Did you know that on Sunday 18 March 2018 you can use the Dutch Book Week present (‘Boekenweekgeschenk’ in Dutch) as train ticket all day on domestic trains in the Netherlands?
If you purchase at least €12.50 worth of books in the Dutch language during the annual Book Week (10-18 March 2018) you get Griet Op de Beeck’s novel ‘Gezien de fieten’ for free. All bookstores in the Netherlands participate, online and offline.
If a conductor comes along for a ticket check you can simply show the hard copy or the e-book. Be aware that this day trains may be overcrowded. In 2016 and 2017 around 250,000 people traveled with their Boekenweekgeschenk.
Travel conditions Boekenweekgeschenk
• Valid only on Sunday 18 March 2018 from 00.01am to Monday 19 March 2018 03.59am
• No need to activate or print anything
• Only valid on 2nd class
• Unlimited travel on all domestic trains in the Netherlands
• One Boekenweekgeschenk is valid for one person
• Surcharges apply on the Intercity Direct and ICE International
How to go through closed access gates at train stations
The Boekenweekgeschenk is valid all day on Sunday 18 March 2018 and does not need to be activated. If you arrive at a station with access gates, you can open the gates with the square barcode on the back of the book (hard copy). The e-book has a square barcode on one of the first pages.
Dutch Book Week
The Book Week (‘Boekenweek’ in Dutch) is an annual event to promote reading Dutch books. The Dutch Railways (NS) is the main sponsor of the Boekenweek. Over the years the free day of train travel has become a tradition.
The beginning of each Boekenweek is marked by the ‘Boekenbal’, a party that is attended by writers, publishers and other celebrities. Other events include exhibitions, walks and lectures across the country.
