If you’re dreaming of a summer escape, away from airport queues and delayed flights, this railcard to explore a beautiful European country might be the ticket you’re looking for
Holidays this summer just got a lot easier and cheaper thanks to a railcard that will offer unlimited travel around a beautiful country for just £42.
Now more than ever, British holidaymakers are looking for alternative ways to travel, whether that’s opting for a staycation rather than jetting off abroad, or choosing lesser-known destinations to help save some extra cash. Many are even considering ditching plane for trains, and it might just be the perfect time to do so ahead of the summer holidays.
The railway operator in the Netherlands, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), has released a rail card that allows travellers to take unlimited train journeys throughout the country for just £42.20 (€49) a month. The affordable travel option, under the Nederland Dal Vrij subscription, is available to use throughout the month during off-peak times, weekends and public holidays, including in the summer.
However, those interested in the monthly unlimited train travel will have to be quick, as the discounted offer is available to purchase until 30 June. The original price of the rail card subscription, called NS Flex Dal Vrij, is £110.18 (€127.95), but with the prices slashed for summer at just £42.20 (€49) a month, it offers a generous saving of £67.99.
In a statement, NS said: “For €49 per month, you can travel endlessly throughout the Netherlands during off-peak hours. From Groningen to Middelburg and from Maastricht to Den Helder, the Netherlands lie at your feet.”
One of the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands is its capital, Amsterdam, known for its 165 winding canals, cycling culture, world-famous museums, distinctive architecture and thriving food scene. Visitors can stroll along the canals or see the sights on a boat tour, sample the flavours of their iconic stroopwafels and fries, or simply take time stopping by their renowned coffee shops or admiring their beautiful city facades.
Rotterdam is another tourist hotspot, being the second-largest city in the Netherlands and home to Europe’s largest port. The city is vastly different from Amsterdam, with grand, modern architecture and a skyline that compares to New York. There’s plenty to explore, from its huge market hall with a bustling food scene, to the bright yellow, renowned cube houses and its historic canal district.
Explaining in more detail about the rail card, the NS website highlights: “NS Flex Dal Vrij is great if you’re often out and about during off-peak hours, in the weekends and on public holidays: you can enjoy unlimited travel at those times. For most passengers, this season ticket works out cheaper if you are buying two return tickets a week.”
So, even if you miss out on the £42 deal, there’s still the option to buy the NS Flex Dal Vrij at its usual price. And while it’s more, it’s certainly cheaper than paying out for individual tickets, and allows you to easily travel between destinations in the European country for that scenic break away, and without those lengthy airport queues.
You might even pass by tulip fields and windmills on your scenic route through the Netherlands. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than some UK trains, with a single fare from London to Bristol costing up to £45 on a weekend in July, or from Bristol to Manchester up to £47.60.
For full details, or to book your tickets, visit the NS website.
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