The New Train Schedule: What’s Changed?

Are you planning to use the train in, from or to the Netherlands soon?  Then listen carefully! On December 10th, Dutch Railways is introducing its new train schedule. The new schedule for 2018 is not radically different than this year’s version. The changes are generally small, albeit very beneficial for the Netherlands’ many train travellers.

Travelling through the Netherlands: what changes?

Every December, Dutch Railways introduces a new train schedule for the upcoming year. This year is no different: on the 10th of December, the new timetable will be put into effect. On first glance, not much changes. However, Dutch Railways does introduce approximately 130 new trains every working day. This includes about 80 sprinters and 50 intercity trains. Furthermore, after a pilot of 14 weeks, a new train will be introduced between Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven. This train is also dubbed the ‘ten minute train’, as a new one will depart every ten minutes.

New schedule implements small changes

Besides the increased number of trains and the new ‘ten minute train’, the 2018 train schedule introduces numerous smaller changes. For example, Dutch Railways is introducing more trains between Hengelo and the German city of Bielefeld. Furthermore, there will be more intercity trains with Leeuwarden (the capital of Friesland) as their destination. Planning to travel to the capital of the province Zeeland, Vlissingen? Lucky you! Dutch Railways increases the number of fast trains to the city during peak hours. Would you like to check if there have been any changes to your personal itinerary? Download the Dutch Railways app (names ‘NS Reisplanner’) and find out!

Travelling internationally

Not only the national train schedule is changing – December 2017 also brings us another exciting development. As from this December onwards, there will be a direct connection between Amsterdam and London. The Eurostar takes you to the heart of Amsterdam in a mere 4 hours. Furthermore, it is intended to increase the speed of the train between Amsterdam and Brussels. However, it is doubtful that this improvement will have been implemented by December 10th.