NS proposes major timetable upgrades for 2027, boosting links in northern and eastern Netherlands
Dutch state operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) has outlined plans for significant timetable improvements from 2027, with a strong focus on better rail connections in the north and east of the Netherlands.
In its draft timetable consultation submitted to regional authorities and passenger organisations (Locov), NS proposes restoring a direct Groningen–Rotterdam service and reintroducing a direct Enschede–Amsterdam Central peak-hour train.
Groningen
From 2027, NS aims to run a direct intercity from Groningen to Rotterdam via the Hanzelijn, Zwolle and Schiphol, using the high-speed line (HSL) south of Schiphol. The service would be operated with new ICNG intercity trains, capable of 200 km/h on the HSL. NS said journey times could be further reduced once higher speeds are permitted on the Hanzelijn.
Deventer
In the east of the country, NS plans to increase services on the Amersfoort–Deventer corridor, with three intercity trains per hour on Saturdays and Sundays, up from two today. This would improve connectivity for cities such as Deventer and Apeldoorn with Amsterdam.
Utrecht
NS also proposes to restore the ten-minute Sprinter service between Utrecht Central and Houten Castellum during weekday peaks from Monday to Thursday. By linking this service with the Utrecht–Leiden Sprinter, passengers would be able to travel through without changing trains.
Eindhoven
The proposed timetable includes extending the ten-minute intercity service between Amsterdam and Eindhoven to Fridays, increasing capacity on the busy north–south corridor between North Holland and southern Netherlands.
Veenendaal
Additional peak-hour Sprinter services are planned towards Veenendaal, with trains from Uitgeest and Driebergen-Zeist continuing to Veenendaal Centrum in response to expected housing-driven passenger growth.
The Hague
Weekend services would also be expanded. On Sundays, NS plans to double Sprinter frequencies between The Hague and Dordrecht from two to four trains per hour. Intercity trains between The Hague and Amsterdam would also stop at Voorhout and Hillegom on weekends, replacing some Sprinter calls, with extra early-morning and late-evening intercity services proposed.
The draft timetable is now subject to consultation with passenger groups and regional authorities.
NS will refine the plans based on feedback before infrastructure manager ProRail assesses capacity and coordination with other passenger and freight operators. The final 2027 timetable is expected to be confirmed in autumn 2026, ahead of its introduction in December.