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Tandems on trains in Netherlands

Chris Gunstone2025-02-27 20:01:40

I get the impression from the internet that tandems are not welcome on Dutch trains. Our tandem has S&S  coupling - does anyone have up to date information on whether we can take this from Amsterdam to (near the) campsite at Barchem?

Chris Gunstone

Kevin Smith2025-03-03 17:17:41
Hi Chris, from July 2024, all but solo (unless for disabled) were banned from Dutch trains. 
Philip Ingram2025-03-03 17:57:05
We used Belgian trains last year en route to the International. Very welcoming especially the new rolling stock (a whole carriage with tip seats along the sides on lower deck, fairly easy to get on and off). euro 8 maximum day fare for over 65s. 
Michael Wolf2025-06-22 15:20:01

We took our tandem on the train from Castricum (near IJmuiden harbour) to Arnhem on the return from the National last year. This was very shortly after the ban on taking tandems on trains (for non-disabled tandem teams) was introduced, and none of the staff we encountered gave us any hassle whatsoever. This might have changed by now, given the length of time the rule has been in force.

There is a variety of rolling stock in use, some of which take a tandem much more easily than others. The train we used then, coming via the ferry from Newcastle, was easy.  This won't help if you come across a jobsworth.