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Engineering work at Alphen aan den Rijn

The Gouwespoor bridge near Alphen aan den Rijn will be replaced from October 2026 until July 2027. You can plan your journey in the Journey Planner from ten days in advance. This way, you will always be prepared and can travel with peace of mind.

Plan your journey

Gouwespoor Bridge Works at Alphen aan den Rijn

The Gouwespoor Bridge near Alphen aan den Rijn will be replaced between October 2026 and July 2027, as it has reached the end of its service life. After the replacement, the bridge will operate more reliably. It will be less prone to disruptions and ready to support train and shipping traffic for many decades.

What does this mean for your journey?
Trains will not run between Alphen aan den Rijn and Bodegraven while the works take place.

If you are travelling between Leiden and Utrecht,
please plan a detour via Amsterdam Zuid and Schiphol Airport. This will add about ten minutes to your travel time.

If you are travelling between Alphen aan den Rijn and Bodegraven,
buses will replace the trains. Please allow extra time for your journey.

This is how we help to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Plan your journey in the NS app

Plan your journey door-to-door shortly before departure in the NS app or via the Journey planner. This way, you always have the latest travel information.

In the NS app you can:

  • receive notifications about your journey
  • check an estimate of how busy a train is

Frequently asked questions about engineering work

Can I claim a refund if my journey is delayed?

Planned engineering work can extend your journey time since it is scheduled in advance. You will not receive a refund if this causes you to arrive later than expected.

You can claim a refund if your train is delayed by at least thirty minutes compared to the schedule shown in the Journey Planner.

Will I receive a discount because I cannot travel on my route?

No. This relates to planned engineering work. We provide replacement transport, such as NS buses, or a detour route.

Can I travel for free on an NS bus?

No, a valid ticket is required for replacement transport as well. If your journey partly involves an NS bus, you will not pay extra for the overall fare.

How does checking in and out work on NS buses?

Are you travelling by NS bus?
Please check out at the station where you leave the train to transfer to the bus. A temporary check-in and check-out gate is available by the bus. You check in again there and check out at the bus stop when you reach your destination.

Are you continuing your journey by train?
Then check in again at the station where you board the train.

Are you a traveller with reduced mobility?
  • a high step to get on the bus
  • longer walking distances to and from the bus
  • possibly more standing while waiting

If you travel by wheelchair or use other mobility aids and replacement buses are in service, you can use our wheelchair taxi free of charge. Call NS Travel Assistance on 030 235 7822 or chat with NS Customer Service.

If you have a visual impairment and need assistance, we are happy to help you to or from replacement transport. Call NS Travel Assistance (030 235 7822) or chat with NS Customer Service.

Do I pay extra if I need to take a detour? If you check in and out at the usual stations, you will not pay anything extra.

If you need to travel with another carrier, you do not have to check in or out there when we advise it. Your NS ticket remains valid.

If you travel by NS bus, you will not be charged extra. You must check out when leaving the train and check in and out again when using the bus.

If more than thirty-five minutes pass between checking out and checking in, you might pay more because it will be treated as a new journey.

If you have paid too much, use this questionnaire to check if you are entitled to a refund.

If you have paid too much, please refer to the questionnaire to find out if you are eligible for a refund.

Can I take my bicycle on an NS bus?

Unfortunately, there is no space for bicycles on NS buses.

Are you travelling by other public transport or a different train operator?

If engineering work requires you to travel with another operator, your NS ticket is usually valid with that operator. You check in and out with that operator and will not pay extra, provided you follow the instructions.

For example, if you travel by metro, you use your NS ticket, but you check in and out at the metro and again with NS at your departure and arrival stations.

See all frequently asked questions about engineering work.