NS to run longer trains more frequently this King’s Day

Dutch national railway NS announced plans to operate more trains and longer trains on King’s Day, using their special Oranje timetable. More NS staff will also be working on the holiday, which will be celebrated this year on Saturday, April 26, as the 27th falls on a Sunday.

“The biggest crowds are expected this year around the cities of Amsterdam, Arnhem, Breda, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Zwolle and Doetinchem,” the NS wrote in a statement. Doetinchem will play host to the royal family’s annual visit this year, with passengers able to transfer to an Arriva train to get to and from the Gelderland town.

In Amsterdam, the NS said it will close the Science Park station, and noted that Amsterdam officials are concerned about overcrowding. Those visiting dance events and clubs are advised to use the special travel planner the NS rolled out for King’s Day.

Luggage lockers will also be inaccessible at both Utrecht Central Station and Breda’s rail station from 7 p.m. on April 25 through 7 a.m. on April 27. The Jaarbeurs side of the Utrecht station will also be closed off at night on the 25th until the morning.

“The Eurocity Direct will not travel further than Rotterdam Central Station on King’s Day. Travellers who need to travel further to Lelystad Centrum or the intermediate stations can transfer to another train at Rotterdam Central Station,” the NS said. “The other international trains are running according to the normal timetable.”

During the period from Friday evening thorough Sunday morning, all shops at the train stations will stop selling alcohol. Train passengers will also be forbidden from bringing alcoholic beverages into the stations or on the trains.

The NS also said those flying from Schiphol Airport during the holiday should give themselves plenty of time to navigate the crowds and adjusted schedules. The same advice also holds for those departing from Amsterdam on an international train.