OVpay is now the default pay-as-you-go system for Dutch public transport. You can travel with a contactless debit/credit card or mobile wallet, or use the dedicated OV-pas. The older OV-chipkaart still matters in 2026 because some subscriptions and student products have not yet migrated.
Which payment method should you choose?
| Method | Best for | Main limitation in October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Contactless bank/credit card or phone/watch | Visitors and occasional travellers | Normally full-fare 2nd class on trains; not every subscription/discount can be attached. |
| OV-pas | People who want a dedicated nationwide travel card and online balance control | Not every subscription/product has migrated yet. |
| Personal OV-chipkaart | Existing subscription holders, NS Flex/student products still on the old system | Being phased out. |
| Anonymous OV-chipkaart | Existing card holders only | No longer sold since 1 July 2026; balance is not protected like a personal card if lost. |
| E-ticket | Planned journeys and groups | QR/e-ticket rules differ from tap-in/tap-out; do not also tap a bank card. |
The new OV-pas
OVpay says the physical OV-pas costs €6, is valid for 5 years and works with train, bus, tram and metro operators across the Netherlands. You load balance through your OVpay account or use automatic top-up. It is also sold through Primera.
The key caveat is migration. OVpay explicitly says the OV-pas does not yet work with every subscription and travel product. NS says its subscription customers are being moved in phases beginning toward the end of 2026, with the operation continuing into 2027. Until you are told to switch, keep using the card/product your operator says is valid.
The OV-chipkaart transition
Since 1 July 2026, you can no longer buy a new anonymous OV-chipkaart. Existing anonymous cards can still be used during the transition. NS currently says they can continue until the end of 2027. Personal OV-chipkaarten remain necessary for some products while migration continues.
Check in and out with exactly the same token
If you check in with a physical debit card, check out with that same physical card. If you check in with a phone or watch, check out with the same device. A mobile-wallet version of your bank card has a different token from the plastic card, even though both draw from the same bank account.
- Take the intended card out of your wallet before tapping.
- Keep other contactless cards and phones away from the reader.
- If you are using an e-ticket, scan the QR code without presenting a bank card to the contactless reader.
- Check the reader display/beeps before walking away.
Transfers
For train travel, changing operator is the critical moment. If you move from NS to Arriva, Qbuzz, Keolis/RRReis or another train operator, you normally check out from the first company and check in with the second. If you stay with the same train operator, you normally remain checked in.
Bus/tram/metro transfers generally involve checking out of the first vehicle/service and checking into the next. Use the operator logos and follow the local reader placement.
Age discount on bus, tram and metro
Children aged 4-11 and travellers aged 65+ can receive a standard 34% age discount on bus, tram and metro. With a personal OV-chipkaart the age can be handled through the personal card; with OVpay you add the age discount to the payment card or OV-pas in the OVpay account. Local free-travel programmes can be even better, so also check the municipality/operator.
Children up to and including age 3 generally travel free and do not check in. For trains, the discount structure is different: the free Kids Vrij product can allow children aged 4-11 to travel with an accompanying passenger, subject to its conditions.
Missed check-out or wrong card?
For OVpay, use the OVpay app/account to inspect a journey and correct an eligible missed check-in/out. If a payment card has an outstanding amount, it can be blocked for public transport until the debt is paid. For OV-chipkaart journeys, use the relevant OV-chipkaart/operator correction route such as Uitcheckgemist where applicable.
Practical newcomer rule
If you are staying only a few days or weeks and do not need a discount, start with your contactless card/phone. If you are staying long term, first identify any discounts/subscriptions you need and then use the OVpay switch helper or operator guidance before deciding whether to buy an OV-pas or keep a personal OV-chipkaart.