Klimmen-Ransdaal still the best-rated train station; Renovated stations score better

Dutch travelers are largely satisfied with the train stations in their country, giving them an average score of 7.2 out of 10, the same as last year. Klimmen-Randsaal station topped the list for the fifth year in a row with a score of 8.3, according to a recurring Ipsos I&O study for PoRail and NS. The researchers noted that renovations make a big difference in travelers’ appreciation for a station.

The recently renovated Ede-Wageningen station, for example, scored 7.1 this year, 0.9 points higher than last year. “That makes us proud,” said Karen te Boome of ProRail. “After the major renovation in 2024, we have delivered a completely new station. It is fantastic to see that travelers appreciate this effort so much.

Smaller stations like Diemen, Spaubeek, and Geleen - which all had improvements made to their furniture, planters, or greenery in the past year - also saw a big increase in appreciation. “Even small interventions make a big difference to travelers’ experience,” Te Boome said.

Station Delft got the highest score of the bigger stations at 7.9. Rotterdam Centraal is the first Central Station on the list in 22nd place with a score of 7.8. Utrecht Centraal follows in 30th place, then Arnhem Centraal (37th), Leiden Centraal (53rd), Den Haag Centraal (61st), Amersfoort Centraal (100th), Eindhoven Centraal (114th), and Amsterdam Centraal (163rd). All the central stations scored above a 7 out of 10.

The stations at the bottom of the list are Zwaluwe with a score of 4.8, Den Helder Zuid (5.1), and Nieuwekerk aan den IJssel (5.3). “In March, we will tackle Den Helder Zuid. This station is over 40 years old and is due for major maintenance,” Te Boome said. “Lage Zwaluwe station scores low due to its remote location and lack of atmosphere. In 2026, new station furniture will be installed at this station.” And Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel is scheduled for renovations in 2027.

According to Sebastiaan de Wilde of NS, the figures show how important a well-maintained and pleasant station area is. “Without a pleasant environment, a station lacks liveliness, no matter how functional it is.”