Between June and September NS International passenger numbers increased 13% compared with the same period last year. This follows an increase of 10% in summer 2018 and 6.4% in summer 2017.

The strongest growth was on Amsterdam - Berlin EuroCity services, which saw a 19% increase in passenger numbers. There was an 11% increase in the number of passengers travelling from Dutch stations to Brussels, and a 6% increase in trips to Paris.

Surprisingly, ridership on London - Amsterdam Eurostar services declined by 1% after a successful start. However, NS International director Mrs Heike Luiten anticipates significant growth when customs and immigration checks for London-bound passengers are moved to Dutch stations. Currently passengers must disembark at Brussels South to clear passport control.

NS International Eurostar Thalys
Eurostar and Thalys high-speed trains at Amsterdam Central.

“We are waiting impatiently for conclusion of the international treaty between the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Britain,”, Luiten says. “We would like to increase the number of daily services. The facilities at Amsterdam Central and Rotterdam Central are ready for it.”

A study published last month by the Institute of Mobility Policy (KiM) indicates there is strong potential for the reintroduction of overnight trains from the Netherlands to other European countries.

German Rail (DB) has ordered new Talgo trains for the Amsterdam - Berlin route, which will reduce journey times by around 30 minutes by eliminating locomotive changes at the Dutch-German border. The trains are due to enter service on the route from December 2023.