Rail update, NS runs but not at full strength
Dutch Railways (NS) says trains are running mostly according to schedule today, but the network is still operating under an adjusted timetable. The main reason is the “aftermath” of recent frost and snow: not all trains are available yet, and cold conditions can still cause problems such as frost on overhead lines and other winter-related disruptions.
NS advises passengers to check the journey planner shortly before departure, and to expect that some routes may involve extra travel time, more transfers, or fewer trains than usual, especially during busy periods.
Where NS has fewer trains today
According to NS’s service message for today, fewer trains are running on several corridors, particularly in the east of the country. The main planned reductions include:
Fewer Intercity trains on routes including Amersfoort Centraal–Deventer and Utrecht Centraal–Arnhem Centraal
Fewer Sprinters on routes including Arnhem Centraal–Nijmegen and Nijmegen–Wijchen
These adjustments are meant to keep the timetable more reliable, even if that means less frequent service.
Photo Credits: Damian Kamp/Unsplash
Why winter effects can linger even after snowfall
Even when it stops snowing, railway operations can remain fragile for a few days. ProRail and NS have repeatedly pointed to issues like frozen switches (rail points) and ice-related faults as key reasons services need to be scaled back or simplified during cold spells. Once delays build up, it can also take time to get trains and staff back into the right positions across the country.
Regional buses, major cancellations in the north this morning
While trains are largely moving again, bus services are still heavily affected in some regions, especially where roads are icy.
In Groningen and Drenthe, buses are not running today until at least midday due to weather conditions, according to a regional disruption notice. Passengers are advised to plan via 9292 before traveling.
The national public transport planner 9292 reports broader disruption across several bus concession areas. The most significant notice is that IJssel-Vecht buses are cancelled until 12:00, and elsewhere delays and cancellations remain possible. 9292 also notes that some demand-transport services (such as haltetaxi in affected areas) may not operate during the morning.
City transport, more cancellations than usual possible
In the major cities, services are generally operating, but operators are warning that last-minute cancellations and delays can still happen as vehicles and routes recover.
Amsterdam (GVB): the operator warns there are more cancelled journeys than usual, and advises checking the latest departures shortly before travel.
Rotterdam (RET): the operator reports services are running to the regular timetable, but delays and cancellations are still possible across metro, tram, and bus lines.
The Hague (HTM): disruptions and diversions are published on the operator’s live travel page, and passengers are advised to check before departing.
What to do if you need to travel today
If you’re travelling anywhere in the Netherlands today, the safest approach is to assume plans can change quickly:
Check the NS journey planner shortly before you leave, even if your route is normally stable
Use 9292 for door-to-door updates, especially for bus connections and regional operators
If you’re in Groningen/Drenthe or IJssel-Vecht, plan around the fact that morning buses may not run
Build in buffer time for connections, because a smaller disruption earlier in the day can still cascade into missed transfers later
