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 ticket or homeprint ticket
A mobile or homeprint ticket is a digital ticket. In your booking confirmation, you'll find the Load your tickets in the app button to load the ticket into the NS International App. The ticket will be stored under ‘My bookings’. Using the Print tickets button, you can print the ticket (again) yourself. The ticket must be printed unchanged on blank/white A4 paper before the start of the journey. Double-sided printing is allowed, as long as the square barcode remains clearly readable.
The following applies to these tickets:
- The ticket is personal and non-transferable.
- You show the ticket via the NS International App. Use the latest version of the app.
- Once the square barcode or PDF has been saved in the NS International App, the ticket can always be retrieved, even without an internet connection.
- To pass through ticket gates and during ticket inspection, use the barcode from the mobile ticket on your smartphone.
- Specific homeprint rules can be found in the terms of use on the homeprint ticket.
- Ticket inspection may include ID verification. Carry a valid photo ID (passport or ID card), as the train manager/conductor may request it.
- Travel is only allowed on the booked date and/or train, unless stated otherwise in the fare conditions.
- The usual fare conditions apply for changes and cancellations (see the tables). If you request a change to a new travel date, this new date must fall within the booking window of the carrier.
- If a refund is requested within 2 days after the ticket's start date, the refund will be processed via the original payment method. After 2 days, processing may be delayed due to pending inspection data.
- For tickets purchased at the NS International desk in the Service Shop, a refund request can be submitted at the desk before departure or after the specified period. You can also contact NS International Customer Service to request a refund.
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
A request for partial refund can be submitted up to 2 months after the ticket’s start date.
Partial refunds are not available for mobile or homeprint tickets. For other tickets, please send them to: NS International Customer Service PO Box 2552 3500 GN Utrecht The ticket must either be validated by authorized railway personnel or accompanied by supporting documentation (e.g. proof of alternative transport). A processing fee of at least €15 per ticket applies.
Bring your bicycle
The price of a bike ticket depends on the route and is set by the carrier. For some trains, a bike reservation is mandatory in addition to the bike ticket. This required bike reservation is free when purchasing your bike ticket.
More information about travelingg with a bicycle
You can also call NS International Customer Service at +31 30 230 00 23 or visit the NS International desk in the Service Shop at 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). |
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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 |
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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 |
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Not allowed. | Not Allowed. | Content |
| Sparpreis Europa Gruppe |
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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 |
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Content |
| Supersparpreis DB regional |
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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 |
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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). |
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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. |
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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 |
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Content |
| Sparschiene comfort adult | Limited availability |
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Content |
| Sparschiene comfort child |
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Content |
| Sparschiene adult | Limited availability. | Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Sparschiene child |
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Not allowed | Not allowed | Content |
| Pass | Holders of a valid (and validated) Pass that covers the entire route:
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Content |
| Partial Ticket | Holders of a valid (and validated) Pass, valid for part of the route traveled:
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Content |
| Companion |
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Content |
| Companion (disability other than visual) |
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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.
