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Buying train, tram, or bus tickets for kids

We’re traveling to the Netherlands soon and plan to use public transportation for our 14 day trip. My kids are ages 2 and 4. I think my 2 year old is free on trains, trams, and buses (doesn’t even need a ticket if I’m reading it correctly), and my 4 year old can get a discounted ticket.

I’ve downloaded the recommended 9292 app which appears very easy to use. However, I can’t figure out how to buy a kid ticket using the 9292 app.

How do you all recommend buying kid tickets? I assume there’s ticket machines in train stations, but I’m not sure about trams and buses. Or is it easiest to just pay full price for my 4 year old and keep using the 9292 app? If there are any other travel tips you have for buses, trams, and trains please let me know.

Additionally, we’re planning to take the 397 bus that goes directly from the airport to our hotel. We’re planning to split one large suitcase for our family of 4, but no other bags besides a small personal item like a backpack. Is it acceptable to take one large suitcase on that bus?

Posted by
81 posts

It doesn't appear the 9292 app allows you to procure children fares. They forward you to OVpay and use your credit card to tap in and tap out: https://beta.9292.nl/en/tickets-and-subscriptions/discounts/age-discount/ and https://www.ovpay.nl/en/age-based-discounts-for-contactless-cards:

Children up to 11 years
Children up to and including 3 years old always travel for free on public transport. They do not need to check in or out. Children (4 to 11 years old) travel with a 34% discount on the bus, tram and metro.

For your situation age discount using OVpay seems the main option: https://www.ovpay.nl/en/age-based-discount-for-your-child#when-does-my-child-qualify-for-a-age-based-discount-on-public-transport and https://www.ovpay.nl/en/age-based-discount-for-your-child#how-do-i-add-my-childs-age-based-discount-to-my-contactless-card

I do believe though you can buy the tickets on the 397 Connexxion bus with the driver.
You can take luggage onto the 397. There are areas for wheelchairs and buggies where you can also sit with your luggage, no racks though. Keep the luggage always with you. Don't leave it unattended.

Posted by
2 posts

Thank you! That was very helpful I do not have a second contactless card for my child to use, so it sounds like I will be buying tickets on board the bus or at the train station.

That is great to know that there’s room so that we can bring luggage on the bus from the airport. Thanks again for answering my questions.

Posted by
81 posts

I believe you can add your 4 year old to your credit card in the OVpay app which you would then use to tap you borg in and out on the bus, and tram and before getting on a train and metro . He/she won’t need a credit card him/herself. One of the links contains instructions how to add a child to your credit card.