Trains in the Netherlands

There are a number of train types in the Netherlands ready to transport you both day and night. Most of the Dutch network is operated by NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). Use the Eurail train timetable to check times for trains in the Netherlands.

Regional and Intercity trains in the Netherlands

A Dutch regional train

The main rail network in the Netherlands is made up of the following regional and Intercity trains:

• Intercity trains link larger cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Maastricht.
• Sprinter trains connect regional destinations with larger Dutch cities. These trains are slower than Intercity trains.

On the Eurail timetable Intercity trains appear as "IC". Sprinter trains appear in the timetable as well, but not with an abbreviation. Reservations are not required for Intercity and Sprinter trains.

High-speed trains in the Netherlands

International high-speed trains in the Netherlands
These high-speed trains operate to and from the Netherlands:

• ICE trains operate between Amsterdam and Frankfurt (Germany).
• IC trains connect Amsterdam with Berlin (Germany).
• InterCity trains link The Hague and Rotterdam with Brussels (Belgium).
• Thalys trains connect Amsterdam with Brussels (Belgium) and Paris (France).

Domestic high-speed trains in the Netherlands
The Fyra high-speed train operates on the route Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Breda.

On the Eurail timetable ICE trains are shown as "ICE", IC and InterCity trains appears as "IC", and Thalys as "THA". Reservations for Thalys trains are compulsory and we recommend you make them as soon as possible. A reservation is not required for ICE and IC trains, but we recommend you make them during busy times.

Night trains in the Netherlands

International night train routes in the Netherlands

International night trains in the Netherlands
The following night trains connect the Netherlands with Austria, Denmark, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.

• City Night Line (CNL):
  Connects the Netherlands to key cities in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic and Switzerland.
• Euronight (EN):
  Links Amsterdam with Berlin (Germany) and Warsaw (Poland)

City Night Line trains appear on the Eurail timetable as "CNL" , EuroNight trains are listed as "EN". You're required to book sleeping accommodation in advance.

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Domestic trains in the Netherlands do not require a reservation. You can just hop on and off. A supplement is required for the Fyra high-speed train between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Reservations are compulsory for night trains and international high-speed trains. Prices for night trains depend on the type of sleeping accommodation you choose.

How to make reservations for trains in the Netherlands

You can make reservations for domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains:

• At a ticket desk at local train stations.
• By phone through the NS high-speed call center.
  Phone number: +31 302 331 676
  Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. (8:00-21:00) and Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (10:00-18:00) (local times)
  
  When calling, you’ll hear a menu in Dutch. Select extension ‘1’ for services in English and then ‘1’ to book the Thalys or ‘2’ to book other trains. NS HiSpeed can book trains in various European countries (€12.50 booking fee; 2 reservations per call allowed). You have to pay for reservations made over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard credit card.

  Through the call center reservations can only be delivered to addresses in the Netherlands. There are no delivery costs. You can also pick up your reservations at a NS HiSpeed ticket desk or at a self-service machine. Just go to a Dutch train station with a NS HiSpeed desk with your booking code.

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Popular domestic connections in the Netherlands

View approximate train travel times between Holland's most popular cities using Intercity trains:

Popular train connections in the Netherlands

International train connections to and from the Netherlands

We suggest the following routes to travel between France and other European countries:

• Belgium – the Netherlands
  Take an InterCity train from The Hague or Rotterdam to Brussels (1hr 45min)
• France – the Netherlands
  Arrive in Amsterdam on the high-speed Thalys train from Paris (3hr 30min).
• Germany – the Netherlands
  Go by day from  from  Amsterdam to Frankfurt  (4hr) or Düsseldorf (2hr 10min) by ICE train or travel by night between Amsterdam and Berlin (9hr 30min) with the City Night Line. 

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Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Benelux) are considered as one country within the Eurail passes. Eurail Benelux passes let you see all of Benelux's top cities like Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Luxembourg city. We offer the Benelux rail pass and passes that combine Benelux with other European countries.

Rail pass options for the Netherlands

• Eurail Global Pass starting from €369 – have the freedom to visit the Netherlands and up to 23 other Eurail countries.
• Eurail Select Pass starting from €234 – choose from a 3, 4 or 5 country pass that combines Benelux with bordering countries.
• Regional Pass – focus on visiting Benelux plus 1 other country. Here are your options:
  Eurail Benelux – France Pass starting from €191 – Travel around famed French cities like Paris and Nice.
  Eurail Benelux – Germany Pass starting from €205 – explore popular German cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt
• Eurail Benelux Pass starting from €97 – spend your whole vacation to discover Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg by rail.

Example train route in the Benelux

Example train route in Benelux

Experience the best of the Benelux on a single trip with a Eurail pass. You can follow the suggested route below using a Eurail Benelux Pass – 3 days within 1 month, starting from €97.

Amsterdam

Wander through Amsterdam’s beautiful historical city center and breathe in the vibrant atmosphere.

Maastricht

Maastricht is an international city with a long history. Enjoy Roman and Spanish ruins, great cuisine and cozy cobbled streets.

Brussels

Brussels is bustling with culture  – make sure you take a stroll around the Grand Place square.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg city is soaked in luxury and history. Wander around the old town or enjoy amazing scenery at Chemin de la Corniche – ‘Europe’s most beautiful balcony’.

For more route ideas for your Eurail trip, check out our European highlights itinerary.

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