# Travel plans

**Source**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/welcome-service-and-travel-plans
**Parent**: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/studying-at-leiden-university/career/career-service

When should you plan to arrive in the Netherlands? Find out what you should take into consideration when making your travel plans.

## Travel plan considerations

Before planning your journey, you should take the following into consideration:

- The dates of your [introduction week](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/introduction-weeks)
- Your housing contract dates and key collection arrangements
- Any orientation activities organised by your study programme
- The dates of any necessary appointments, for example: 
  - [Town hall registration appointment](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/town-hall-registration)
  - [Dutch bank account appointment](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/banking-in-the-netherlands)
  - Biometric data appointment - if applicable\
    *Only for students who need a residence permit but not an entry visa - see [Steps to take: residence permit only](https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/education/international-students/prepare-your-stay/visa-and-residence-permit/residence-permit-only-steps-to-take).*

Always await the approval of your student visa (if applicable) before booking a non-changeable/non-refundable ticket!

## Travel information

For useful information to help you find your way from the airport and around Leiden and The Hague, take a look at the following websites

- [Dutch railways (NS) journey planner](https://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner#/)
- [Public transport journey planner](https://9292.nl/en)
- [Leiden Tourist Information Centre](https://www.visitleiden.nl/en)
- [The Hague Info Store](https://denhaag.com/en/tourist-office)

#### Paying for public transport

You can pay for public transport in the Netherlands via: 

- [OVpay](https://www.ovpay.nl/en/how-it-works) - with your contactless debit or credit card, or your smartphone.
- OV-chipkaart - a travel pass available as:
  - Single-use card - purchase from ticket machines at stations.
  - [Anonymous card](https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/en/anonymous-ov-chipkaart) - purchase at stations, stores or online and top up with credit.
  - [Personal card](https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/en/personal-ov-chipkaart) - purchase online and add credit and travel subscriptions.
- [Student travel product](https://www.studentenreisproduct.nl/i-am-a-foreign-student/): discounted travel card only for students who are eligible for Dutch student finance.