Groningen engineering works
In 2025, ProRail will be making a lot of improvements to the railroads in the province of Groningen. Scroll down to find out what that means for your journey. And plan your journey in advance using the Travel Planner.
Engineering works Groningen - Groningen Europapark
From 10 May to 12 July, Prorail will be working on the tracks in the province of Groningen. The project has been split up into six phases, during which multiple turnouts and tracks will be renovated.
Scroll down to find out how the works will affect your journey in each phase.
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Saturday 14 June - Wednesday 9 July
No train services will leave from, terminate or call at Groningen station.
There will be no train services between Groningen and Groningen Europapark, Zuidhorn, Eemshaven and Delfzijl. We will provide rail replacement buses instead.
Click here for the adjusted train and bus timetable (expand map)
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Thursday 10 July - Saturday 12 July
There will be no train services:
- from, to and calling at Groningen station
- between Groningen, Assen, Zuidhorn, Eemshaven and Delfzijl
- between Groningen Europapark and Veendam and Bad Nieuweschans.
We will provide rail replacement buses:
- between Groningen, Assen, Zuidhorn, Eemshaven and Delfzijl
- between Haren Transferium and Haren
- between Groningen Europapark and Veendam and Bad Nieuweschans.
Click here for the adjusted train and bus timetable (expand map)
Take the bus
If you have an NS ticket, you can take rail replacement buses to travel between Groningen and Assen at no extra cost.
If you have an Arriva season ticket, you can take all rail replacement buses at no extra cost.
If you take Q-buzz line 2 to travel between Groningen Noord and Europapark, you will have to pay the standard fare.
Tip: grab an OV Fiets!
It only takes 5 minutes to get from Groningen to Groningen Europapark by bike. We will be deploying additional OV Fietsen and bicicyle racks at both stations.
Plan your journey in the NS app
Before you leave, plan your journey from door to door in the NS app or the Travel Planner. That way, you're guaranteed to have the most up-to-date travel recommendation. And
- receive notifications about your journey;
- find an estimate of how crowded the train is.
Frequently asked questions
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Can I get a refund if my trip is delayed?
When we schedule works, we also update the itineraries and travel time in the Travel Planner. Your travel time may be longer than usual. Because the works are scheduled in advance, we cannot offer a refund if you reach your destination later than usual.
You are entitled for a refund if your train is delayed by 30 minutes or more relative to the timetable given in the Travel Planner.
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How do I check in and out?
Do you have to travel around because of construction work? Then check in and out at the start and end stations as you are used to. You do not pay anything extra if you have to travel around because of construction work. If you check in and out at the same stations as normal, it does not cost more.
Do you have to check in and out at a different station in between because of the detour? Then you may pay more than normal. If so, you can claim the price difference back via customer service.
Taking an NS Bus as a rail replacement service?
Check out when you leave the train and transfer to the bus. There will be a temporary card reader near the bus. Check in before you enter the bus and check out again when you leave the bus.If you're transferring back to the train, check in again at the station before boarding the train.
Travelling with another public transport or train carrier?
You do not have to check in or out with other carriers if we recommend travelling with another carrier due to works. Your NS ticket also counts as a valid ticket with other carriers. Your trip will therefore cost the same.Example: if we recommend travelling by metro, you do not have to check in and out at the metro station. Only check in before you first board the train and check out at your destination.
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Are NS replacement buses free?
No, they are not. You need a valid ticket to use rail replacement services such as the NS replacement bus. Taking the NS replacement bus for part of your journey will not increase your overall fare.
How to check in and out
Check out when you leave the train and transfer to the bus. There will be a temporary card reader near the bus. Check in before you enter the bus and check out again when you leave the bus.If you continue travelling by train after taking an NS bus, please check in and out at the station.
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Do you have a mobility problem?
Please be mindful of the following:
- The vertical gap when boarding the bus
- Long walks to and from the bus
- Prolonged standing while waiting for the bus
If NS is running replacement buses and you are in a wheelchair,
you can use our free wheelchair taxi. Call NS Travel Assistance (on 030 235 7822) or chat with NS Customer Service.Are you visually impaired and do you need help?
We will help you get to and from the rail replacement service. Call NS Travel Assistance (on 030 235 7822) or chat with NS Customer Service. -
Do detours cost more?
If you check in and out at the same stations as usual, your trip will cost the same.
Does alternative route means travelling with a different carrier?
You do not have to check in or out with the carrier if we recommend travelling with another carrier due to works. Your trip will therefore cost the same. Your NS ticket also counts as a valid ticket with other carriers.Taking an NS Bus as a rail replacement service
costs the same as regular train travel. We do ask that you check out when you leave the station and check in again when you enter the bus.Are your check in and check out more than 35 minutes apart?
Then you may have to pay more than usual, as the two legs of your trip will be seen as two distinct trips.Paid too much?
Answer these questions to figure out whether you are entitled to a refund.
See all of the Frequently Asked Questions about engineering works.