Frequently asked questions group travel
We have listed the most frequently asked questions about booking a group trip for you. Is your question not listed? Do you need more information? Call us on 030-2950884, we are happy to help!
The application
Can I book a group trip within the Netherlands via the group travel application form?
No, for domestic group travel you can order a group ticket here. NS International only offers international group travel.
What does 'subject to availability' mean?
The number of available seats determines the capacity for the group and the associated group rate. Due to sales, this availability changes constantly and we make the reservation that our offer is determined by the current state of affairs.
Can we also order e-tickets for a group trip online?
No, you cannot order tickets online for groups from 10 people. If you let us know what you are looking for via the application form, we will be happy to help you.
What is the minimum group size?
To qualify for a group rate, the carriers apply the condition that the group consists of at least 10 adults.
For accompanying children, different conditions apply per carrier. For Eurostar 2 children count as 1 adult. This has consequences for the group size. You can fill in the age composition of the group on the application form.
Can I use my NS season ticket or NS discount card with a group trip?
No, due to the special group rates, it is not possible to combine these NS cards with the group rate.
I do not have a Dutch address, do you also send the tickets abroad?
No, we do not send tickets to a foreign address. We are happy to send the tickets for you to a contact person (hotel / company / private person) in the Netherlands.
Can the group members board the route from different departure stations along the way?
No, all group members must depart from the same departure station.
Booking
How far in advance can I book my group trip?
That depends on the carrier you're travelling with:
- Eurostar to Belgium/France & TGV & in the Benelux: 7 months before departure
- Eurostar to London: 8 months before departure
- German destinations & destinations via Germany: From October 15 to a maximum of one year in advance
Do you want to book further in advance? Let us know what you are looking for via the application form. You will receive a no-obligation quote from us by email with (provisional) times and prices. We monitor the progress for you and as soon as possible, we book your trip in consultation.
We want to sit together as a group, is that possible?
We always do our utmost to get a group to sit together. If availability does not allow this (anymore), we will discuss the possible alternatives with you.
Why is there sometimes a price difference between quotation and booking?
The number of trains, the popularity of the route and the travel time determine the available seating capacity and the rates on a route. This is constantly changing due to sales. As a result, it may happen that our offer is no longer available in the time between the quotation and the time of booking. We always discuss this with you.
Do I have to provide all the individual personal details of the group members when making a group booking?
No, the individual personal details of all group members are not required because group tickets are by group name.
Do I have to pay immediately when booking?
No, you do not have to pay immediately. We want to receive your payment no later than 3 weeks before departure. This way you will receive your tickets on time. Are you traveling within 3 weeks of booking? Then you pay immediately. In some cases there is a down payment. When this is the case, we always state this in our quotation so that you are aware of it.
Is catering available on board the train?
There is catering on board the train and the offer differs per carrier. For larger groups, you can coordinate and purchase the catering in advance via the carrier.
Does everyone get their own group ticket?
With the exception of German destinations and destinations via Germany, everyone travels with their own group ticket. For German destinations and destinations via Germany, there is one main ticket with which the whole group can travel.
How shortly before the travel date can I book my trip?
You can book a group trip up to 10 working days before departure, subject to availability.
Booking fees
What are the booking fees for a group tour?
The booking fee is calculated according to the size of the group.
| Number of travellers | Booking fees |
|---|---|
| 10 t/m 18 | € 60 |
| 19 t/m 50 | € 125 |
| 51 t/m 75 | € 275 |
| > 75 | € 325 |
Change and cancel booking
Can we add extra group members to our group booking after booking our group trip?
Yes, that's possible. A new offer is then made for the entire group. However, it is possible that places are no longer available in the meantime and that a higher rate applies for the entire group. Depending on the number of group members to be booked, we recommend that you book individual tickets separately online.
Can I change or cancel my booked group trip?
Yes, it is possible to change or cancel according to the conditions stated in our quotation. After your booking order has been confirmed by us, these terms and conditions apply.
Delivery
What is the delivery time for the group tickets?
We send our paper group tickets 14 days before departure by registered mail to the (Dutch) address provided by you.
Do I have to be at home when the tickets are delivered and do I have to identify myself?
You do not need to identify yourself, but you must sign for receipt.
Can I change the previously entered postal address?
Yes, this is possible if you inform us of the changed delivery address no later than 15 days before departure. Always provide our quotation number with the change so that we can ensure that we adjust the correct information for you.