NS subscriptions and international travel

Are you travelling internationally and want a discount on the Dutch part of your journey with your NS subscription? That is possible, but the discount rules are different from those for domestic travel. On this page, we explain where and when you get a 40% or 100% discount and how it works.

Discount with international travel

	Morning rush 04:00 – 09.00	Off peak period 09:00 – 04:00	Weekend Friday 18:30 - Monday 04:00	Header
Dal Voordeel	0%	40%	40%	Content
Weekend Vrij (met dalkorting)	0%	40%	100%	Content
Weekend Vrij (zonder dalkorting)	0%	0%	100%	Content
Weekend Voordeel	0%	0%	40%	Content
Dal Vrij	0%	100%	100%	Content
Altijd Voordeel	0%	40%	40%	Content
Altijd Vrij	100%	100%	100%	Content
Traject Vrij (inclusief grenspunten)	0%	40%	40%	Content
Joint travel discount	0%	40%	40%	Content
NS- Business Card Dal	0%	40%	40%	Content
NS-Business Card Traject Vrij	0%	40%	40%	Content
NS-Business Card Trein Vrij	100%	100%	100%	Content
NS-Business Card OV Vrij	100%	100%	100%	Content
NS-Business Card Traject op Maat	0%	40%	40%	Content

For discount percentages for the studentenreisproduct, see this page

Exceptions for discounted travel

To and through Belgium

Eurocity Direct: NS subscriptions are only valid on routes up to Rotterdam. This means your subscription discount does not apply between Rotterdam and the Hazeldonk border. NMBS subscriptions are not valid on Eurocity Direct.
EuroCity: On EuroCity, the subscriptions are valid between Rotterdam and the Hazeldonk border.
Important: With a 40% discount card, you do not receive a discount on the lowest fare (Saver) for Eurocity Direct and EuroCity.
Eurostar: NS subscriptions are not valid on Eurostar.

To and through Germany

Nightjet: Only valid with a specific ticket. NS subscriptions are not valid on Nightjet.
Supersparpreis and Sparpreis: Discounts do not apply to the lowest fares (Supersparpreis and Sparpreis) for travel to and through Germany.
Travelling with a group: Are you travelling with multiple people and different discount subscriptions? Contact us for the best advice.
Good to know: The DB Bahncard can only be purchased from DB.

Important!

The class of an NS subscription for Free Travel, including the Student Travel Product, determines the travel class within the Netherlands.
Can't use the same discount for both your outward and return journey? You can also book two one-way tickets.

How does it work?

You can book your journey from your departure station in the Netherlands to your final destination abroad on one ticket. If you are entitled to 40% or 100% discount on the Dutch section, indicate this as follows during booking:

Via our website: select option '40% discount in the Netherlands', Joint travel discount' or '100% discount in the Netherlands'.
Via an NS ticket machine: select option '40% discount in the Netherlands or '100% discount in the Netherlands'.

You will then receive an international ticket where the 40% or 100% discount has been applied. Don’t forget to bring your NS subscription with you when you travel, as you must show both your ticket and your subscription during ticket inspections.

During your journey

Do you need to check in and out?

Are you traveling with an international ticket with a square barcode? Then you can travel without checking in and out. With this barcode you can open gates at a Dutch station. Checking in and out at a foreign station is not possible.

If you bought your international ticket at an NS ticket machine or NS service desk, you must check in at a station in the Netherlands. However, in another country, you cannot check out. On your return journey, you also cannot check in abroad but must check out when arriving back in the Netherlands.
Important! Are you travelling with an international ticket that includes 40% or 100% discount on the Dutch section? Always bring the OV-chipkaart that holds your NS subscription (e.g. a Student Travel Product), so you can prove your right to the discount during ticket inspections. However, do not check in or out with this OV-chipkaart.