Dutch railway operator NS is set to enhance train services across the Netherlands with the implementation of a new timetable beginning December 13, 2026. A key feature of this update is the reintroduction of the direct Groningen-Rotterdam Intercity route, which will resume on December 21, enabling passengers to travel the distance without train changes. This route will cover various stops including Assen, Zwolle, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam Zuid, and Schiphol before reaching Rotterdam.
The changes are aimed at improving connectivity and increasing service frequency. NS plans to introduce more direct weekday peak-hour connections between Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo, and Amsterdam. Additionally, there will be an increase in train services between Enschede and Amersfoort, bringing the frequency to three trains per hour. On weekends, additional direct Intercity services will be available between Almelo, Deventer, and Amsterdam.
Further enhancements are planned for several Sprinter routes. During peak periods from Monday to Thursday, services between Houten Castellum and Utrecht Centraal will increase to six trains per hour. Similarly, trains between Veenendaal Centrum and Utrecht Centraal will double their frequency to four per hour.
In another improvement, the frequent Intercity service connecting Amsterdam, Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven will extend its operations to include Fridays. Weekend travelers will also see more frequent connections, as Intercity trains between Utrecht and The Hague will run 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.
These changes by NS reflect a significant effort to enhance travel efficiency and convenience for passengers across the Netherlands, addressing both weekday and weekend transit needs with increased train frequencies and restored direct routes.