Fare conditions Germany
and the rest of Europe via Germany
Routes and trains
Fare conditions for internal train tickets
Because we want to provide you with the best possible information about your international train tickets, we have made a list of the various fare types and the respective fare conditions for you.
There are two types of international train tickets: those for trains that require a reservation, and those that do not.
High-speed trains, such as the Eurostar and TGV, generally require that passengers reserve a seat, and the tickets are only valid for the specific train, date and class booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.
International tickets for trains that do not require a reservation, such as the Intercity and local trains, are limited to a specific route, but not to a specific departure time or train, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions. These international train tickets are valid for a maximum of one day and the validity period is specified on the ticket.
Reserved seats
If you have reserved a seat, we ask that you be seated in your reserved seat within 15 minutes of boarding the train. If you do not do so, the Train Manager may give your seat to another passenger.
Mobile or homeprint Ticket
A Mobile Ticket is a ticket that you can save in the NS International App and display on the screen of your smartphone. If you book a Mobile Ticket for a journey starting at your departure station, then you do not need to check in and out. If you need to pass through access gates or show your ticket, simply use the Mobile Ticket barcode on your smartphone screen. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with a link to the Mobile Subject to alterations Ticket. Opening this link on your smartphone will automatically download and save the Mobile Ticket in the NS International App under ‘My Bookings’. Mobile Tickets are subject to the standard fare conditions.
Homeprint tickets must be printed on A4 paper before you begin your journey. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your homeprint booking, which also includes a button that lets you print your homeprint ticket.
The following rules apply:
- Mobile/homeprint Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
- To show the Mobile Ticket, you must have installed the NS International App. Use the most recent version of the app.
- You must download the Mobile Ticket in the NS International App before starting your journey. Homeprint tickets must be printed on A4 paper.
- See the homeprint ticket for the rules that apply specifically to this type of ticket.
- Your ticket will be checked based on a valid photo ID. Remember to bring along a valid photo ID (passport or identity card), as the Train Manager/Conductor may ask you to show it.
- Travellers are only permitted to travel on the date and/or train booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.
- The normal fare conditions apply for exchanges and cancellations (see tables). When changing the travel date for your ticket, the new date must fall within the carrier’s booking period.
- If a refund is requested within seven days after the start date specified on the ticket, the refund will be made via the original payment method after these seven days, due to the need to retrieve the necessary authentication data.
- For Mobile/homeprint Tickets purchased via the NS International service desk in the service shop, you can request a refund at the NS International desk prior to the start of the journey, or after the period stated above. You can also request a refund via NS International Customer Service.
Refunds for unused tickets
If you have purchased a ticket, but were prevented from travelling shortly before the departure time, you may be able to request a refund via your original sales point under certain conditions. You can find out which conditions apply to your ticket in the fare tables on this page.
Refunds for partially unused tickets
Refunds for partially unused tickets doesn't apply to Mobile/homeprint Tickets. Other tickets may be sent to the NS International Customer Service, P.O. Box 2552, 3500 GN Utrecht, up to two months after the start date on the ticket. The ticket must be stamped by authorised railway personnel or accompanied by documents, such as proof of alternative travel. Cost: € 15 minimum per ticket.
Travel tips
Bring your bicycle
There are no fixed ticket prices for bikes. The price depends on the route and is determined by the carrier. For some routes, the price os therefore be lower, for others higher. Besides a bicycle ticket, a bicycle reservation is compulsory for some trains. This compulsory bike reservation is free when you purchase your bike ticket.
ICE international passengers with an international ticket are not permitted to bring a bicycle along. Folding bicycles transported in a cover are an exception to this rule.
More information about travelingg with a bicycle
You can also call the NS International Customer Service on 030 – 230 00 23 or visit the NS International service desk in the service shop at most major stations.
Travel insurance
It is always a good idea to take out a travel insurance policy when you travel. Travel insurance provides you with security in the event that you need medical assistance, are involved in an accident or lose your luggage.
Cancellation insurance
Certain types of fares are subject to high cancellation fees. It is therefore recommended that you purchase cancellation insurance in advance.
Luggage
Each train type has different facilities for transporting luggage.
More information about travelling with luggage
Pets
Passengers may bring their pet with them in the train when travelling to certain European countries, subject to strict conditions. Your veterinarian can inform you about the documents necessary for travelling with your pet.
More information about travelling with pets
Compensation for delays
Under certain circumstances, travellers may be eligible for compensation in the event that their international train experiences a delay. One of these conditions is that the delay must involve a cross-border route. The compensation is calculated based on the price of a single ticket, including surcharges, but excluding booking fees or transaction fees. Compensation is usually paid out in the form of a debit to the traveller’s bank account. Compensation requests can be sent to the railway company from which you purchased your ticket, or one of the carriers involved in your international journey.If you purchased your ticket from NS International, you must submit a compensation request within three months of your journey.
More information about compensation for delays
Would you like to know more?
You can find travel tips, advice before you leave,up-to-the-minute information, information about planned works, the international Travel Planner and information about discount fares. For more information, please contact us in our online chat, call the NS International Customer Service on 030 – 230 00 23 or visit the NS International service desk in the service shop at most major stations.
Terms and Conditions
The transport contracts between the traveller and the carrier(s) are subject to the relevant carrier’s general and special terms and conditions. Several carriers may be part to the transport contracts referred to in the previous section, and your journey may consist of several separate transport contracts, even if you are using a single ticket. Please refer to NSinternational.nl/en/terms-andconditions or the point of sale for more information. A copy of the terms and conditions can be provided at no extra charge upon request. Transport contracts entered into with the carriers NS International B.V. or HSA Beheer N.V. (which trade under the brand name NS International) are solely applicable to transport using high-speed trains or cross-border trains. In the event of a transfer to or from said trains, a contract with another carrier may go into effect. The following regulations and conditions apply to the transport contracts referred to in the previous section: EU Directive on Travellers’ Rights, the General Terms and Conditions of NS International, the applicable Train Type Conditions, and the specific Fare Conditions.
From the Netherlands to and through Germany
| Fare types | Fare conditions** | Exchange* | Refund* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexpreis Europa | You must travel on the same route and with the same train product as stated on your ticket. It is possible to travel with a train product in a lower category, provided you follow the same route (cat A: ICE, cat B: IC/EC, cat C: other trains). |
|
|
Content |
| Sparpreis Europa | This fare is only valid on the ICE, IC and EC trains of your booking. For trains within the Netherlands and regional trains abroad, you are not bound to the selected train |
|
|
Content |
| Supersparpreis Europa | This fare is only valid on the ICE, IC and EC trains of your booking. For trains within the Netherlands and regional trains abroad, you are not bound to the selected train. | Not allowed. | Not allowed. | Content |
| Supersparpreis Europa Gruppe |
|
Not allowed. | Not Allowed. | Content |
| Sparpreis Europa Gruppe |
|
|
|
Content |
* It is not possible to partially change or cancel your booking. This is only possible for the entire booking. If you do not want to change or cancel the ticket for all travellers, we advise you to check the price of a new ticket first. The originally booked fares may no longer be available and you will have to pay a higher price. When changing and cancelling your seat reservation will be cancelled without refund.
** For many German destinations, +City is offered: if this addition is stated on your ticket, you may use local public transport for your journey to/from the station."
In Germany
(German domestic trains)
| Fare types | Fare conditions** | Exchange* | Refund* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexpreis German Domestic |
|
|
|
Content |
| Supersparpreis DB regional |
|
Not allowed. | Not allowed. |
* It is not possible to partially change or cancel your booking. This is only possible for the entire booking. If you do not want to change or cancel the ticket for all travellers, we advise you to check the price of a new ticket first. The originally booked fares may no longer be available and you will have to pay a higher price. When changing and cancelling your seat reservation will be cancelled without refund.
** For many German destinations, +City is offered: if this addition is stated on your ticket, you may use local public transport for your journey to/from the station.
Nightjet Austria and Switzerland
(including Vienna - Munich - Innsbruck - Basel and Zurich v.v.)
| Fare type | Fare conditions | Exchange | Refund* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | No special terms and conditions |
|
|
Content |
| Standard complete berth compartment | For 1 to 6 people, who want to book a berth compartment for 6 people: a maximum of 3 adults, the remaining places can be used by children (1 to 5 children, 6 to 14 years old and for children younger than 6 years with own place). |
|
|
Content |
| Standard complete seat compartment | For 1 to 3 people, of which at least 1 adult, who want to book a complete seating compartment for 6 people. |
|
|
Content |
| Sparschiene complete berth compartment | For 1 to 6 people, who want to book a berth compartment for 6 people: a maximum of 3 adults, the remaining places can be used by children (1 to 5 children, 6 to 14 years old and for children younger than 6 years with own place). | Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Sparschiene complete seat compartment | For 1 to 3 people, of which at least 1 adult, who want to book a complete seating compartment for 6 people. | Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Standard child |
|
|
|
Content |
| Sparschiene comfort adult | Limited availability |
|
|
Content |
| Sparschiene comfort child |
|
|
|
Content |
| Sparschiene adult | Limited availability. | Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Sparschiene child |
|
Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Pass | Holders of a valid (and validated) Pass that covers the entire route:
|
|
|
Content |
| Partial Ticket | Holders of a valid (and validated) Pass, valid for part of the route traveled:
|
|
|
Content |
| Companion |
|
|
|
Content |
| Companion (disability other than visual) |
|
|
|
Content |
* It is not possible to partially change or cancel your booking. This is only possible for the entire booking. If you do not want to change or cancel the ticket for all travelers, we advise you to check the price of a new ticket first. The originally booked fares may no longer be available and you will pay a higher price. Changes and cancellations will void any seat reservations you may have made without refund.