group travel by train

Train travel

Whether you’re looking to spot elk in the Canadian Rockies, take in Japan’s landscapes, or zip below the English Channel en route to France, you’re bound to find a train tour that is perfect for you.

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What are some benefits of train travel?

See scenery you wouldn’t otherwise see Scenic train trips are unlike anything else. They take you through places roads just can't reach. When you travel by train, you’ll see the world from a new angle, as you venture to each new destination.

It’s more comfortable Travel by train is more spacious, temperature-controlled, and, well, comfortable. Just sit back, enjoy the scenery, and arrive right in the heart of each city.

It’s more eco-friendly Did you know train travel is the most environmentally friendly way to travel, apart from by bike or by foot? Rail trips emit 75% less greenhouse gas than cars. And in some countries, less than 3% of all transport gas emissions come from trains.

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Train tour faqs.

When you travel by train, we recommend packing a smaller bag along with your regular one. That way, if your luggage has to be stored outside of your seating area, you can still keep what you need as you’re seated. 

All of our trips are beautiful—whether you’re cruising through the Alps on Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich , zooming through a Japanese seaside town via high-speed bullet train on  Japan Adventure: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo , or enjoying views of the Rocky Mountains on your way to Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver.

Yes! Vacations by rail are more eco-friendly than by plane or tour bus, and they emit far less carbon into the atmosphere. Learn more about our path to eliminate our carbon footprint and our responsible travel commitments .

When you travel with us, you get to experience the world by train, with all the benefits of traditional group travel. Learn more about the Go Ahead Tours difference .

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22 Incredible American Train Journeys You Need To Experience

Posted: July 2, 2024 | Last updated: July 2, 2024

Exploring America's railroads

The US is prime road-trip country but, to get the best views and the most relaxing experience, you really can't beat a trip on one of America's railroads.

Read on as we round up our favorite journeys from across the land, taking in everything from epic cross-country escapes to short-run heritage routes in beautiful natural surroundings. 

Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks

A new Rocky Mountaineer route takes passengers on an exciting two-day journey between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Rockies to the Red Rocks was launched in August 2021 and all packages include meals onboard as well as accommodation in Moab, Glenwood Springs and Denver. 

California Zephyr: Chicago, Illinois to San Francisco, California

Whichever way you travel – Chicago to San Francisco or vice-versa – the 2,438-mile (3,924km), 51-hour cross-country journey on the California Zephyr is a breathtaking experience. From the impossibly majestic mountain ranges of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada to the vast expanse of the Utah desert, the route offers stunning scenery from start to finish.

There's a variety of accommodation on the train, from coach class seats to superliner bedroom suites, and travelers in private rooms have access to flexible dining that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a wide selection of drinks. A ride in the observation car, called Sightseer Lounge, is an unmissable experience, especially when passing through the rocky Colorado scenery.

Pacific Surfliner: San Diego to San Luis Obispo, California

The Pacific Surfliner skirts 350 miles along California’s Pacific Coast between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Skimming the gleaming coastline and the Pacific Coast Highway, the Surfliner passes the narrow Simi Valley towards the Santa Susana Mountains and the Simi Hills. Leaving Los Angeles, the train then runs parallel with the Old Pacific Highway before re-joining the Californian waves and various coastal towns and nudging into San Diego.

The full journey takes just over eight hours. Normally, the route offers 13 daily round-trip services between San Diego and Los Angeles, five to Santa Barbara and two to San Luis Obispo, so travelers can be flexible with their itinerary. Schedules have recently changed and the service is also impacted by track closures so do check for updates before booking.

Cape Cod Central Railroad: Hyannis to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

A heritage railway dating back to the mid-1800s, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers scenic excursions, swanky dining journeys and special events from May to October. The standard circular two-hour trip starts from Hyannis, known as the Capital of the Cape. It winds its way through the quaint villages of West Barnstable and Sandwich (the oldest on the Cape), along the Cape Cod Canal and across the landmark Buzzards Bay vertical lift bridge.

On the way, travelers see sand dunes, salt marshes and cranberry bogs and hear fascinating commentary about Cape Cod Canal and other points of interest. Tickets are available on the company's website.

Cardinal: New York City, New York to Chicago, Illinois

Cardinal, Amtrak’s thrice-weekly service, takes travelers overnight from New York City to Chicago, calling in at Washington DC, Charlottesville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Three other routes connect these busy cities, but the Cardinal is easily the most scenic of them all. The views get especially arresting across the Shenandoah Valley, over the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny range, before winding through West Virginia’s gorgeous New River Gorge.

Heading westward, the train rolls along the banks of the Ohio River to the skyline of Cincinnati. From there, the journey continues via Indianapolis, before wending its way up to Chicago in time for breakfast. There's a wide range of accommodation and dining options available – check the Amtrak website for current information on service times and amenities offered.

Grand Canyon Railway: Williams to Grand Canyon Village, Arizona

The trip on the Grand Canyon Railway begins in Williams, a small town 30 miles west of Flagstaff. Meandering its way through ponderosa pine forests and open prairie, the train terminates in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, before heading back to Williams. The train departs at 9.30am daily.

Those who pick the Dome car will have access to a private bar service with incredible views on the side. Opt for the luxury Parlor and you'll be able to step out onto the open-air rear platform and see the changing landscape from a different perspective. Passengers can keep their eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, mountain lions, mule deer, bald eagles and horned owls too.

Strasburg Rail Road, Pennsylvania

America’s oldest operating railroad, the Strasburg Rail Road first puffed off the buffers in 1832. Today it takes its passengers on a whistle-stop tour through Pennsylvanian Amish country. Touring the farmlands of Lancaster County, tended by the Amish, the regular excursion is a short but sweet 4.5 mile journey each way.

Four steam locomotives still pull original rolling stock on the 45-minute round trip to and from Paradise, and an audio commentary dispenses nuggets of knowledge on the nation’s oldest continuously operating short line railway. There are typically numerous special outings, such as the Wine & Cheese ride, themed dinner trains and unique friends and family experiences, like escape rooms, trivia nights and even a cabaret. Keen trainspotters can also look out for the Amtrak trains racing past on a parallel line.

Southwest Chief: Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California

The Southwest Chief train beats a 40-hour-journey through the American West, escorting travelers from the shore of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean. It passes through eight states and calls in at Kansas City, Albuquerque and Flagstaff along the way. The epic journey is often billed as Amtrak's most scenic and crosses the Mississippi, sweeping past wheat fields, pueblos, peaks and deserts.

The train, departing three times a week, carves its way through canyon passages so narrow you could almost touch the walls as you pass. The Chief also follows the weathered wagon path of the old Santa Fe Trail – an experience impossible to recreate on the road. Passengers might have to hustle for a spot in the Observation Car to soak up the best views, but it's well worth it. 

Coast Starlight: Los Angeles, California to Seattle, Washington

The Coast Starlight is a wonderful 35-hour journey, linking some of the West Coast’s finest cities, including Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland and Seattle. Soon after leaving LA’s sprawl behind, the Starlight treats travelers to some of the most glittering Californian views on the Pacific Coast. After that, there’s the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests and fertile valleys to enjoy.

The train departs daily (check the Amtrak site for details) and is grouped among the most spectacular train routes in America. As with all long-distance Amtrak trains, there's a wide range of accommodation available, as well as the Sightseer Lounge to soak in those sparkling views of the Pacific shoreline.

Tennessee Valley Railroad, Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley Railroad is a rolling museum of vintage trains, offering a variety of trips that show what traveling was like during the Golden Age of Rail. Excursions include a 50-mile half-day round trip to the Hiwassee Loop from Etowah, as well as a six-hour tour of the historic Civil War town Chickamauga, Georgia, via the former Central of Georgia Railroad.

The Copperhill Special ride heads south, winding up in the twin towns of Copperhill, Tennessee and McCaysville, Georgia by lunchtime, before returning in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Summerville Steam Special follows a historic nine-hour route from Grand Junction depot in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Summerville, Georgia and back. Trains run on select dates from April to November. 

Cass Scenic Railroad, West Virginia

The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a charming lumber heritage railroad in the mountains of West Virginia's Pocahontas County. The 11-mile each way route takes in gorgeous country views and the historic company town of Cass. Steam locomotives whisk passengers to the summit of Bald Knob, the highest point on Back Allegheny Mountain, on a 4.5-hour round trip. Passengers ride on open-sided log cars and a traditional "King of the Road hobo lunch" (meat and potatoes cooked in foil) is served on board after passing Old Spruce junction.

There's a 30-minute layover at Bald Knob, 4,842 feet (1,476m) above sea level. One of West Virginia's highest mountains, it's the perfect spot to enjoy fine views across two states. Back in Cass, a company town founded in 1901 by the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, passengers can soak up the atmosphere and imagine it in its logging heyday.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Colorado

The coal-fired locomotives are originals from the 1880s and the route follows in the tracks of countless miners, cowboys and gunslingers from the Old West. There are four classes to choose from during the summer season from May through to October. Check the company's website for the latest information.

Adirondack: New York City, New York to Montréal, Canada

The train leaves daily from NYC's Penn Station and the morning departure is perfect for taking in the views as you head north – fall is the best time to travel to witness the colorful trees lining the tracks in all their splendor. Check the Amtrak site for the latest updates. 

Mount Washington Cog Railway, New Hampshire

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, the first of its kind in the world, runs scenic rides to the summit of Mount Washington. Located in stunning Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains, this National Historic Engineering Landmark is certainly a fun way to discover rural New England. Passengers ride in brightly colored vintage cars from 1869 and three-hour round trips depart daily from May to October.

Thick forest gives way to rough terrain as the train chugs along the roughly 3.5-mile track, at a 37% gradient at certain points. At the summit, travelers have an hour to walk around the Sherman Adams Visitor Center and visit its Cog Railway Museum. Weather permitting, the 360-degree views embrace five states, Canada and the Atlantic.

Crescent: New York City, New York to New Orleans, Louisiana

Amtrak’s Crescent train ties together two great and vastly different cities: New York and New Orleans. The 30-hour journey kicks off from New York City’s Penn Station, rattling its way down through some of the most populous cities of the northeast corridor in an afternoon, including Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC. On the second day the views get more scenic: travelers pass through forests of dogwood trees into the Deep South via Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama before arriving in the Big Easy in the late evening.

Departing three times a week, the journey is at its best in summer, when passengers in the Lounge Car are normally joined by guides from the National Park Service, who are able to share plenty of interesting facts about the points of interest along the way. Check the Amtrak website for the latest updates. 

Redwood Forest Steam Train, California

California’s Roaring Camp Railroads offers two contrasting heritage services, both of which are great fun. Their Redwood Forest Steam Train experience offers the chance to ride on a narrow-gauge steam train over trestle bridges and through towering redwoods. The train is pulled by one of the original 1890s narrow-gauge steam locomotives that were used to haul the giant redwood logs out of the mountains, and are among the oldest and most authentically preserved in America.

The train travels from Felton in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the summit of Bear Mountain for 75 breathtaking minutes. Conveniently, conductors are on hand to narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest. Adults can typically book an Engineer For The Day experience and ride in the cab to assist in the locomotive's running, while little ones will love a day out with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, North Carolina

All the GSMR's excursions leave from Bryson City and there's a choice between steam or diesel locomotive journeys. As well as the standard scenic excursions, there are also special events for kids such as PEANUTS Easter Beagle Express and PEANUTS The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. The summer season runs between March and November, while the steam train journeys run from June to December – check the GSMR website for the latest information.

White Pass & Yukon Route, Alaska

The snow-dusted mountains, pink and yellow wildflowers and rambling hills along the White Pass and Yukon Route appear almost Alpine – but they're actually a snapshot of Alaska's wilderness. The railroad has its roots in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, when it was constructed to help gold prospectors get out of Skagway and into Canada. Today, the 110-mile stretch can be traveled in vintage cars via two excursions. On the journey, passengers take in a panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges and waterfalls.

The two-and-a-half-hour Summit Excursion retraces the original route to the White Pass Summit, 3,000 feet above sea level. It's scheduled to run between April and October and tickets are already available to book. The eight-hour Bennett Scenic Journey between Skagway, Alaska, and Carcross, Yukon in Canada travels along the same route taken by gold prospectors.

Empire Builder: Chicago, Illinois to Portland or Seattle, Washington

The Empire Builder is yet another of Amtrak’s epic cross-country routes covering vast swathes of the USA and incredibly varied terrain. There’s a historic dimension to the journey too, since the train follows portions of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Departing from Chicago, travelers glide past the Mississippi River before hitting the illuminated night skyline of Minneapolis and St Paul.

The 46-hour journey takes travelers through the North Dakota plains and through Glacier National Park towards Spokane on day three. From there the route forks: there's a Portland option, heading down through the Columbia River Gorge past sublime views of Mount Hood and Beacon Rock, or a journey to Seattle via Leavenworth, dubbed The Bavarian Village. Trains depart daily – visit the Amtrak website for the latest information.

Denali Star: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska

Passengers can typically pair their train journeys with day trips in Talkeetna, an excursion in Denali National Park, or even plan a multi-day itinerary with overnight stays along the way. In addition to the standard stops, the train will provide a flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane. The trains depart daily between May to September. 

Napa Valley Wine Train, California

It isn’t just about the wine, though. There’s a lot of history packed into these century-old railcars, which trundle elegantly along a route stretching back more than 150 years. The carriages, with opulent velvet-upholstered seats, mahogany paneling and brass, have been sensitively restored to evoke the glamor of vintage train travel.

Sky Railway, New Mexico

Sky Railway in New Mexico is a heritage line that's recently gotten a new lease of life, with new routes debuted in December 2021. The 141-year-old Santa Fe Railway was saved by a group of enthusiasts ( Game of Thrones author George RR Martin among them) in 2020 and now the historic rail line has been turned into a fantasy-filled adventure ride.   

Departing from Santa Fe, adventures range in length and offers a wide range of themes, from culinary experiences to an opportunity to journey back in time to the days of the Wild West. Guests can also do a murder mystery or board the StarGazer Express at night to take in the glorious celestial show the Galisteo Basin offers.

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Clerical Administrator Support, CCE Department

Position: Clerical Administrator Support, Limerick Junction, Chief Civil Engineers, (CCE) Department.

Location: Limerick Junction

Salary: €28k - €48K depending on experience

Contract Hours: 36-hour week Monday – Friday

Contract Duration: 2 year Fixed-Term Contract initially with a potential option of permanency following appropriate probationary period.

Annual Leave Entitlement: 20 days per annum.

Availability: Immediate

We are now recruiting for a Clerical Administrator Support , Limerick Junction, Chief Civil Engineers, (CCE) Department.

Reporting to the HR & Finance Office Manager the successful candidate will be required to provide clerical & administration support in the office of the Infrastructure Manager, Limerick Junction within the Chief Civil Engineer’s Department

Essential requirements:

• Minimum of 1-year administrative experience
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• Sap MM experience.
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A competency-based interview will from part of the selection process.  Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of experience and/or application/CV.

To apply, submit your CV to [email protected] by Friday 5th July 2024. If any applicants have special requirements, please advise when forwarding your application/CV.

For further information about the role and related benefits please contact us through the above e-mail address.   

At Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail we are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in all that we do.  This starts with how we recruit people into our organisation.  We ensure our attraction and selection processes are designed with equal opportunity at the forefront of our minds.  It is important to us that all individuals feel welcome to join our organisation and we take great care to create an environment that ensures an even playing field for all.

In our hiring practices, we will strive to provide reasonable accommodation to all candidates where required and requested. 

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How To Buy Dutch Train Tickets

If you want to get a handle on using the Dutch rail system, then here we discuss in detail the different types of rail tickets available in the Netherlands and how to buy them.

Dutch trains are mainly run by the national rail company NS ( Nederlandse Spoorwegen ) and the network covers the country extensively. Travelling by train is convenient, reliable and reasonable value for money. All prices below are for 2024.

How To Book Dutch Train Tickets

You can check timetables, prices and make online bookings for Dutch domestic train services at the official NS (Dutch Railways) site here . Prices are in euros (EUR) only and payment is accepted by iDeal or credit cards (Visa/Mastercard/American Express). There are no booking fees, however tickets are non-refundable.

Rail Ticket Formats in the Netherlands

There are 3 different ticket formats available for sale for travel on Dutch Railways – these are single-use disposable tickets, OV-chip cards/OVpay and online tickets. Further below we will overview the specific rail fares and special train tickets available in the Netherlands.

1 – Single-use train tickets in the Netherlands

This is a disposable OV-chip cards (eenmalige chipkaart) and can be bought at any Dutch NS train station. Back in 2014 it replaced the old style paper tickets.

• There is a €1 surcharge in addition to the standard fare.
• It is made from card (with the chip inside), it is printed with the date/route and can be purchased on-the-day or up to a week ahead of travel.
• To validate the ticket passengers must check-in and check-out of their journey using the card readers near the platforms or at the gate barriers.
• The card is disposed of after use – it cannot be used again.

2 – OV-chip card / OVpay for Dutch trains

The OV-chip card (OV-chipkaart) is the Dutch public transport smart card . The personal or anonymous OV-chip cards can store travel credit which can be used for rail travel at standard fares by simply checking-in and checking-out between 2 stations.

Similarly, payment by contactless debit/credit card/mobile ( OVpay ) was introduced in 2023 for public transport in the Netherlands (see further below).

You can buy an ’empty’ anonymous OV-chip card for €7.50 (non-refundable, made from plastic and lasts 4-5 years) and then load it with ‘e-purse’ credit up to a maximum of €150. We no longer recommend the OV-chip card for short-term visitors – either use OVpay or buy standard tickets online or at the station.

Cards purchased at NS stations are automatically activated for train travel. Cards bought elsewhere (eg other transport providers, newsagents, supermarkets) may need to be activated for ‘pre-paid travel without NS subscription’ (reizen op saldo zonder NS-abonnement) at a train station ticket machine or service desk.

For rail travel with NS the card must be loaded with at least €20 credit . To check-in hold the card once against the NS card reader. On successful check-in a green light flashes accompanied by a single beeping sound – €20 is taken off the card balance as an initial boarding deposit.

A check-in error (such as a bad contact with the reader or insufficient credit) will make a sound of 3 loud beeps.

After check-in you can board a train departing within the next 30 minutes. You only need to check-out again when you arrive at your final domestic destination station. On successful check-out the reader beeps twice and shows the fare and remaining e-purse balance. The €20 deposit is refunded back onto the card with the correct fare deducted.

Here are some features about using the OV-chip card for rail travel in the Netherlands:

• If you fail to check-out you will lose the €20 deposit!
• The default travel class for OV-chip cards is 2nd class rail travel, though you can change this setting to 1st class using a station ticket machine.
• OV-chip cards can only be used by 1 person on a particular journey – so if you are travelling in a group, everyone will need their own card or ticket.
• Using an OV-chip card avoids the €1 surcharge for single-use tickets.
• If you check-in and check-out at the same train station within 1 hour (say you change your mind about travelling) you will not be charged any fare.
• You must complete check-out on the rail network within a maximum of 6 hours after check-in.

Officially you are not permitted to backtrack unless travelling via an allowable connection . In general you must always be travelling away from the station where you checked-in.

Checking-out and re-checking-in is required if connecting onto another domestic rail operator such as Arriva, Blauwnet, Breng, Connexxion (Valleilijn), Keolis and R-NET . Note that OV-chip cards are not used for international trips.

The OV-chip card credit is valid on all forms of public transport in the Netherlands and means you do not have to buy a separate ticket for each trip – as long as you have sufficient credit. A minimum of €4 credit is required for other forms of transport.

With the possibilities of e-tickets/mobile tickets and contactless debit/credit card payments, we no longer recommend visitors invest €7.50 to buy an anonymous OV-chip card.

Personal OV-chip cards are only available to residents of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. It includes the holder’s name and photo.

It works the same way as the anonymous card but includes other features such as guaranteed card replacement if lost and automatic payment or top-ups using direct debit. NS discount cards and season ticket cards can also be used as personal OV-chip cards.

Note, the OV-chip card in its current form is being phased out by 2025. A new OV-pas with digital features will be rolled out from 2024.

OVpay on the Dutch rail network

As with the OV-chip card the standard distance fare is charged. One downside is you can’t see exactly what you are charged until you check your payment card statement.

• OVpay only works with Maestro, V PAY, Mastercard or Visa branded cards.
• On check-in, you should get a message ‘IN Debit Card’ on the card reader screen.
• On successful check-out, the card reader should show ‘OUT Debit Card’ – you will be charged the standard fare to your card account the following day.
• The payment reference will be ‘NLOV’ followed by 14 digits. If you make multiple trips on a single day you will only have one transaction charged as the sum of all trips.
• Note, if you fail to check-out correctly you will likely be charged the €20 deposit. You can check travel history and request a refund here
• OVpay is only valid for 2nd class travel, you cannot use it for 1st class.
• If a conductor does a ticket check, they will scan the card and can only see where/when you checked-in.
• If you check-out at the same station within 60 minutes of checking in you will not be charged.

3 – E-Tickets / Mobile Tickets

You can purchase e-tickets/mobile tickets at the NS site online at standard fares. You can also get a 10% discount if you purchase singles or day returns online at least 4 days in advance. Payment is in euros only, tickets are non-refundable.

Tickets can be bought online up to 1 month in advance of travel.

• By buying online tickets you avoid the €1 surcharge for single-use tickets.
• NS e-tickets and mobile tickets are personal and require name and accompanying identification.
• E-tickets can be printed out in A4 format; mobile tickets are downloaded to a smartphone or added to the NS app.

E-tickets/mobile tickets come with a square QR-code. At stations with closed gate barriers look for the gate with the “scan ticket” symbol and scan the QR-code on the reader on the right-hand side. The gate should open to let you through – if you have any problems there are staff on hand to help.

At stations without gate barriers you don’t need to scan the ticket.

If you need refundable tickets then purchase Dutch rail e-tickets at the Trainline site

Train Fares in the Netherlands

Domestic rail fares in the Netherlands are fixed and depend on distance travelled. You can always just turn up at the station and purchase a ticket at the standard fare.

The standard fare covers travel in 2nd class carriages. A 1st class ticket costs about 67% more than the equivalent 2nd class fare. All Dutch rail tickets include a VAT (BTW) charge of 9%.

Dutch domestic fares are increased at the beginning of each calendar year.

With a valid train ticket (disposable ticket, checked-in OV-chip card, e-ticket/mobile ticket) you can jump onboard any standard service to your destination and just find a free seat in your class. There are no seating reservations required on standard trains.

Don’t board a train without a valid ticket as if you get caught you may have to pay a penalty of €50.

For more info/photos on Dutch trains see train types in the Netherlands

The following fare types are available for train travel in the Netherlands:

One-way ticket (Enkele reis)

The one-way ticket covers travel between 2 specified Dutch stations (eg – Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central , €4.90).

• There is a €1 surcharge for buying a disposable (one-time use) single fare ticket.
• The single one-way fare will be deducted from an OV-chip card after check-in and check-out or will be charged to a contactless bank card if using OVpay.
• E-ticket singles can also be purchased at the standard fare or with 10% discount if booking more than 4 days ahead.
• The single is valid 28 hours – between 0000 on the travel date to 0400 the following day.

Note, the minimum possible NS one-way fare on the Dutch rail network in 2nd class is €2.60. Likewise, the maximum possible one-way fare in 2nd class is capped at €29.40 (2024).

TIP: Take advantage of allowable stopovers with e-tickets . If you have a mobile or e-ticket (one-way or day return) then you are allowed to make unlimited stopovers at any stations along your specified route.

Day Return (Dagretour)

If you are planning to return on the same day to your starting station then you should purchase a day return ticket. The fare is simply the sum of 2 singles.

• There is a €1 surcharge for disposable (one-time use) day return ticket – note, if you buy 2 separate singles you would pay €1×2 = €2 surcharge.
• The day return is valid 28 hours – between 0000 on the travel date to 0400 the following day.

For UK travellers, please note that NS does not sell ‘open return’ tickets where you can return on a day of your choice – for that case you should just buy separate singles each way on the particular day.

Children’s Ticket (Railrunner)

Children aged between 4 and 11 can travel unaccompanied in 2nd class using a Railrunner ticket which costs just €2.50 and is valid for the whole day. It can be bought as disposable OV-chip card (with €1 surcharge). The child must check-in and -out of each journey if using a disposable ticket.

Railrunner tickets can also be bought without surcharge as an e-ticket/mobile ticket or added as a product onto an anonymous or personal OV-chip card. Kids aged 3 and under travel for free.

For 1st class travel, up to 3 children can use a Railrunner ticket as long as they are accompanied by an adult (over 18) with a valid 1st class ticket. Additional children (4 or more) travelling with a single adult in 1st class need to travel with a personal or anonymous OV-chip card and can load the 40% ‘Joint Journey Discount’ product (see below).

Other NS Rail Ticket Types

Amsterdam travel ticket.

This ticket is a possible option for visitors arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol airport. It combines the airport train journey with unlimited GVB public transport (trams, buses, metro and night buses) around Amsterdam.

It offers unlimited travel for NS train journeys between Schiphol Airport and any station in Amsterdam (Central, Amstel, Bijlmer-ArenA, Duivendrecht, Holendrecht, Lelylaan, Muiderpoort, RAI, Sciencepark, Sloterdijk or Zuid). This also includes any train journeys between the mentioned Amsterdam stations.

Ticket costs are €18 (1 day), €24 (2 days) and €30 (3 days). Note that validity of the card is on a ‘day’ basis, not ’24 hours’ and cards expire at 0400 the following morning of the last valid day.

You can buy the Amsterdam Travel Ticket online here

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

This ticket is valid on all public transport in the greater Amsterdam region . This includes NS trains , all regional buses (Connexxion, EBS and Arriva Keukenhof services) and all GVB Amsterdam buses, metro and trams.

In terms of rail this card is valid to the following selected stations: all Amsterdam stations, Haarlem, Schiphol Airport, Hoofddorp, Zandvoort-aan-Zee, Zaandam, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, Hilversum, Naarden-Bussum, Almere and Lelystad.

Ticket costs are €21.00 (1 day), €31.50 (2 days) and €40.50 (3 days). Note the validity of the card is also on a ‘day’ basis, not ’24 hours’ and cards expire at 0400 the following morning of the last valid day.

Tip: If you have this ticket and need to travel by rail outside the ticket area then first use this ticket to travel to the ‘edge’ of the zone. For example, if going from Amsterdam to Den Haag, buy a ticket from Schiphol Airport or Hoofddorp instead of from Amsterdam Central – this will be cheaper.

You can buy the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online here

Holland Travel Ticket

This product makes it easier for visitors to navigate the Netherlands on one single ticket. It is valid for 1 day on all public transport in the country including trains (2nd class), buses, trams and metro. It can be bought at the desk or ticket machines at stations and is a disposable OV-chip card. You must check-in and check-out for each journey leg.

The standard Holland Travel Ticket costs €70 (2024) and can be used anytime during the day.

The off-peak Holland Travel Ticket costs €48 and is valid for travel only after 0900 (Mon-Fri). However it is valid all day at weekends.

If you plan to do a lot of travelling on a single day (either in terms of distance or using different forms of transport) then this ticket could offer good value and not having to buy separate tickets.

For example, an Amsterdam-Maastricht day return costs just over €50 – so using an off-peak Holland Travel Ticket could save some money – and you always have the option of using other forms of transport.

NS Off-Peak Group Ticket (Groepsticket)

If you plan to make a longer rail journey in the Netherlands with a group then this special online ticket could potentially offer big savings.

The NS Group Ticket is an online deal which allows 2-7 people to make a single journey between any 2 stations on the Dutch rail network. Passengers must always travel with the main ticket holder.

You can only buy the NS Group Ticket online here . It cannot be bought at the station.

The ticket costs €34 (2-3 passengers), €38 (4 pax), €42 (5 pax), €46 (6 pax) and €50 (7 pax). This means the ticket ranges between €7.14 and €17 per person, depending on number of passengers. If a return leg is required a second Group Ticket can be purchased.

You can only travel on the group ticket during the weekday off-peak hours 0900-1630 and 1830-0630. You can travel anytime at weekends.

Off-peak bicycle ticket (fietskaart dal)

If you want to carry a bicycle on board then you need a bicycle ticket (€7.50) which is valid for 1 day. The ticket can be in any of the 3 standard formats – disposable, added to an OV-chip card or as an e-ticket/mobile ticket.

You cannot travel with a bike during weekday rush hours, although this is allowed on a public holiday and during July/August. Off-peak hours are 0900-1600 and 1830-0630 on weekdays.

You must store your bike in the special carriages labelled with the bike sign. If there is no space available then you must wait for the next train. Folded bikes can be carried for free.

Don’t forget, you also need a valid train ticket for travel as well!

Dog day ticket (dagkaart hond)

Those travelling with a dog or other leashed animal will require a dog day ticket which costs €3.30. Dog tickets are available to purchase in the 3 formats.

NS Day Ticket (NS dagkaart)

This product costs €58.80 (2nd class) or €99.96 (1st class) and allows unlimited travel on the Dutch rail network for a single day. It can be purchased online in advance or added to an OV-chip card.

Note that the off-peak Holland Travel Ticket mentioned above is probably better value and more convenient for visitors.

For more on the rail network in the Netherlands see our Dutch Railways Guide

Train Fare Supplements

Some special train services require that you pay a compulsory supplement on top of your standard fare. Note, children with Railrunner tickets do not need to pay any supplements for these trains.

(1) A €2.90 supplement is required for domestic travel on the ICE International train going to Germany on the Amsterdam-Utrecht-Arnhem route. The supplement can be bought as an e-ticket, disposable ticket or loaded onto an OV-chip card using a NS ticket machine or service desk.

(2) The Intercity Direct train runs Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport-Rotterdam-Breda and requires a supplement only for the Schiphol Airport-Rotterdam sector . This also costs €2.90 .

The supplement can be bought as an e-ticket, disposable ticket at a ticket machine or service desk.

Alternatively hold a checked-in anonymous or personal OV-chip card against the special red supplement card readers found at platforms of all Intercity Direct stations – this will pay the supplement from the e-purse balance. There is a reduced €1.74 price for travel during the off-peak hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1600 and 1830-0630, anytime at weekends) using the special reader.

You can cancel the supplement (if you decide not to take the Intercity Direct train) by scanning the card again within 30 minutes at the same station.

At the end of your trip you just need to check-out as usual using the standard card readers – you don’t need to check-out using the supplement readers.

NS Discount (Korting) Cards

Generally, discounted train fares are NOT available to any adult visitors including those over 60. Visitors to the Netherlands pay the standard fare unless they hold a discount card or are travelling with someone who does.

If you live in Netherlands (or have a Dutch address) NS has a number of discount card options which can be bought on a subscription basis. For more info see: NS Dutch Railways Discount Cards

The standard card is the “ Dal Voordeel abonnement ” or “ korting ” card for short. This card entitles you and up to 3 travel companions to 40% off the standard fare.

However the discount is not valid if checking-in during the weekday rush-hours of 0630-0900 and 1600-1830 . You will still get the 40% discount if checking-in during off-peak hours and then checking-out during the peak period.

The card costs €67.20 per year for travel on balance or €5.60 per month for NS Flex – where you are invoiced monthly fo ryour travel costs.

You need to upload a photo which will be scanned onto the card – which is then used as a personal OV-chip card. Order the NS Dal Voordeel discount card here – select ‘On balance’ for the annual card

When using this card for off-peak rail travel, the discounted fare is automatically applied.

The minimum e-purse balance required for discounted travel is €10, rather than €20. After checking-in and -out the discounted fare will be deducted.

Any travel companion who wishes to travel at the discounted fare now needs to first receive your personal co-travel discount code . Only then can they buy an e-ticket online or via the NS app.

InterRail & Eurail Tickets

Both InterRail and Eurail passes are generally valid for travel on Dutch domestic trains. Only the Intercity Direct trains between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam requires the €2.90 supplement to be paid.

The InterRail Global Pass is a rail pass (15 days to 3 months) valid for travel in 33 countries around Europe and this includes the Netherlands. It is only available for European citizens and residents including Turkey. You can purchase an InterRail Pass here

Similarly, the Eurail pass (15 days to 3 months) is available for non-European residents and is also valid in the 33 countries.

How To Buy Rail Tickets at Stations in the Netherlands

At NS train stations you can purchase a range of disposable rail tickets as well as buying anonymous OV-chip cards and loading travel credit.

This can be done at either (1) the Tickets & Service counters or using (2) the NS train ticket machines.

1. The Tickets & Service counters can be found at most main stations – some are branded ‘OV Service & Tickets’ . For example, Amsterdam Central has a main ticket service counter at the city-side exit and also a smaller OV Service & Tickets in the IJ-hal passageway near the waterside.

Service desks accept payment by cash (euro banknotes or coins) and debit/credit cards (V-Pay, Maestro, Mastercard, Visa and American Express) using pin and/or contactless.

2. The yellow and blue NS ticket machines are available at all stations. They accepts debit/credit cards (with pin) and also euro coins (change given) via the coin slot. Unfortunately, they do NOT accept euro banknotes . Some smaller stations in the Netherlands are unmanned and will only have 1 or 2 ticket machines available.

The NS ticket machine has a touch screen interface with an English language option (click the British flag in the bottom left-hand corner). It looks like this:

To buy disposable tickets, simply select “One-way” or “Day return” on the front page and go from there. Select your destination, class, date (on-the-day or up to 1 week ahead), the number of tickets and choose your payment type.

The machine covers all domestic routes – you just need to choose your destination from an alphabetical list. If required, you can also change the “from” station by clicking on its box.

Press “Other Products” on the homepage screen if requiring children’s Rail Runner tickets, anonymous OV-chip cards, supplements and other ticket types.

Note that the €1 single-use ticket surcharge applies when buying either from the service desk or ticket machine.

If you have an OV-chip card you can place it on the white and pink card reader to check the balance, add credit or travel products onto the card.

Train tickets in the Netherlands can also be booked at the Omio site (official partner of NS).

International Train Tickets

Tickets & Service counters at major city stations also sell international train tickets, although a service fee is charged. Alternatively, purchase online (no service fee) at NS International

International routes available are covered in our guide to International trains to / from Amsterdam

NS ticket machines also sell a limited range of international tickets (without seat reservation) to Belgium, Luxembourg plus selected destinations in Western Germany.

This article was originally published in 2010 and has continuously been updated. Last update 19 March 2024 .

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

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How to Choose the Right Tour Group

Group size, participants’ age range, style of travel and budget are among the factors you should consider when selecting an itinerary.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Tour companies that offer multiday trips arrange most everything for you: lodging, sightseeing, food and transportation. But group size, style of travel and budget are among the considerations travelers should assess before picking a tour. Read on for tips.

Big group or small

Start your research by thinking about how many people you want to travel with and what your tolerance is for the social demands dictated by group size.

Smaller groups can move more nimbly and possibly see more. But they can also be more intensely social as you spend a great deal of time with the same people touring and dining.

Larger groups tend to require more time to get around, but they can also offer more social variety — for example, you can change up your lunch partners more easily.

“Large groups offer anonymity, allowing travelers to choose their level of interaction,” said Deborah Miller, a travel adviser and the owner of Edge of Wonder Travels Unlimited in San Francisco. “Conversely, smaller groups foster intimacy among travelers, guides and the destination itself.”

Look for age-appropriate trips

Think about the demographics of your travel party and consider matching that to a tour company.

Operators often segment their trips by age under the assumption that similarly aged people have more in common or prefer the same pace. Road Scholar , for example, caters to an intellectually curious 50-plus crowd.

On the other end of the spectrum, G Adventures offers a category of trips for “18-to-thirtysomethings” and Intrepid Travel has trips for 18-to-35-year-olds.

With their inherent age spans, families can be a tough demographic to fit into larger group departures, which is why companies tend to break up family offerings by age group.

The active tour company Backroads has three age segments for families, including trips for those with children 4 to 19, those with older teens and younger adults into their 20s, and those with children in their 20s and beyond.

“By definition, that creates somewhat of an age segmentation among parents, too,” said Tom Hale, the founder, president and chief executive of Backroads.

Go general or specific

A popular option for first-timers, a general tour will hit the highlights of a destination, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in Paris or major sites in Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan.

Beyond the general approach, alternatives abound based on themes, styles of travel or hobbies.

Themed trips include a culinary tour of Sicily , a deep dive into literary England , Europe’s World War II battlefields and how women live in India .

In addition to topics, trips often revolve around the means of travel, such as going by train , on foot or by boat (a category that can be further segmented by size, from a cruise ship to a barge or a kayak ).

Tours can also allow you to pursue an interest like swimming or knitting in a unique destination.

Analyze tour inclusions

Once you determine where and how you want to go, prices will range from budget to luxury.

“For travelers on a budget, large group tours tend to be the best fit because it’s a great way to see major attractions at a lower price point,” said Cheyenne Schriefer, a travel adviser and the owner of All Travel Matters in Golden Valley, N.D.

But not all tours are built the same. To compare them, consider what they include.

For example, G Adventures has a 10-day hiking trip in Switzerland from $1,799 a person and a 10-day hiking trip in Portugal for $4,499. The latter is billed as a luxury trip, so the accommodations are pricier, but it also includes most meals, transfers and activities. The Swiss tour offers more basic lodgings, transfers, optional activities available for a fee, and fewer meals.

“Sometimes fewer inclusions are better than more,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president of Frommer Media, which publishes Frommer’s guidebooks . She pointed out that restaurants that can accommodate busloads probably don’t attract local traffic and that independent sightseeing allows you to “wander through local neighborhoods to get the feel of local life.”

Expertise of the guide or tour leader can also alter the price and the experience. You can expect to pay more for a tour led by a specialist, such as an Egyptologist guiding a group along the Nile.

Gauge your level of independence

Do you prefer to follow a strict schedule that relieves you from having to find, say, a restaurant for dinner? Or do you appreciate some structure — like knowing your hotel reservations are covered — but also want free time to explore independently?

Tour companies run the gamut. Before booking, read the itineraries carefully to find out if the schedule is tight or loose. If that is not clear, call the company to ask.

For truly independent travelers, self-guided tours offered by companies such as Inntravel , Exodus Adventure Travels and Macs Adventure make your ground arrangements and provide an itinerary to follow. Popular in Europe, these itineraries tend to be inn-to-inn walking or cycling trips that include luggage transfers.

“Self-guided travelers are independent but love the support of having a trip arranged for them, and they don’t want to hike with a big backpack anymore,” said Jasper Verlaan, the U.S. sales director for Macs Adventure.

Ask for recommendations

If you’re still unsure about putting down a deposit once you’ve done your research, ask the tour company if you may speak to a past client.

“Ask for references,” said Lynn Cutler, the senior vice president of travel for Smithsonian Enterprises, which runs the tour company Smithsonian Journeys . “We’ll find them a traveler who has done this trip in the past and put them in touch.”

For more travel advice, visit our collection of Travel 101 tips and hacks.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

London:  A writer used Camille Pissarro’s paintings of suburban London and a “lost” railway as a lens for exploring the city’s history  — and settling an arcane mystery.

Dublin,:  While the Irish capital has become a more international hub, locals have made efforts to ensure what makes the city unique — its spirited personality and famed hospitality  — doesn’t get entirely swallowed up.

Norway:  Can A.I. devise a bucket-list vacation to the Scandinavian nation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? We put three virtual assistants to the test .

The Berkshires:  A writer shares his favorite ways to experience the often-overlooked  Housatonic River in western Massachusetts.

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New rail ticket unleashes weekend travel with thousands more routes

02 Jul 2024

Make the most of Summer: Save over 50% and get an extra day away!

A groundbreaking rail ticket that offers fully flexible weekend travel, giving passengers the freedom to journey on Fridays or Saturdays and return on Mondays has now been extended.

With thousands of additional route options available, this ticket transforms weekend getaways, making spontaneous adventures more accessible than ever.

Great Western Railway launched the  Long Weekender ticket  earlier this year to offer full flexibility to those who want a weekend getaway, while providing a cheaper more comfortable return journey on a Monday. It was however limited to certain routes, travelling away from London.

Now the train operator has extended the use of the ticket across its network, offering more than 5,500 different route combinations including towards London for the first time.

The ticket allows customers to depart at any time on Friday or Saturday, including during the peaks, and return at any time on Monday, offering more than 50% off the cost of a peak Anytime return.

Sundays have become particularly busy for train services, with more people than ever choosing to travel over the weekend, and changes in work patterns have seen commuter journeys fall when compared with pre-pandemic levels – leaving many Monday trains less popular.

GWR Sales & Marketing Director Amanda Burns explains:

“Changing customer patterns have provided a clear opportunity for us to expand our leisure offers, particularly with less people travelling on Mondays.

“This ticket offers great savings if you’re heading for rest in the West or a show in London; staying at a hotel or B&B; or visiting friends and family. And if you need to catch up on those work emails on the way home on Monday, you can do so from the comfort of the train.”

Available to book exclusively on GWR.com, find out more about the Long Weekender  here .

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium