If you thought Dutch trains couldn’t get any more chaotic, ProRail is here to throw a spanner in the works with over 400 rail projects announced. (Including a nine-month train-free period in Alphen aan den Rijn.)
According to a new press release, the rail manager is shifting its focus away from shiny new projects and towards maintenance.
While that sounds admirable on paper, the reality for commuters is going to be far less impressive: expect significant disruptions across the country as tracks, bridges, safety systems, and stations undergo desperately needed work.
Will my commute be affected?
If you’re commuting to and from Alphen aan den Rijn, the answer is going to be a resounding yes. With much-needed work to be completed on the Gouwespoorbrug, train travel will grind to a halt from October 12, 2026, to July 14, 2027.
However, this isn’t the only commute being hit with rail maintenance, and you can view a list of ProRail’s “planned major service disruptions” on the website.
Certain stations will feature major or recurring disturbances, and these include:
| Route/Station | Disruptions |
|---|---|
| Schiphol to Leiden | January 17 to 27 |
| The Hague (station) | January 29 to February 16 |
| Haarlem to Leiden | February 14 to 19 |
| Driebergen to Utrecht | February 20 to March 2 |
| Amsterdam to Haarlem | February 21 to March 2 |
| Amsterdam Zuid to Duivendrecht/Schiphol | April 28 to May 5, and May 13 to 18 |
| Nijmegen (station) | May 14 to 30 |
| Utrecht to Amsterdam/Schiphol | May 18 to 26 |
| Rotterdam (station) | June 13 to 14 |
| Haarlem to Leiden | July 3 to 6 |
| Nijmegen to Venlo | July 4 to 13 |
| The Hague (station) | July 10 to 13 |
| Almere Centrum to Lelystad | July 18 to 25 |
| Rotterdam to Dordrecht | July 21 to 25 |
| The Hague Mariahoeve to The Hague HS | August 7 to 10 |
| Delft to Rotterdam | August 25 to 29 |
| Amsterdam Central (station) | October 3 to 6 |
| Alphen aan den Rijn to Bodegraven | October 12 to July 14, 2027 |
| Haarlem to Zandvoort aan Zee | November 16 to December 5 |
What this means for you
If you’re a regular train commuter, then managing the Dutch rail chaos in 2026 is going to require some patience and flexibility. It’s worth checking if your usual route will be affected before you travel, and plan alternative routes, if needed.
The NS has already announced its new 2026 timetable, but keep in mind that maintenance work can override even the best-laid timetable plans.
Your best bet? Download the NS app, check for updates before every journey, and perhaps invest in a good book for those inevitable replacement bus journeys.
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