Public Transport Guide for Groningen and the Netherlands 2025
A practical guide to buses, trains, trams, and discounts for internationals this year.
If you're settling in Groningen, or anywhere in the Netherlands, learning how the OV-chipkaart works and what discounts are available can save you time and money. This 2025 guide explains what to expect, from local Groningen travel to nationwide transport systems and student discounts.
In Groningen, the OV-chipkaart is essential for buses, trains, and OV-fiets rentals. Students, especially international ones, have access to the Student Mobility Card: a specialised OV-chipkaart offering about 15% off-peak train travel, 40% off-peak local bus and regional train discounts, and seamless use across modes all academic year.
Netherlands-Wide Public Transit Options
OV-chipkaart & OVpay
The OV-chipkaart is the nationally accepted fare system across public transport, including trains, trams, buses, and metros. New in 2023, the OVpay system adds flexibility, allowing you to use bank cards or smartphones to check in and out at full fare.
Discount and Travel Passes
Various NS (Dutch Railways) subscriptions offer savings for frequent travellers:
Dal Voordeel: 40% off during off-peak hours, €71/year or €5.95/month via Flex.
Weekend Voordeel: Off-peak 40% discount Friday night to Monday morning for €2.30/month.
Altijd Voordeel: 20% peak and 40% off-peak discount, €28.50/month.
Unlimited travel plans include Dal Vrij, Weekend Vrij, and Altijd Vrij, with pricing starting at €40.60/month.
Off-peak hours are defined as weekdays outside rush hours and all day on weekends and public holidays, and the discount is automatic when checking in.
Student Discounts & International Travellers
Student Travel Product (Studentenreisproduct)
Eligible students (including internationals studying full-time) receive either free or discounted access on trains, trams, and buses, depending on their chosen scheme. You can also share a co-travel code, giving up to 3 friends a 40% discount during off-peak times.
Student Mobility Card (Groningen-specific)
The University of Groningen participates in a scheme that grants internationals a Student Mobility Card with 15% off NS off-peak trains and 40% off local transport throughout the academic year (University of Groningen).
Other Discounts
Through StudentMobility.nl, internationals have access to a mobility package offering discounts; one Reddit user noted a 15% train discount off-peak for around €4.50/month.
Other Modes: Trams and Buses
In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, trams and metro lines also run on the OV system. Day passes can often be more economical—Rotterdam’s RET day card costs just €8 for unlimited daily travel.