International rail services make it possible to travel quickly between European countries in a sustainable way. The government works with transport operators, neighbouring countries and the European Union (EU) to improve and expand international rail services with more trains, better connections and new sleeper trains, for example. The EU also wants to make it easier for passengers to buy tickets for international rail travel.

International train travel as an alternative to travelling by car or plane

International public transport is a sustainable alternative to travelling by car or plane, especially for short and medium distances within Europe. Cross-border services make it easier to reach destinations in border regions, reinforcing neighbouring countries’ economic ties.

Improved cooperation between neighbouring countries and transport operators

International rail transport can only run smoothly and expand if countries work together. This is why the government is exploring options for new international train services with transport operators, regional authorities, railway infrastructure manager ProRail, and Belgian and German partners. The government takes into account:

  • passengers’ wishes;
  • capacity for international trains on the Dutch domestic network, and how the domestic network connects with Belgian and German infrastructure; 
  • shorter journey times;
  • new connections.

Cooperation with Belgium

In February 2026 the Netherlands and Belgium signed a joint statement on improving cooperation (in Dutch). The aim is to:

  • improve international connections;
  • create more capacity on the rail network, for example for military transport;
  • introduce new connections between the Netherlands and Belgium, such as a rail link between the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen.

Cooperation with Germany

In 2026 the Netherlands wants to complete various projects that will improve rail connections with Germany, such as:

  • reintroducing the train connection between Groningen and Oldenburg;
  • improving the new connection between Coevorden and Bad Bentheim;
  • laying a 3rd track between Emmerich and Oberhausen.

Increase in international rail connections

Improved cooperation means an increase in international rail connections in Europe,  both between major cities and in border regions. In 2025, the number of international trains operating in Europe was 7% higher than in 2024. For example, there are now more services running between Amsterdam and Brussels. The number of international trains operating in 2026 is expected to be 22% higher than in 2025.

ProRail expects year-on-year growth until approximately 2035, specifically on 3 major international routes (the HSL-Zuid highspeed corridor to Belgium, and connections to Germany via Bad Bentheim and via Emmerich).

Night trains to various European countries

Night trains run from the Netherlands to various European destinations. Passengers can travel directly to places such as Vienna, Innsbruck, Zurich, Basel and Prague on the Nightjet or European Sleeper. The government has provided grant funding to a pilot service on the Amsterdam-Vienna line.

Funding for international public transport

Central government is joining forces with regional authorities, railway infrastructure managers and European institutions to invest in improving international rail transport. The money is funding: 

  • railway infrastructure
  • stations
  • safety management systems
  • cross-border services

While the Netherlands is funding part of this itself, support for cross-border projects is also available from the European Union via programmes such as the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a European fund for infrastructure projects. Negotiations on the European budget and how funding will be distributed are still taking place.
 

EU plan to make buying international tickets easier

The European Commission (EC) wants to make it easier to search for and book international train tickets. European countries are working together to develop rules for an improved ticket system, such as:

  • Train tickets need to be bookable at least 5 months in advance.
  • Passengers should be able to book a complete international journey in one go, even if they will be travelling with different transport operators. 
  • Major ticketing platforms, such as travel agencies, will be required to list the services offered by all rail transport operators. This will allow passengers to easily compare different international train journeys.

The Netherlands is currently considering how to implement this proposal.