NS (Dutch Railways) wants to improve the 2027 train timetable. Their particular focus will be on the north and east of the Netherlands. The 2027 Timetable Advice Request outlines the plans, and the rail operator has sent it to regional authorities and passenger organisations.
The document sets out several recommendations for timetable adjustments by province. One proposal is to reinstate the direct Groningen–Rotterdam service next year. NS also hopes to restore the direct connection between Enschede and Amsterdam Centraal during peak hours. The rail operator wants to increase the number of intercity services between Amersfoort and Deventer from two to three per hour during the weekends. This would improve connections between Deventer, Apeldoorn, and Amsterdam, and support further growth in passenger numbers.
“We have been wanting to connect Northern Netherlands via the high-speed line for some time,” said Tijmen Voet, Director of Timetables at NS. “That was not possible in 2025, but soon the train will run from Groningen Central Station through the Hanzelijn to Zwolle and Schiphol Airport, and then on to Rotterdam Central Station via the high-speed line. We will do this with the brand-new ICNG intercity train, which can reach 200 kilometres per hour on the HSL. Once the maximum speed on the Hanzelijn is increased, we can shorten travel times even further.”
The proposals also include changes in other regions. NS wants to double the number of Sprinter trains between The Hague and Dordrecht on Sundays. Increasing the trains from two to four per hour. The Ten-minute Sprinter will continue to run on weekdays. They expect to build many new homes along this route in the coming years. At weekends, NS also plans for the intercity service between The Hague Central Station and Amsterdam Central Station to stop at Voorhout and Hillegom, replacing a Sprinter. Additional intercity trains would also run between Amsterdam and The Hague in the early mornings and late evenings.
Each year, NS seeks advice from passenger organisations and regional governments on the new timetable, which comes into effect in December. NS uses this feedback to refine its plans where possible. Rail infrastructure manager ProRail then checks whether the proposals fit within the rail network. Taking into account the needs of other passenger and freight operators. NS will announce the final timetable in the autumn.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
