Train Tickets in advance and 'tap to pay'

Posted by rice34 on 07/21/25 02:00 PM

During our 3-week trip this fall we are based in 3 cities to use as 'home bases' - Haarlem, Bruges (Belgium) and Leiden. So we have 2 days when we know we are traveling between new 'home base' locations. First from Haarlem to Bruges, Belgium. And second from Bruges to Leiden. I have the nsinternational app and know what travel itinerary we want based on times, type of trains and minimal changes. I prefer to reserve/book those before we leave for our trip. If we have the purchased ticket on my phone, do we scan something when we board the trains?

The reason I wanted to ask you about this is we have read about the 'tap to pay' system works within the Netherlands. I am confident all we need is our contactless credit card to board trains or buses when we decide to travel on a given day while we're staying in Haarlem or Leiden. It just occurred to me that if we buy the 2 tickets I mentioned above I wasn't sure how the process works.

Posted by Allan

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

07/21/25 02:31 PM

5296 posts

We're doing a similar route to you this Fall and have been researching as well. I think you still have to scan but I don't know for sure. My main purpose for replying is to send you this link for the Benelux pass that covers the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. We only need a 4 day pass to cover our 10 day trip so it seems to make sense for us.
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/one-country-pass/benelux

Posted by Carrie

Chicago

07/21/25 02:35 PM

3751 posts

I did a similar trip in Sept./Oct. 2023. If my memory is correct, you just scan the QR code on the ticket at the gates when traveling between the two countries.

You are correct about tap and pay for all public transportation in the Netherlands. If you do any day trips from Bruges, you will need to buy tickets. That is easy enough to do on the app.

It sounds like you have a good handle on things. Here is the link to my trip report from my trip. I have a section on public transport for the 2 countries.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-the-netherlands-and-belgium-my-trip-report

Have a great trip!!

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

07/21/25 02:53 PM

8770 posts

Most of the train stations in the Netherlands have turnstile type gates, where you either tap your card or scan a QR code to enter or exit. The code given you by either the NS or Belgian app should work to enter or exit at the correct station. I say should, in that I have had an issue or two with international tickets, if so, just find one of the staff monitoring the gates, they will check your ticket and let you through. The one notable station without gates is Schiphol Airport, if you are using tap, there are posts located on the perimeter of the area of the main hall, where the escalators down to the platforms are located, for you to tap in or out.

In Belgium, no tap to pay, yet, for trains, just get on or off.

Keep in mind, if you chose all regional and intercity trains, your ticket is good for any trains along that route that day, including if you want to stop along the way for a while (to wander Antwerp, Delft, Ghent, or Brussels for a few hours). Eurostar is an option, but then locks you into a specific train and fewer options. So even though you may be buying what looks like a specific train and time on the app, you are not, unless the train has restrictions.

Posted by rice34 OP

07/22/25 06:50 PM

2 posts

Thanks to all for the prompt reply and sharing of other related info!