The Hague is increasingly emerging as both a departure point and a stop for international rail travel. This is a positive development for the city and one that the Economic Board The Hague, together with its partners, has been advocating for over a number of years. Strong international rail connections are essential for The Hague’s accessibility, economy and international business climate.
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 plans for direct trains from The Hague to Cologne and to Strasbourg via Antwerp, Brussels and Luxembourg. Arriva has also announced its intention to launch a direct service between The Hague and Paris. (thehague.com)
These plans demonstrate growing interest among rail operators in connecting The Hague directly to other European cities. For the Economic Board The Hague, this is an important development. As the seat of the Dutch government and the international city of Peace and Justice, The Hague is home to a large number of international organisations, businesses and knowledge institutions. Strong, direct connections with other European cities are an essential part of that position.
A long-standing focus on international accessibility
Through The Hague Connected, the Economic Board The Hague and its partners have been advocating for improved international accessibility for The Hague for many years. Direct rail connections with key European economic and political centres are an important part of this ambition.
International accessibility is about more than mobility alone. Better connections strengthen the business climate, make The Hague more attractive to international companies, organisations, conferences and talent, and contribute to the transition towards more sustainable international travel.
The latest developments on the rail network support this ambition. At the same time, the announced plans do not yet guarantee that all proposed services will become operational. Rail operators remain dependent on factors including the availability of capacity on the rail network. (thehague.com)
Harry Wientjens on Omroep West
Harry Wientjens, Chair of the Economic Board The Hague, recently discussed the economic importance of international rail connections for The Hague in an interview with regional broadcaster Omroep West.
He emphasised that a city with The Hague’s international position should be directly connected to key European cities. This is important not only for visitors, but particularly for the businesses, international organisations and knowledge institutions operating from The Hague.
The growing interest from rail operators is therefore an encouraging step. The Economic Board The Hague will continue to work with its partners to improve the city’s international accessibility.
Listen to the interview
The interview with Harry Wientjens on Omroep West can be heard here, from 12:50 onwards.
More about the proposed international rail connections:
Read the full press release from The Hague & Partners.
