NS Fares: Netherlands Rail Pricing Updates for 2026

NS announces a 6.52% increase in **train ticket prices** and subscription costs starting January 2026. Key changes affect first/second-class fares.

NS Fares: Netherlands Rail Pricing Updates for 2026
November 14, 2025 6:50 pm
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Introduction

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) will increase the price of train tickets and most subscriptions by an average of 6.52% from 1 January 2026. This follows an agreement with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) to spread part of the additional adjustment over four years.

Pricing Adjustments

The fare increase reflects the forecast inflation for 2026 as well as the backlog of inflation from previous years. Under concession rules, NS was permitted to raise fares only in line with expected inflation, even as actual inflation rose sharply. As a result, ticket prices have lagged considerably behind real inflation.

Fare Structure Details

NS will raise the price of 1st class tickets more than 2nd class on weekdays. At weekends, where there is typically more availability in 1st class, the price gap between the two classes will be reduced to attract more leisure travellers.

  • Train tickets and most subscriptions increase by 6.52%.
  • Kids Vrij remains free; Railrunner remains EUR 2.50.
  • Higher weekday surcharge for 1st class; reduced weekend surcharge.
  • Dal Voordeel 60+ rises from EUR 8.41 to EUR 9.26 per month.
  • Sales of Weekend Voordeel and Altijd Voordeel to end.
  • The maximum fare for forgetting to check out rises from EUR 20.00 to EUR 33.30. Passengers who forget can request a refund.
  • OV-fiets rental rises from EUR 4.65 to EUR 4.80.

Subscription Changes

NS will stop selling the Weekend Voordeel and Altijd Voordeel subscriptions from 1 February 2026. Existing customers can continue using them until 1 July 2026. Research shows that many passengers find the current subscription portfolio too extensive and sometimes confusing; according to NS, most existing customers will find an alternative that is cheaper under the updated system.

The Dal Voordeel subscription for young people aged 12–17 will continue to be offered free of charge.

Discount Ticket Trends

NS reports rising interest in discount options early-booking tickets. More than 1 million of these were sold in 2025, compared with half a million in a similar period in 2024. Since this autumn, young people receive an additional 20% discount on PrijsTijd Deal tickets.

Subscription use is also increasing, with many travellers opting for products offering 40% discounts during off-peak or weekend travel. NS notes that most customers recover the EUR 6.35 monthly cost of the Dal Voordeel subscription with just one return journey in off-peak hours.

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Conclusion

From 1 January 2026, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) will increase the price of train tickets and most subscriptions by an average of 6.52%. Key changes include adjustments to 1st and 2nd class fares, the cessation of Weekend Voordeel and Altijd Voordeel subscriptions, and increases in the maximum fare for forgetting to check out. NS is also observing growing interest in discount options, such as early-booking tickets, and subscription products.

Company Summary

Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS): The Dutch national railway operator.

Technology

PrijsTijd Deal: Discount tickets