Netherlands Railway Information
Your InterRail Pass can be used on all trains operated by NS and the following local railway companies:
- Arriva
- Connexxion
- DB Regiobahn / AVV
- DB Regio Westfalen
- Eurobahn / Keolis
- Prignitzer Eisenbahngesellschaft
- Syntus
- Veolia
Train Service:
In the west of the country at least 4 trains an hour run between the major Dutch cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht.
At least 2 trains per hour run for further travel in all other parts of the Netherlands.
There are a number of different trains which connect different areas within the country, these are:
- InterCity (IC): These trains connect major cities, reservation are not possible on these trains.
- Stoptrein, Sneltrein and Sprinter: These are regional local trains, reservation are not possible for these trains.
- Fyra: These are domestic high speed trains which connect Amsterdam to Rotterdam via Schiphol. Reservations are possible, but not required on these trains.
International train connections:
International railway connections exist between the Netherlands and various countries in Europe, including:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
The trains that serve these international connections are:
- Thalys: These are international high speed trains which connect Amsterdam with Brussels (Belgium) and Paris (France). Reservation are required for these trains.
- ICE: International high speed trains which connect Amsterdam with Frankfurt (Germany). Rreservations are recommended for these trains.
- IC: These international trains connect Amsterdam with Berlin.
- City Night Line (CNL): These are international night trains, reservations are recommended on these trains.
- Regional Bahn (RB): These are regional DB trains to and from Germany. Reservations are not possible on these trains.
Facilities and services on trains:
NS Hispeed lounges:
Travellers with a 1st class InterRail Pass valid in the Netherlands, are welcome in the NS Hispeed lounges. In these quiet areas you can relax while waiting for your (international) train to depart. You can find a lounge at Amsterdam Central station, Rotterdam Central station and Schiphol airport.
Bikes on trains:
You will able to take your bike on most trains in the Netherlands once you have bought a special bike ticket.
Trains do not always have a dedicated space for bikes; you can leave it in the vestibule area or consult the ticket inspector for assistance regarding the storage of your bike.