Traveling with the OV-pas
Discover the new OV-pas!
The OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipkaart. With this new pink pass, you can check in and out on trains, trams, buses and metros anywhere in the Netherlands. The OV-pas works in the same way as the OV-chipkaart, but is much easier to use.
The benefits of the new OV-pas
- Easily top up your balance online via OVpay.nl or the OVpay app (no more queuing at ticket machines!)
You can check in again within 15 minutes of topping up your balance online
The OV-pas is more affordable than the OV-chipkaart (€6 instead of €7.50). The OV-pas is valid up to 5 years.
- Keep track of your costs - view your travel expenses and journeys up to 18 months back in the OVpay app.
This is how the OV-pas works
Order your OV-pas via OVpay.nl - it will be delivered to your door within a few working days.
- Top up your balance online via ovpay.nl or in the ovpay app (minimum €5)
Check in and out by holding your OV-pas against the card reader.
The fare will be calculated automatically and deducted from your balance.
Forgot to check in or out? You can easily adjust this in the OVpay app or on ovpay.nl. Please do so within 60 days of your journey. If you are entitled to a refund, the excess amount deducted will be added back to your balance.
Who is the OV-pas suitable for?
Many more services will be added to the OV-pas in the coming months, but at the moment, the OV-pas is particularly useful if you:
Currently travel with an OV-chipcard and top up your balance at a ticket machine
- Like having a separate card for travelling on public transport
With my subscription(s), can I already travel with the OV-pas?
last update 15-12-2025
We are continuously working to make all HTM OV-chipkaart subscriptions available on the OV-pas. Below, we have summarised what is currently available and what is not yet available.
| Subscription | Available on the new OV-pas? |
| Pay per ride | Yes |
| Age discount | Yes |
| Monthly discount | Available soon |
| Regional subscription | Available soon |
| Kids voor Niks | Not available yet |
| Ooievaarspas | Not available yet |
To see whether your subscription from another transport provider is already available on the OV-pas, check it here.
Is your HTM subscription not yet available on the OV-pas? Keep an eye on this page for updates.
Do you want convenience without having to top up your balance? Then consider travelling with your debit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new OV-pas?
The new OV-pas is the successor to the OV-chipcard. You travel on credit, which you can conveniently add to the card online. This means you no longer need to visit charging points. You can also link all kinds of travel products to your card online. The technology also makes it possible to receive alerts via the OVpay app to keep you informed of your check-ins, travel costs and missed check-outs. Very handy indeed.
Why is there going to be a new OV-pas?
The OV-chipcard is almost 20 years old. The technology is outdated and is being replaced.
The OV-pas and debit card are the new standard for checking in and out on public transport.
How do I apply for the OV-pas?
The OV-pas can be requested via ovpay.nl or in the OVpay app. After payment, the pass will be sent to your home within a few days. If you do not want to wait for this, you can also purchase the OV-pas at the HTM Service Desks. An OV-pas costs €6. This is €1.50 cheaper than an OV-chipkaart.
How much does the OV-pas cost?
The new OV-pas costs €6 and is valid up to 5 years.
How does the age discount on the OV-pas work?
If you are aged between 4 and 11 or 65+, you can travel with a 34% discount on your public transport pass for city and regional transport in the Netherlands. You must first register via ovpay.nl or in the OVpay app. Please also register if you already travel with an age discount on your public transport chip card. You cannot activate your age discount at HTM Service Shops.
How do I check in and out with the OV-pas?
Just like you are used to with the OV-chipcard. Hold your OV-pas against the card reader. When you have checked in successfully, you will hear one short beep and see a confirmation on the screen. When you check out, you will hear two short beeps and see another notification on the screen.
Tip: Always check in and out with the same pass. Hold your pass separately against the card reader. This will prevent you from accidentally checking in or out with the wrong pass.
What should I do if I forget to check in or out?
Forgot to check in or out? You can easily adjust this in the OVpay app or at OVpay.nl. Please do so within 60 days of your journey. If you need to pay extra or are due a refund, we will automatically adjust the balance on your OV-pas.
Can my child travel with the OV-pas?
Yes, this is possible. Your child can then check in and out themselves using their own OV-pas. If the child is aged between 4 and 11, they will travel with a 34% age discount. To do this, you must first register online at ovpay.nl or in the OVpay app.
Please note: Does your child currently travel for free with Kids voor Niks on an OV-chipcard? If so, please wait to switch until Kids voor Niks is also available on the OV-pas. The municipality of The Hague will inform you when this happens.
Can multiple people travel with the same OV-pas?
No, this is not possible. As with the OV-chipcard, one pass is the ticket for one person.
Why is check-in not working?
We're sorry to hear that! Read here how you can solve this problem.
Your public transport pass may be refused for various reasons:
1. You don't have enough credit on your OV-pas
Top up your credit. You will then be able to travel again within 15 minutes.
2. You have blocked your pass
Unblock your pass in the OVpay app. To do this, go to Passes, select your pass and press Unblock. You will then be able to travel again within 15 minutes.
3. Your pass is no longer valid
Your OV-pas is valid for 5 years. You can check whether your pass is still valid in your OVpay account. To do this, go to Passes, select your Ov-pas and look under “Valid until...”. Is your pass no longer valid? Request a new one.