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Netherlands Railways Guide - Train Travel
The railway network in Netherlands is run by the state owned company NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). With 4,800 scheduled trains running over 2,100 km of tracks and 391 stations, over 1.1 million passengers use the train every day. Here are a few tips on using the Dutch rail network... |
• Get up to speed with Dutch ticket types and where to buy - read our guide How To Buy Dutch Train Tickets
• From Amsterdam Central Station you can reach all the major cities in the country. Journey times are as follows: Schiphol Airport (15 mins), Utrecht (30 mins), Den Haag (50 mins), Rotterdam (40-60 mins), Eindhoven (1h 20mins), Groningen (2h 20mins, 1 change) and Maastricht (2h 30mins).
• You can find network maps displayed at stations. A comprehensive map of the Dutch rail network is available from the NS website here. Their site also includes timetable information and prices for journeys.
• For travellers to Amsterdam, check out our Amsterdam Rail Network map
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Note that a few minor regional tracks in Netherlands are operated by the likes
of Arriva, Veolia and Connexxion.
• At each station, timetables are printed on large yellow boards which are found on most platforms and in station halls. Some of the larger station halls have blue screens displaying the next departures.
• Each platform has an electronic overhead board which tells you the time and destination of the next train plus the main stopping stations. It will inform of any delays ("vertraging") in 5 minute increments.
• For an overview of Dutch trains, see our Train Types in Netherlands
• Be aware that routine maintenance is often done at weekends which can cause delays - meaning either a diversion to an alternative track or a replacement bus service being used. This information is highlighted on posters at stations (and also online at NS's website) - if in doubt ask one of the staff.