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Passing the gates at NS stations » Using an international ticket issued in the Netherlands

Opening the gates at NS stations with an international ticket issued in the Netherlands 
  • The ticket issued by NS International contains a square barcode with which you open the entrance gates at the station. Regardless of the departure or arrival station, this barcode can be used at all entrance gates throughout the Netherlands.
  • With a international ticket issued by NS domestic (single-use smart card), you open all NS gates throughout the Netherlands.
  • In the table below you can read how to open the gates with an:
    • international ticket for the entire journey
    • international ticket in combination with a domestic ticket
  • To open the gates, hold the square barcode on your international train ticket still against the lit surface to the right of the gates.
    • When the gates do not open or when your international train ticket does not have a square barcode, go to the Information column next to the gates and press the blue i-button. One of our staff members will help you.
    • You can also approach a NS-service employee if they are present at the station. You will receive a KeyCard with a square barcode. You use this KeyCard to open the gates. Be sure to hold on to your KeyCard. You will need it again to open the gates after your return journey.
       
(If you do not see the picture above, you will find it in the attachment)
 
 Situation  How to open the gates
  • International ticket from the departure station in the Netherlands to the destination station abroad (homeprint or mobile ticket). 
  • Open the gates using the square barcode on the international ticket. 
  • International ticket from the departure station in the Netherlands to the destination station abroad (single-use smart card). 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the single-use smart card. This immediately validates the card. 
  • Collective international ticket with multiple people travelling to Germany or beyond on one ticket.
  • Collective homeprint ticket  » 
    The main passenger opens the gates using the square barcode on the homeprint ticket. The co-passenger(s) use(s) the "passage ticket" (access pass). 
     
  • Collective mobile ticket  » 
    • Do all passengers possess a booking confirmation? 
      All passengers open the gates using the square barcode on their tickets downloaded onto their own smartphones. 
    • Does only the main passenger possess a booking confirmation? 
      The main passenger opens the gate for each travel companion by scanning the square barcode on his mobile ticket multiple times. The main passenger passes through the gates last. The barcode has enough passage rights to open the gates for everyone. 
       
  • Collective A-4 Secure Paper Group ticket » 
    The holder of the group ticket opens the gates for all members of the group by scanning the additional square barcode on the group ticket multiple times. The holder of the group ticket passes through the gates last. The additional barcode has enough passage rights to open the gates for all members of the group. 
 
Opening gates with an international ticket combined with a domestic ticket
 
 Situation  How to open the gates
  • International ticket + Keuzedag [bonus day] (on the OV-chip card [public transport smart card] or single-use smart card). 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the OV-chip card or single-use smart card. The Keuzedag [bonus day] is immediately validated for that day. 
  • International ticket + day ticket (on the OV-chip card or single-use smart card).

 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the OV-chip card or single-use smart card. The day ticket is immediately validated for that day.
  • International ticket + day ticket (on the NS domestic e-ticket). 

 
  • Open the gates using the square barcode on the international ticket or on the NS domestic e-ticket. 
  • International ticket + border season ticket (on the OV-chip card).

 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the OV-chip card. Nothing is deducted from your balance. 
  • Journey abroad from the Netherlands: International ticket + pre-paid travel or travel on account product to the international train's departure station (on the OV-chip card).
1. Open the gates with the OV-chipcard at the station where you depart from.
2a. Check out with the OV-chip card at the changeover zone (the check-in and check-out posts) on one of the platforms of the station that the international train departs from.
2b. If there are no changeover zones, check out with the OV-chip card at the gates of the station where you change trains. Re-enter the station by opening  the gates with the square barcode on your international ticket. 
  • Journey to the Netherlands from abroad: International ticket + prepaid travel or travelling on account product from the international train's arrival station (on the OV-chip card).
1a. Check in with the OV-chip card at the changeover zone (the check-in and check-out posts) on one of the platforms of the station where the international train arrives.
1b. If there are no changeover zones, open the gates with the OV-chip card at the station where you change trains.
2. Check out with the OV-chip card at the gates at your final destination.
  • Belgian or German season ticket + one of the following NS season tickets (on the OV-chip card) 
    • Altijd Vrij 
    • Kids Vrij 
    • OV Vrij 
    • Trein Vrij 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the OV-chip card. 
    • Nothing is deducted from your balance. 
  • Belgian or German season ticket + one of the following NS season tickets (on your OV-chip card): 
    • Dal Vrij
    • Student travel product
    • Weekend Vrij
 
  • Open the gates by checking in with the special square barcode that you can apply for via the web form on the NS-website (available in Dutch only)
    By doing so, no money will be deducted from your bank account.
 
More information 
 

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