Dutch Railways (NS) will increase the price of train tickets and most subscriptions by an average of 4.7 per cent next year. This increase means train travel will rise faster than inflation, though it remains lower than early this year when prices rose by around 6.5 per cent. Board member Daan Schut explained that ticket revenue is necessary to fund new comfortable trains, cover rising operational costs, and invest in quality facilities while striving to keep travel affordable.
Catch-up indexation and price adjustments
The new ticket prices, which take effect from 1 January 2027, include a previously agreed catch-up indexation for inflation from the 2020–2023 period. During those years, fares rose significantly slower than inflation, such as in 2022 when inflation hit 10 per cent while ticket prices increased by only 1.5 per cent. Additionally, the Intercity Direct (HSL) supplement will rise from €3.20 to €3.40, and the daily fee for an OV-fiets rental bike will go up from €4.80 to €4.95. However, some fares remain unchanged, with the Railrunner staying at €2.50 and the Kids Vrij subscription remaining free.
To lessen the impact on passengers’ wallets, NS is expanding off-peak discounts. In 2027, the maximum discount for off-peak PrijsTijd Deals will increase from 60 to 80 per cent, with plans to make these deals available on the day of travel later in the year. Furthermore, NS intends to discuss options with the government to reintroduce the popular Nederland Dal Vrij pass for summer 2027, following a subsidised run this past summer where hundreds of thousands purchased the monthly pass for €49.
@ anp | NEW BRAINPORT
