Usually, we love it when the Netherlands tops the charts, but not this time… We’ve all been thinking it, but it’s now on paper: the Netherlands’ public transport is the second most costly in the world.
Ah, the Dutch public transport love-hate relationship continues… Admittedly, it’s pretty great at getting you to every far-away corner of the Netherlands.
However, the great connectivity comes at a great cost to our wallets, being the second most expensive country in the world for public transport, according to a study by Compare the Market.
So, next time you’re sitting on the train with the smell of your neighbour’s ramen and all the gossip of the people sitting in the quiet section, ask yourself: “Is it worth it?”
Just how expensive…?
The study looked at the average price of a one-way trip, as well as a monthly ticket in 99 countries.
The Netherlands sits at the tippy top in second place of the most expensive public transport, with an average price for a one-way trip costing you a whopping €3.28 (USD$3.65).
Using public transport regularly to get to work? The average cost for a monthly pass in the Netherlands is at €78.46 (USD$87.51).
cries in being an international in the netherlands so public transport is too expensive and bikes are the only option no matter what the weather looks like#WarriorNun #SaveWarriorNun
— giù? gui? gg?🍂||😮💨alba baptista defence squad (@giulswannacry) February 1, 2023
NETFLIX REVERSE YOUR DECISION
Which Dutch city is the most expensive to travel?
That was a lot of numbers, so let’s take a step back. The Netherlands not only has the second most expensive public transport in the world but is home to three of the top 10 most expensive public transport cities.
A public transport ticket in Eindhoven (€4.33) is the second most expensive in the world, followed by Rotterdam (€3.85), and The Hague (€3.85).
READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide
It’s not looking good, between the price of housing and the price of fuel these days. If you haven’t made a bicycle your best friend, it’s clearly time to give it a shot.
How did other countries score?
The pricey Dutch public transport is only topped by one country, can you guess which one?
Switzerland! Yup, taking the bus or train in Switzerland will set you back quite a way with the most expensive public transport in the world (and we can’t say we’re surprised).
A one-way trip, on average, will cost €3.56 (USD $3.97), while a monthly pass, on average, costs €79.14 (USD$88.26) — ouch!
The third most expensive public transport in the world, you ask? That’s Australia, with an average one-way costing €2.63 (USD$2.92), and the average monthly pass at a whopping €95.95 (USD$106.93).
Here’s the full list:
| Most expensive public transport | Average one-way price (€) | Average monthly-pass price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Switzerland | 3.56 | 79.14 |
| 2. Netherlands 🇳🇱 | 3.28 | 78.46 |
| 3. Australia | 2.63 | 95.95 |
| 4. Norway | 3.24 | 64.69 |
| 5. Ireland | 2.12 | 105.84 |
| 6. Sweden | 2.91 | 69.24 |
| 7. United Kingdom | 2.77 | 73.61 |
| 8. Denmark | 3.10 | 64.57 |
| 9. Germany | 2.89 | 66.40 |
| 10. New Zealand | 1.90 | 95.41 |
Are you surprised by this ranking? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Not only that it is expensive, but the trains and the metro cars are extremely dirty. NL would definitely top the charts in a “Dirtiest Trains of Europe” survey. It is a shame.
It is also true that public transportation is, in general, subsidized by employers. So the impact is not that huge for employed locals.