking your bike is timing. To avoid the crowds during commuter peaks, your bike may only travel outside peak hours on weekdays. At weekends and in the summer months, you are fortunately much more flexible.
What are the exact off-peak hours for a bike on the train in the Netherlands?
The rules are clear and designed to allocate the limited space on the train fairly. On working days (Monday to Friday) you may take your bike on the train during the following off-peak hours:
- In the morning: before 06:30
- Between peaks: from 09:00 to 16:00
- In the evening: after 18:30
The time you check in is decisive. As long as you check in within these time windows, you may complete your journey even if part of it is during peak hours.
Unlimited travel at weekends, in summer and on public holidays
Fortunately, there are exceptions that give travellers a lot of freedom. On Saturdays, Sundays and all official public holidays in the Netherlands, your bike may travel on the train all day. There are then no time restrictions. This also applies to the months of July and August. In this summer period the peak-hour rule is completely lifted and your bike may travel every day of the week at any time.
From platform to carriage: a practical step-by-step plan
Good preparation at the station itself makes your journey much more pleasant. Know where you need to be and what to take into account.
- Be on time: Rushing is your enemy. Make sure you arrive at the station in good time so you can calmly find the right platform and boarding point.
- Find the bike area: Look at the digital signs above the platform. A bike symbol on the screens indicates in which part of the train the special bike spaces are located. That way you can already wait in the right place on the platform.
- Use the right door: Look on the train itself for the doors with a large bike sticker. These doors give access to the carriages with special bike spaces.
- Park your bike correctly: Once on board, place your bike in the designated area. This is usually an open space where you can secure the bike with a hook or strap. Make sure you do not block aisles, doors or wheelchair spaces. Social etiquette matters here; give other cyclists a hand if it is crowded and remove any panniers from your bike to save space.
‘ A folding bike is the big exception to the rules and an extremely smart choice for frequent train travellers. ’
Special bikes: what is and is not allowed?
Not every bike is the same. What are the rules for, for example, an e-bike or a folding bike?
Is my e-bike allowed on an NS train outside peak hours?
Yes, an electric bike (e-bike) is regarded as a normal bike. All the rules described above for the Day Ticket Bicycle and off-peak hours therefore also apply to your e-bike. You do not have to pay any extra supplement for this. Do bear in mind that an e-bike is heavier, which can make getting on and off a bit more difficult.
Folding bikes: the smart exception
A folding bike is the big exception to the rules and an extremely smart choice for frequent train travellers. A fully folded folding bike counts as hand luggage. This means it can travel for free, even during peak hours! You do not need to buy a Day Ticket Bicycle for it. Just make sure the bike is folded compactly and place it in the luggage rack or under your seat so other passengers are not inconvenienced.
Tandems, cargo bikes and other models
Because of their size and weight, most non-standard bike models, such as tandems, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes and bike trailers, are not allowed on the train. The space in the carriages is not designed for them.
With the right preparation, combining train and bike becomes very straightforward and a real enhancement of your travel experience. It gives you the freedom to discover the Netherlands in a unique, active and sustainable way. At Traveler Tips we are happy to help you plan your trips properly, so you can travel in comfort and with confidence. Are you looking for more inspiration for the most beautiful cycling routes in the Netherlands, smart packing tips for your panniers or the best train journeys across Europe? Then dive deeper into our articles and discover everything you need for your next adventure.
Frequently asked questions
In the Netherlands, a regular bike (not a folding bike) is allowed on the train outside peak hours with a Fietskaart Dal (off-peak bike ticket), provided there is sufficient space in the designated area. During peak hours (roughly 06:30–09:00 and 16:00–18:30 on weekdays), regular bikes are generally not permitted on intercity and Sprinter trains, except on some regional services with their own rules. A folding bike that is folded counts as luggage and can usually be taken for free and all day. Always check the current rules and any exceptions per operator (such as NS or regional operators) before you travel.
To take a bike on the train you need a Fietskaart Dal (off-peak bike ticket). This ticket is valid outside peak hours and can be bought from NS. The cost of a Fietskaart Dal depends on the travel distance. There are restrictions regarding the type of bike and the times at which you are allowed to take the bike with you.
Make sure your bike is clean, that no luggage is dangling loose and that the handlebars and pedals take up as little space as possible so other passengers are not hindered. Follow the signs in the train and the instructions of the conductor, especially when it is busy. In most trains you place your bike in the designated bike carriage or by doors with a bike symbol. Place your bike sideways against the wall or in the designated clamps and keep aisles and emergency exits clear.
The tool has not provided any specific tips on how to avoid crowds and travel smartly with a bike on the train. The information focuses on general rules and restrictions in the Netherlands. I therefore cannot formulate an answer to this question.
I cannot recommend any specific cycling routes and regions in the Netherlands that are particularly suitable to combine with a train journey. The available information only covers the rules and conditions for taking a bike on the train in the Netherlands, and not recommended routes or regions.
