NS Reisplanner and 9292 OV are by far the most popular apps for public transport. Which travel planner is really the best? We put them against each other.
NS Travel Planner versus 9292 OV
The journey planner is central to both the NS app and 9292. The division in different menus is almost the same. The overall design of the apps also has many similarities.
An advantage of the NS app is that you can also see your favorite journeys and plan history in the Journey Planner on the same screen. You can then select this immediately to see the departure times. To do this, you need to go to the My 9292 page in the 9292 app. On the other hand, in the 9292 app you can immediately select which means of transport you do or do not want to use to make the journey.
Furthermore, the apps focus on departure times, disruptions or changes and your personal account. 9292 offers an additional menu called ‘Environment’. Here you can see all stops and stations near you. If you click on a stop, you can plan a trip or view the departure times from this stop.
The NS does not have such a map, but it does use an interactive map to display disruptions. Trajectories where there is work or delay are colored red. If you click on it, it will show the background information. In the 9292 app this is done through a simple list of irregularities. This is less transparent and does not show you at a glance whether something is wrong on your route.
Difference in focus
9292 OV is clearly more one no nonsense app. The Dutch Railways has added all kinds of extra functions that are not necessarily necessary. News and offers for trips and refreshments at the station, a train radar where you can view all trains running and their speed and a function to view all amenities per station. Really useful is the possibility to buy tickets via the app and to book a public transport bicycle or taxi. In the event of an unforeseen delay, you always have an alternative at hand.
The NS Travel Planner is basically intended for planning your train journey. Yet this app also provides information about departure times of buses, trams, metros and more. Although the app is less focused on the use of different means of transport, it does provide the same information as 9292 OV.
Conclusion
If you want to plan a trip, the 9292 OV app is a very clear app that gives you what you need. Is it also the app that helps you on your way from A to B? No, then the NS Travel Planner wins.
The NS Travel Planner is all about ease of use and is even more extensive. 9292 does indicate that there is a delay, but in such a case you can also get a sandwich at a discount at the station or even book a taxi via the NS. Ultimately, you always come home with both apps. Only with the NS Journey Planner is the journey there just a bit more fun.
→ Read also: NS Journey Planner Xtra: 5 practical tips (and 6 alternatives)