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 Thalys 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.
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.
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:
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 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.
When travelling to a select number of foreign destinations, you can bring your bicycle along. One-way bicycle tickets are €12 and return tickets are € 24. Reservations are typically mandatory.
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.
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.
Certain types of fares are subject to high cancellation fees. It is therefore recommended that you purchase cancellation insurance in advance.
Each train type has different facilities for transporting luggage.
More information about travelling with luggage
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
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
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.
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.
| 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). | The conditions for exchange correspond to the conditions for refund. | Before 1st day of validity 100% refund. As of the 1st day of validity until 1 month after the 1st day of validity EUR 19,00 administration fee for each ticket. | Content |
| Flexpreis Europa Plus | 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). The validity of this ticket is 4 days: 1 day prior and 2 days after the chosen day of travel. Only available for travels to/from Germany. | The conditions for exchange correspond to the conditions for refund. | 100% refund up to and including the last day of validity. Afterwards unused tickets can be exchanged or refunded by paying a € 19 administration fee for each ticket. | 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 | The conditions for exchange correspond to the conditions for refund. | Refund is possible until the 1st day of validity by paying a EUR 19,00 administration fee for each ticket. From the 1st day of validity, exchange or refund is not possible anymore. | 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 |
| Sparpreis Europa Gruppe | CFare intended for 6 to 9 people travelling together. There must be at least 1 IC, EC or ICE in the journey. Cannot be combined with discount cards. Travel on the specified date and with the trains indicated on the ticket. Train connection applies to ICE/IC and EC, not to regional trains. The ticket is offered together with a free (optional) reservation, however, a seat reservation is not compulsory. | The conditions for exchange correspond to the conditions for refund. | Refund is possible until the 7th day of validity by paying a EUR 19,00 administration fee for each ticket. After that, no exchange or refund is possible. | Content |
**) It is only possible to cancel your entire booking: it cannot be cancelled in part. If you cancel your entire booking, you must make a new booking if you wish to travel. We recommend checking the price for a new booking before cancelling your existing booking. It is possible that the fares in your original booking will no longer be available and that you will have to pay more for a new booking. **) The +City supplement is available for a large number of German destinations: if this supplement is specified on your ticket, you can make use of local public transport for your journey to and from the station.
| Fare types | Fare conditions | Exchange | Refund* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexpreis** | 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). | As a refund. | Before 1st day of validity 100% refund. As of the 1st day of validity until 1 month after the 1st day of validity € 19 administration fee for each ticket. | Content |
| Supersparpreis | This fare is only valid on the ICE, IC and EC trains of your booking. For regional German trains you are not bound to the selected train. | Not allowed. | Not allowed. |
*) It is only possible to cancel your entire booking: it cannot be cancelled in part. If you cancel your entire booking, you must make a new booking if you wish to travel. We recommend checking the price for a new booking before cancelling your existing booking. It is possible that the fares in your original booking will no longer be available and that you will have to pay more for a new booking. **) The +City supplement is available for a large number of German destinations: if this supplement is specified on your ticket, you can make use of local public transport for your journey to and from the station.
| Fare type | Fare conditions | Exchange | Refund* | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full fare | None | In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of €15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| 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). | In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of €15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| 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. | In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of €15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| Child | Children aged 6 to 14, and children younger than 6 (with an adult companion) who will be travelling in their own seat. Note: children aged 14 and younger may not travel without a companion. | In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of €15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| SparSchiene | Limited availability. | Not permitted. | Not permitted. | Content |
| Pass | For holders of a valid (and validated) pass that covers the entire route: • Interrail • Eurail • Bahncard 100 + Pass • Bahncard 100 (valid for journeys within Germany) • Österreichcard (valid for journeys within Austria) • Österreichcard + Pass / SBB General Abo / Bahncard 100 or SBB General Abo + Pass |
In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of € 15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| Partial Ticket | For holders of a valid (and validated) pass that covers part of the route: • Interrail • Eurail • Bahncard 100 • Österreichcard • Swiss Pass • SBB general ABO |
In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of € 15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
| Companion | Companion of a visually impaired passenger in possession of a companion ticket. | In the form of a refund. | Free of charge up to and including 15 days before the departure date. 50% fee with a minimum of €15 between 14 days and 1 day before the train’s scheduled departure. Refunds will no longer be granted as of the day of departure. | Content |
*) No refunds will be granted for partially unused tickets.