Getting Around

As you probably know, the main form of transport in the Netherlands is biking. However, most cities and especially Enschede and the campus of the University of Twente are walkable and for larger distances, using public transport is the recommended form of travel. The process of using public transport here is generally simple: search for a connection using 9292, check in when boarding your ride, and enjoy the travel.

Payment and “Checking In”

picture of a person checking in at an NS check-in pole Image Source: NS

When you enter a train station, bus, tram, or any other means of public transport, you are required to check in. This is done by tapping your debit card, credit card, or phone, against one of the check-in poles. When you alight (or leave the train station), you have to tap again to check out. The system then computes the cheapest fare for you and deducts in directly from your card.

Gotchas

  • Make sure to always check out! If you forget to check out, you will be charged a fee!
  • Check the provider you are traveling with! When you found a connection using the 9292 app, it will tell you which train provider you are traveling with (e.g., NS, Blauwnet, …). Make sure you check in and out with the correct provider. If you need to switch withing a connection, there are check-in poles available at the platform. First, check out with the previous provider, and then check in with the new one. If you fail to do this, you will be charged a fine when you are being checked in the train.

Example: From the Airport to the Venue

If you arrive by plane, you will most likely land at Schiphol airport, one of the busiest airports worldwide. It is, however, quite easy to navigate, you just have to follow the signs towards the train station. Using 9292, you need to search for a connection from Amsterdam Schiphol. For instance, you might find the following connection:

connection from Schiphol to the University of Twente

Once arriving at the train station at the airport, you check in at one of the yellow poles saying NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen ≈ Dutch Railways). You can then board any NS train. When arriving at Zwolle, before changing into the Blauwnet train, make sure to check out at one of the NS-poles and check in at one of the Blauwnet-poles (Blauwnet poles are blue). After arriving at Hengelo Centraal, walk to the bus station (make sure to exit via one of the Blauwnet-gates) and check in when entering the bus. When arriving at Kennispark/UT, make sure to check out when you depart.

There are also NS-only connections from Schiphol to the university, then you do not need to check in and out in the meantime.

Getting Around in Enschede

Simply use 9292 (there is also a great app for both Android and iOS) and check in and out with your debit card, credit card, or phone.