NS International introduces direct ICE connections to Hamburg

Starting October 2, NS International is introducing direct ICE train connections from the Netherlands to Hamburg due to extensive railway construction between Hannover and Berlin. This rerouting is expected to last until at least the end of 2027.

While the new route provides direct access to Northern German cities like Hamburg and Bremen, it will increase travel times for passengers heading to Berlin. The journey from Amsterdam to Berlin will take approximately one hour longer, and the frequency of daily trains will decrease from five to four. For travelers in regions such as Overijssel, the trip from Deventer to Berlin will increase from 4.5 hours to roughly 5 hours and 20 minutes.

The service will initially stop at Hamburg-Harburg and Hamburg-Bergedorf between October and mid-December. From December 13, the schedule will change to include stops at Bremen Hauptbahnhof and Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. NS International director Heike Luiten noted that adding these cities has been a long-term goal to make European destinations more accessible and sustainable.