Getting around Leiden by public transport

OV-chipkaart 

Throughout the Netherlands, the public transport chip card (OV-chipkaart) is used to travel by public transportation. If you're in Leiden for a longer time and use public transport regularly, buying an OV-chipkaart is the best way. If you are here for a short period and rarely use public transport, you can also choose to purchase tickets. 

There are 2 types of chip cards: the personal OV-chipkaart and the anonymous OV-chipkaart. With the personal card, you are the only one who can use it, your balance can load automatically, and you can combine it with subscriptions. If you want to be sure your card is never out of credit, you can request an automatic reload on the OV-chipkaart website. If you're going to manually add credit to your card, you can do so at the card machines located at train stations, metro stations, and in buses and trams. 

The anonymous OV-chipkaart does not contain your personal information, so it is possible to lend it to a friend. It's very easy: buy it, load it, and use it right away.  

Both cards cost €7.50. You can apply for the personal OV-chipkaart online. You can buy the anonymous card at the station's ticket machines, the public transport companies' service desk, or Albert Heijn, Primera, AKO, Readshop, or Bruna. 

Plan your route 

Before you hit the road, it's helpful to plan your route. The app 9292 can help you plan your route from A to B and find all the information about prices, transfer times, and strikes or delays. You can also schedule the route accurately with Google Maps. You can use the NS app if you're only traveling by train. This app by the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways company) shows you all the necessary info about your trip, such as planned railroad work, delays, and station facilities. 

Train 

At only 8 minutes away by bike from Student Experience Leiden, you can find Leiden Central Station. Here, you can take Intercity trains (fast domestic trains with limited stops) or Sprinter trains (fast domestic trains that stop at all smaller train stations). Leiden has a favorable location close to Schiphol, Amsterdam, and the Hague. 

Bus 

Arriva buses take you all around the city of Leiden. Due to safety reasons, you can't buy a separate ticket using cash. Need a ticket? Either buy it with cash at the bus station or pay with your card on the bus. 

Taxi 

Taking a taxi is, of course, the most expensive option, but good to have in the back of your mind if you end up at the other end of the city, in the middle of the night, without a bike. Both Uber and Bolt operate in Leiden and offer rides to wherever you need to be. 

Getting around the city by public transportation can be expensive, especially when you're not eligible for Student OV discounts. Luckily, Leiden covers a reasonably small area, so you can bike from Student Experience to the other side of the city center in under 20 minutes. If you still need to get a bike, we recommend that you purchase or rent one.