Getting around: OVpay, trains and your first bike
Dutch public transport is excellent, and cycling is a way of life.
Public transport
- Tap on and off with OVpay (a contactless card or phone) or an OV-chipkaart on trams, buses and metro.
- NS runs the trains; plan any door-to-door journey with the 9292 app.
Cycling
- Buy a sturdy second-hand bike (try Marktplaats) and a good lock — bike theft is real.
- Prefer no hassle? Swapfiets rents you a bike with repairs included for a monthly fee.
- Learn the rules: use bike lanes, signal turns, and don't walk in the red paths.
Tip: NS stations rent OV-fiets bikes — perfect for the "last mile" after a train.
Good to know: Adapty offers guidance grounded in verified Dutch sources — it is not legal, tax, or medical advice, and it does not replace official institutions. For decisions with real consequences, check the official source or consult a qualified professional.
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