The Dutch railway operator NS is set to enhance its train services across the Netherlands with the introduction of a new timetable on December 13, 2026. This significant change will see the restoration of the direct Intercity service between Groningen and Rotterdam, alongside increased train frequencies and expanded weekend services.
Starting December 21, passengers can once again enjoy a direct route from Groningen to Rotterdam without needing to change trains. This service will make stops at key locations including Assen, Zwolle, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam Zuid, and Schiphol before reaching its final destination, Rotterdam.
In addition to the Groningen-Rotterdam line, NS is also planning to introduce more direct weekday peak-hour connections between Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo, and Amsterdam. The service between Enschede and Amersfoort will see an increase to three trains per hour, while new direct Intercity services will be available between Almelo, Deventer, and Amsterdam on weekends.
Several Sprinter routes will experience improvements as well. The line between Houten Castellum and Utrecht Centraal will feature six trains per hour during peak periods from Monday to Thursday. Meanwhile, services between Veenendaal Centrum and Utrecht Centraal will double to four trains per hour.
Furthermore, the frequent Intercity service connecting Amsterdam, Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven is set to operate on Fridays, enhancing travel options for commuters. Weekend travelers will also benefit from more frequent connections, 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, offering greater convenience to passengers.