The Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) will operate an intensive train timetable for the final Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort from 21 to 23 August 2026, with trains running every five minutes between Amsterdam Central Station and Zandvoort to transport thousands of race fans.
The enhanced service will see the return of the dedicated ‘Max Express‘, allowing NS to carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour between Amsterdam and the seaside resort during the race weekend.
This year’s event includes a Saturday sprint race at 12:00, prompting NS to introduce five additional early-morning Intercity services from different parts of the Netherlands to ensure spectators can reach the circuit in time. The railway operator is urging fans planning to attend the sprint race to arrive at Amsterdam Central Station before 9:30 AM.
Passengers who book a journey in the NS journey planner up to one day in advance and arrive at Zandvoort aan Zee before 9:00 AM on Saturday 22 August will be eligible for a 50% ‘Price Time Deal‘ discount.
The circuit is within walking distance of the station.
Major transport operation
NS expects to transport around 50,000 passengers each day to and from the event. More than 300 additional staff members will be deployed daily to assist passengers and keep crowds moving.
The operation represents a significant increase in capacity compared with normal services, when only two to four trains per hour operate between Haarlem and Zandvoort.
The Dutch Grand Prix coincides with the summer holiday period, other major events such as the Lowlands music festival, and engineering works on parts of the Dutch rail network. NS said it has adjusted timetables across the country to concentrate capacity where demand is expected to be highest.
Extra measures for race weekend
To support the increased passenger numbers, NS and infrastructure manager ProRail will implement a range of additional measures. Trains will be positioned in Amsterdam and Zandvoort the day before the event, services towards Amsterdam will be lengthened, and Sprinter trains between Amsterdam and Zandvoort will operate at their maximum length.
Each train will carry two drivers and one conductor to help maintain rapid departures. Temporary platforms at Zandvoort station and an additional staircase at Haarlem station will improve passenger flows, while extra ticket gates and check-in/check-out points will be installed. Level crossings between Halfweg and Zandvoort will be closed to road traffic during operations, and recovery teams, a rescue locomotive and two reserve trains will remain on standby to respond quickly to any disruption.
NS urges fans to travel early
Eelco van Asch, NS Director of Operations and member of the Executive Board, said the railway operator was preparing for one final large-scale effort to serve the event.
“During the Formula 1 weekend, we will once again pull out all the stops, for the sixth and final year, to bring as many race fans as possible to Zandvoort by train. This year is even more challenging because of the early Saturday sprint race. That’s why we’re going the extra mile by running very early trains and offering an attractive fare for early birds. We urge fans who want to attend the sprint race to make sure they are at Amsterdam Central before 9:30 AM.”
NS also advises passengers across the Netherlands to check the journey planner before travelling, allow extra time because of expected crowds, and purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. Bicycles will not be permitted on trains towards Amsterdam until 13:00 (PM), while on services between Amsterdam and Zandvoort bicycles will be prohibited throughout the day because of the expected passenger volumes.
NS’ Dutch Grand Prix event page.
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