The new NS schedule will take effect on Sunday, December 13, 2026, and run through Saturday, December 11, 2027. According to rail network operator ProRail, there will be more than 2.5 percent more passenger trains than in 2026, which means Amsterdam will benefit from, among other things, additional direct connections and a train every ten minutes on Fridays.
A few weeks later, on January 1, 2027, you’ll also notice the changes in your wallet. NS is raising the price of regular train tickets and most season passes by an average of 4.7 percent, although the discount during off-peak hours via PrijsTijd Deals actually goes up to 80 percent.
What’s changing on your route?
Starting with the new schedule, the every-10-minute train between Amsterdam Central, Utrecht Central, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven will run not only Monday through Thursday but also on Fridays.
In addition, there will be several new direct trains from the northern and eastern parts of the Netherlands:
- Groningen – Rotterdam Centraal: Starting December 21, 2026, trains will once again run directly via Zwolle, Lelystad, Almere, Amsterdam Zuid, and Schiphol. For the high-speed rail (HSL) section, the Intercity Direct surcharge is mandatory (with new surcharge kiosks on the platforms in Groningen, Assen, and Zwolle).
- Enschede, Hengelo, and Almelo: Direct rush-hour trains to Amsterdam on weekdays.
- Almelo and Deventer: Additional direct weekend trains to Amsterdam.
Thanks to the direct Intercity service between Groningen and Rotterdam, you’ll now be able to reach Amsterdam Zuid and Schiphol without first transferring at Amsterdam Centraal.
How much will traveling with NS cost in 2027?
Effective January 1, 2027, the price of regular train tickets and most season passes will increase by an average of 4.7 percent. In addition, two commonly used extras will also go up:
- OV-fiets: from €4.80 to €4.95 (for the first 24 hours)
- Intercity Direct surcharge: from €3.20 to €3.40
That surcharge applies immediately if you take the updated Intercity between Groningen and Rotterdam, because it runs on the high-speed line. You’ll notice the higher price for the OV-fiets as soon as you pick up a rental bike at the station for the last leg of your trip.
Up to 80 percent off during off-peak hours and free travel for youth
Still, there’s good news for those who travel outside rush hour: through PrijsTijd Deals—single-use e-tickets for less crowded trains—the maximum discount will increase from 60 to 80 percent in 2027, and later in the year, you’ll also be able to book these deals on the day of travel. In addition, the Railrunner (€2.50), Kids Vrij (free for children up to age 11), and Dal Voordeel for youth (free for ages 12–17) will remain unchanged.
Since the new schedule starts as early as Sunday, December 13, it’s a good idea to check your usual train in the NS Travel Planner before that date. Even on familiar routes, departure times may vary slightly, especially during rush hour and on weekends.
