OV-chipkaart: How does it work 

How does it work

Step 1 Reload

In order to travel using your Public Transport Smart Card (OV-chipkaart), the E-purse balance on the card must be sufficient or there must be a travel product, such as a season ticket, on the card. You can buy a season ticket at one of our Tickets & Info service points. You can reload your e-purse at any of the Ticket Vending and Add Value Machines located in all our metro stations and metro stops.

Step 2 Check in

When you start your journey, hold your card up to the logo on the card reader. At metro stations, card readers are built into the gates. At metro stops yellow card readers are located on freestanding pillars. The system checks whether your E-purse balance is sufficient or if there is a season ticket on your card. If so, the card reader gives a signal you can see and hear. The gate opens.

Step 3 Check out

At the end of your journey hold your card up to the logo on the card reader. In the metro stations, the card readers are built into the gates. At metro stops yellow card readers are located on freestanding pillars. If you are using your e-purse to travel, the system deducts the fare.