Public transport is widely used in the Netherlands by people of all ages. Whether it’s commuting to school or work, or travelling somewhere fun in their free time, many people rely on it. In Groningen, residents often use the bus or bike to get around. Read on for all the ins and outs of transportation in and outside of the city.
Main Form of Transportation in Groningen
The main form of transportation in Groningen is the bicycle. The city is designed with cyclists in mind, featuring dedicated bicycle lanes, special traffic lights, and specific cycling rules. Want to know more about biking in Groningen? Read our article.
Public Transport Planners
There are several easy ways to plan your public transport journeys in the Netherlands. The app and website 9292.nl lets you plan both train and bus trips. For train travel across the country, check ns.nl or download the NS app.
Travel by Train with a Discount This Summer
This summer, the Dutch government and NS are offering a special discount on a train travel subscription. The NS Flex Dal Vrij subscription allows unlimited train travel during off-peak hours for only €49 per month. If you’re planning to travel by train across the Netherlands this summer, this is a great opportunity!
Travel Discount in Groningen
For travellers in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe who can avoid rush hours or travel during weekends and public holidays, there is the Dal Korting Noord subscription. For just €5 per month, you get a 40% discount on bus and train journeys within the northern provinces. For more information, visit the Arriva website.
Train Discounts
NS, the national train operator, offers various seasonal tickets that make train travel across the Netherlands more affordable. For example, you can get a 40% discount on off-peak train tickets or enjoy unlimited weekend travel for €39.50 per month. Check NS.nl for all available seasonal tickets.
Sharing Discounts
With many NS seasonal tickets and the student travel product, you can often share your discount with fellow travellers. This is usually available outside rush hours and for a maximum of three people. Check the details of your discount to see if you can bring friends along at a reduced rate.
Public Transport Payment Methods
You can pay for public transport in the Netherlands in several ways:
- Debit card on your phone (OVpay): Check in on the bus or before boarding the train. Don’t forget to check out when you leave!
- OV-chipcard: You need to register for one. You can load subscriptions and credit onto the card. Note: Later this year (2026), the OV-chipkaart will be replaced by the OV-pas.
- Paper ticket: Buy one online, at a service desk, or from a ticket machine at the station.
Travel for Free (as a Student)
If you are eligible for student finance, you may qualify for the student travel product. For EU/EEA students, this usually requires working at least 32 hours per month. The product allows you to travel for free either during the week or at the weekend (your choice), and with a discount on the other days. For more information, visit the government website.
Renting Bikes at the Station
NS offers rental bikes at several train stations, including Groningen Central Station, Groningen Noord, and Groningen Europapark. You can check their website to see which stations have bikes available and how to rent them. An OV-chipcard is required.
In Groningen, you can also get a bike subscription through Swapfiets, or buy a new or second-hand bike at one of the local bike shops (fietsenwinkels) or online via Marktplaats.