The Dutch railway operator NS is set to enhance train services throughout the Netherlands with a new timetable taking effect on December 13, 2026. Central to these improvements is the restoration of the direct Intercity service between Groningen and Rotterdam, set to commence on December 21, allowing passengers to travel between these cities without the need to change trains. This route will facilitate seamless travel through Assen, Zwolle, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam Zuid, and Schiphol before reaching Rotterdam.
In addition to the Groningen-Rotterdam connection, NS plans to increase the frequency of train services across various routes. Notably, during weekday peak hours, more direct connections will be available between Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo, and Amsterdam. The frequency of trains between Enschede and Amersfoort will rise to three per hour, and additional direct Intercity services will link Almelo, Deventer, and Amsterdam during weekends.
Several Sprinter routes will also see enhancements. For instance, services between Houten Castellum and Utrecht Centraal will be increased to six trains per hour during peak periods from Monday to Thursday. Similarly, the Veenendaal Centrum to Utrecht Centraal route will double its services to four trains per hour.
Further improvements include the operation of the frequent Intercity service connecting Amsterdam, Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven on Fridays. Weekend travelers will benefit from more frequent connections as well, with Intercity trains running between Utrecht and The Hague every 15 minutes during selected evening and morning periods. Additionally, Sunday Sprinter services between Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague will double to four trains per hour.