5 tips for relaxed train travel with the NS app

Are you going out by train next weekend? Then we have 5 tips for you that will help you to travel as responsibly, relaxed and economically as possible.

Traveling with the NS app

Have you planned a day at Keukenhof, or do you want to visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam? If you travel by train, you can easily plan it with the NS app. The NS app is full of useful functions. For example, did you know that you can travel door-to-door with the app? That you can see where the shops and public transport bicycles are at your arrival station? And that you can even see live whether your train or bus is already arriving? Very handy if you want to get a cup of coffee. Then also check where you have to get on the train for the best chance of a seat. We give you 5 handy tips for a carefree journey.

1. Crowded indicator in the NS app

The Busy indicator in the NS app shows how busy you can expect on the train. This is represented by 1, 2 or 3 figures. A red exclamation mark next to the figures indicates that there is a shorter train than planned. As a result, it may be busier than expected. This way you can see whether a train is less busy earlier or later, so that you travel more pleasantly.

2. Register your journey via the Treinwijzer

If you register your train journey in advance via the Treinwijzer in the app, you will gain more insight into the expected crowds per train. The more travelers register their trip, the more accurate the forecast is. You will also receive a notification if the expected crowds increase. You can then decide for yourself to catch a train later. You can also see how busy the train is per compartment on certain routes.

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NS Treinwijzer gives travelers more insight into expected crowds in the train

3. Switch Class

You can still change class, even if you are already on the train. For example, to the 1st class after all, if you want to be able to work quietly. Exchange for one trip or for a longer period.

By the way, did you know that you can see exactly where the first and second class coupes are? This is possible due to the stripes placed on the coupé. A coupe with a blue stripe under the windows contains all or part of first class, depending on how long this stripe is.

4. Switch Class

You can still change class, even if you are already on the train. For example, to the 1st class after all, if you want to be able to work quietly. Exchange for one trip or for a longer period. You can also do this with NS Flex.

5. Discount on train journeys

Travelers can travel with a discount of up to 60 percent. To do this, they must meet two conditions, which you will find in this article. Of course it also makes a difference to travel during off-peak hours. The off-peak hours, i.e. times outside the morning and afternoon rush hours, are on weekdays from 0.00 am – 6.30 am, from 9.00 am – 4.00 pm and from 6.30 pm – 0.00 am. All day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

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NS Go lets employees plan their journey from door to door

6. Nearby function

With the Nearby function in the NS app you can check at a glance which facilities are ‘near’ in your area. This way you can see on the map where stations, bus stops and shops are, but also where you can grab an OV bicycle, for example. This is especially useful if you are in a hurry and want to quickly see where to catch the bus before getting off.

More tips

In this article you will find out how best to travel with the NS app. You can also be the first to test the latest functions in the NS Lab app. And do you feel unsafe on the train? Then you can report this immediately via text message or WhatsApp. There are of course more public transport apps. That’s why we’ve created this handy overview.

Do you use the NS app? Are you satisfied with it or would you rather use an alternative? Let us know in the comments below this article.