Hamburg, December 11 – Travelers from Hamburg will soon have a new direct train connection to Amsterdam, as the Dutch railway company GoVolta announced the launch of a new service starting March 20, 2026. This initiative aims to provide a convenient and affordable alternative to existing travel options by air and car.
New Direct Route to a Popular Metropolis
The new train service will operate three times a week in both directions: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The journey from Hamburg to Amsterdam is estimated to take six hours, with planned stops in Bremen, Bad Bentheim, Hengelo, Deventer, and Amersfoort.
Maarten Bastian, co-founder of GoVolta, emphasized the company’s approach: “Our approach is simple: cheap tickets and always a guaranteed seat.” This strategy is designed to attract passengers seeking value and comfort.
Train Composition and Passenger Experience
Each GoVolta train will consist of eleven carriages, providing a total of 820 seats. Passengers will have the option to choose between two classes. For added convenience, a lounge car will be available, offering a selection of food and beverages. The ticket price includes two pieces of hand luggage, with additional luggage incurring an extra charge.
Expansion Plans and Future Connections
GoVolta plans to expand the service to a daily offering from the end of September 2026. The company anticipates approximately 500,000 passengers on its international routes in the first year of operation. By 2027, this number is projected to increase to around 1.7 million, driven by an expanding network of connections to Germany and the addition of an Amsterdam-Paris route in December 2026.
The company is also exploring the possibility of establishing further direct connections from Amsterdam to other major European cities, including Frankfurt, Munich, Basel, Bruges, and Copenhagen in the coming years. Additionally, GoVolta intends to offer comprehensive city break packages to enhance the travel experience.
Impact on Travel and Regional Connectivity
This new connection is expected to significantly boost regional connectivity and offer a more environmentally friendly travel option between Germany and the Netherlands. It aligns with a broader trend of increasing rail travel as an alternative to short-haul flights, contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
The announcement comes at a time when several new rail initiatives are being introduced across the region. For instance, new ICE connections are enhancing rail traffic in northern Germany, and a new S-Bahn line is also being developed. Earlier this year, new trains were introduced to connect Hamburg with Switzerland, further expanding international rail travel options for residents.
GoVolta’s entry into the market with a focus on affordability and guaranteed seating aims to make train travel more accessible and appealing to a wider range of passengers, potentially shifting travel habits towards more sustainable modes of transport.
The company’s long-term vision includes becoming a significant player in the European rail network, offering competitive services that prioritize passenger comfort and environmental responsibility.
