Train Ticket Prices Set for Significant Hike

Commuters Face 6-9% Increase as Ministry Confirms Budgetary Pressures

Dutch train travelers are bracing for a substantial increase in ticket prices, with anticipated hikes ranging from 6 to 9 percent for the upcoming year. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management revealed the figures in a letter to parliament, citing rising costs across the board.

Budgetary Realities Force Price Adjustments

Outgoing State Secretary Aartsen acknowledged the difficult news, stating, “We have done everything we can to limit the price increases for travelers as much as possible. But we must also be honest: everything is getting more expensive and the financial resources are not infinite.” The final percentage will be confirmed in the autumn.

Originally, train ticket prices were slated for a steeper rise of approximately 12 percent. However, negotiations between the Dutch Railways (NS) and the ministry have led to a reduction in this planned increase. Measures such as more efficient train maintenance and the discontinuation of the youth day card are expected to contribute to cost savings for the NS.

Past Increases Subdued by One-Off Funds

The current price hike follows a period where ticket prices were kept artificially low. In 2024, a planned 6.5 percent increase was postponed by a year using a one-time allocation of 120 million euros from the House of Representatives. Similarly, earlier this year, an anticipated increase of over 11 percent was capped at 6 percent through a combined contribution of more than 40 million euros from the NS and the ministry.

This latest increase is directly linked to inflation, which has remained high in recent years. The pricing structure of train tickets in the Netherlands is largely tied to inflation indices, necessitating these adjustments.

Regional Carriers’ Pricing Remains Unclear

The announced increase specifically applies to travel on Dutch Railways trains. Prices for regional transport operators, such as Arriva and Keolis, are determined differently and are also subject to annual adjustments due to inflation. The exact extent of these increases for 2026 is yet to be announced.

The State Secretary expressed satisfaction with the current agreement, emphasizing the need for long-term clarity for both travelers and the railway company. “The government does not think it is desirable to have this discussion again every year. Both the traveler and NS are entitled to structural clarity,” Aartsen noted, anticipating parliamentary approval due to the increase remaining below the 10 percent threshold.

For context, a 9 percent increase on a current Amsterdam to Utrecht return ticket, which costs approximately €15, would add roughly €1.35 to the price.