Leiden Marathon

Just tap your foreign contactless debit or credit card (Visa/Mastercard) or phone directly on the blue/pink OVpay reader at train gates, and on buses when boarding and alighting — no card purchase needed, it's the easiest option for a short visit.

Getting to the start

Leiden Centraal or Leiden Lammenschans (NS train stations); start/finish is at Johnson&Johnson-park, Garenmarktplein, 2311 PG Leiden

Organizers note Lammenschans is the easier option once you already have your race number.

Not all bus routes run normal routes during the marathon weekend — check 9292.nl for current schedules.

Drivers advised to park at Haagweg 8 (or Garenmarkt/Lammermarkt garages) rather than drive into the centre.

Getting to the finish

Same location — Garenmarktplein/Johnson&Johnson-park

A return shuttle departs from Koepoortsbrug for those who parked at the Haagweg P+R.

More details

Yes, but only for car parkers —

a free shuttle bus runs between the Haagweg 8 car park and Garenmarktplein (start/finish), with the return pickup point at Koepoortsbrug;

no shuttle specifically for train travelers, who are expected to walk/use local transit from Leiden Centraal or Lammenschans.

Per prior (2026) edition.

IC card

OV-chipkaart

NS ticket machines at any train station, including Schiphol Airport

Works directly at the gates

Alternative: NS Dagkaart (train day pass) €66.60 (2nd class) — Only worth it if making several long-distance train trips in one day —

for local travel around Leiden, pay-as-you-go with a contactless bank card is cheaper.

More details

The Netherlands is the first country with nationwide contactless bank-card check-in/check-out (OVpay) across trains, trams, buses and metro.

Always remember to check OUT as well as in, or you'll be charged a maximum fare.