The Dutch railway operator NS is set to enhance train services across the Netherlands with the introduction of a new timetable on December 13, 2026. This comprehensive update will see increased train frequencies, expanded weekend services, and the reestablishment of key routes, including the direct Groningen-Rotterdam connection.
Starting December 21, passengers will once again enjoy a seamless journey on the Intercity service between Groningen and Rotterdam. This route will include stops at Assen, Zwolle, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam Zuid, and Schiphol before reaching its final destination in Rotterdam, eliminating the need for transfers.
In addition to the restored Groningen-Rotterdam line, NS plans to enhance weekday peak-hour connections between Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo, and Amsterdam. Notably, train services between Enschede and Amersfoort will increase to three per hour. On weekends, additional direct Intercity services will link Almelo, Deventer, and Amsterdam.
Several Sprinter routes are also slated for improvements. During peak periods from Monday to Thursday, services between Houten Castellum and Utrecht Centraal will rise to six trains per hour. Similarly, the frequency of trains between Veenendaal Centrum and Utrecht Centraal is set to double to four per hour.
Further benefiting weekend travelers, the frequent Intercity service connecting Amsterdam, Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven will now operate on Fridays. Additionally, Intercity trains between Utrecht and The Hague will run every 15 minutes during select evening and morning periods. On Sundays, Sprinter services between Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague will double, ensuring four trains per hour.