Can I travel at a time that is different from what I have planned?
Train travel within the Netherlands to or from the boarding station of an international train
For a train journey within the Netherlands to or from a boarding station of an international train, you are not bound to the time stated on your ticket or in the confirmation email of your booking.
Example: You have booked a trip from Utrecht Central to Berlin Hbf. and you will board the Intercity Berlin from Amersfoort. For the domestic section Utrecht - Amersfoort, you can always travel at an earlier time than stated on your ticket or in the confirmation email of your booking.
Tickets from the Netherlands to Belgium or Luxembourg on Intercity or local trains (not Eurostar) or vice versa:
For tickets with a Flex (full-flex) fare: these are open tickets. You do not have to travel at a specific time. You do have to travel on the day on which your ticket is valid and via the route and border crossing shown on the ticket.
For tickets with an Early Bird fare with restricted validity: You can only travel at the specific time as indicated on your ticket and in the email booking confirmation. If you miss your train, you need to buy a new ticket. If your train is cancelled, take a later Intercity or local train on the same date. You have to travel via the same route and border crossing.
Tickets for Eurostar, ÖBB Nightjet and high-speed trains with compulsory reservation:
These tickets are valid only for the booked train, date and class. You will have to exchange the ticket if you want to travel at a different time. Whether that is possible, depends on the chosen fare and the availability.
Tickets from the Netherlands to or via Germany and vice versa:
A Flexpreis fare means you are not obliged to travel at a particular time. You do have to travel on the day on which your ticket is valid and via the route and on the type of train shown on the ticket. It is recommended to make a seat reservation.
With a Sparpreis Europa and Super Sparpreis Europa fare you can only depart with the international train at the time indicated on your ticket. In addition, you have to travel on the day and with the international train connection shown on your ticket. The departure time and the trains can be found on your ticket, on the line starting with VIA.
Did you book by phone with Customer service or online on NSInternational.com and no longer know which train you will be travelling on? Log in to My NSI to check your booking.
If you would like to check the fares and conditions, go to the Fares and Discounts page.