Deutsche Bahn to launch 200 km/h Amsterdam‑Ruhr train service from 2028

The Deutsche Bahn announced plans to introduce high‑speed Intercity trains that will run up to 200 km/h between the Netherlands and Germany’s Ruhr region. Starting in 2028, three train pairs per day will connect Amsterdam with Dortmund, with the service later expanding to six pairs daily. The new line will also serve Utrecht, Arnhem and may stop in Düsseldorf, Cologne or Dortmund, creating a near‑hourly schedule that reduces the current need for transfers in Duisburg.

The Dutch railway operator NS is cooperating with DB on the project, which aims to meet a “boom” in international rail demand. A DB spokesperson said, “We are seeing a real surge in cross‑border travel, with almost a third more passengers since 2019, and the trend is continuing.” The initiative coincides with the postponement of the Maas‑Wupper‑Express regional project, which has been delayed potentially into the 2030s.

The service is expected to make rail travel between Amsterdam and the Ruhr more attractive, supporting both commuter and leisure trips across the region.