The Hague is increasingly emerging as a departure point and stop for international rail travel. Rail operator GoVolta is expected to launch a daily service between Amsterdam and Paris from 14 December 2026, stopping at The Hague Hollands Spoor. The operator has also announced new plans for direct trains from The Hague to Cologne and, via Luxembourg, to Strasbourg. Earlier this year, Arriva also notified the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) of plans for a service between The Hague and Paris.
These developments show that interest in The Hague among rail operators is growing. GoVolta’s new service to Paris will provide direct connections to the city from places including Antwerp, Ghent and Paris. This will make it easier for Belgian and French travellers to visit The Hague without having to travel by car or plane. It supports The Hague’s ambition to promote sustainable tourism and encourage visitors from nearby European markets to choose a conscious city break in the city by the sea.
New plans for Cologne and Luxembourg
GoVolta has also recently announced plans for two new international services from The Hague. From December 2027, the operator intends to run trains between The Hague and Cologne and between The Hague and Strasbourg, calling at cities including Antwerp, Brussels and Luxembourg. At this stage, these are proposed services that have been notified to the ACM.
In addition, in July 2026 Arriva announced its intention to operate three trains a day between The Hague Hollands Spoor and Paris. Arriva has set 1 February 2028 as its target launch date, or earlier if possible.
“International rail connections improve the sustainable accessibility of The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice. It is great to see several operators including us in their plans for new European connections. This will make it quicker and easier to reach our city.”
Councillor Adeel Mahmood (whose portfolio includes Mobility and Parking, the MRDH Transport Authority and the Environment).
For The Hague & Partners, these developments also support the broader commitment to future-proof tourism, in which accessibility, quality of life and sustainability go hand in hand.
“Belgium, France and Germany are important nearby markets for The Hague. In these countries, we position The Hague as a royal and cultural city by the sea. Direct rail connections make it easier to choose The Hague as a destination and make sustainable door-to-door travel more attractive.”
Marco Esser, Managing Director of The Hague & Partners
Growing demand
The new and proposed rail connections reflect growing interest in international train travel. Research by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) shows that 58% of Belgians and 69% of French people would choose to travel by train more often if more direct connections were available. At the same time, high ticket prices, the need to change trains and long journey times are still frequently cited as barriers.
The various announcements do not yet guarantee that all the proposed services will operate according to the planned timetables. Among other requirements, operators will need to secure sufficient capacity on the rail network.