Turn Claude into Your Personal Dutch Railways Expert

Stop switching between apps to check train times, disruptions, and platform changes. The NS MCP Server plugs real-time Dutch Railways data directly into Claude, giving you a travel assistant that actually knows what's happening on the tracks right now.

Why This Changes Your Workflow

If you're working or living in the Netherlands, you've felt the friction: Claude can help with everything except the one thing you need most during your commute—current train information. You're constantly jumping between Claude for planning and the NS app for real-time updates.

This MCP server eliminates that context switching. Ask Claude "Is my 8:15 from Almere to Amsterdam on time?" and get real-time platform numbers, delays, and alternative routes without leaving your conversation.

What Makes This Different

While other travel tools give you static schedules, this server provides live NS data that changes by the minute:

• Real-time disruption awareness: Claude knows about weekend engineering works, signal failures, and platform changes as they happen
• Intelligent journey planning: Get routes that account for current delays and suggest alternatives before you're stranded
• Comprehensive pricing: Calculate exact fares for groups, compare first/second class, and understand ticket validity
• Station intelligence: Check OV-fiets availability, accessibility features, and platform layouts before you travel

Installation That Actually Works

Three installation paths, each taking under 2 minutes:

Fastest: NPM Package

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ns-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "ns-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "NS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Automatic: Smithery

npx -y @smithery/cli install ns-server --client claude

Control: From Source

git clone https://github.com/r-huijts/ns-mcp-server.git
cd ns-mcp-server && npm install
cp .env.example .env
# Add your NS API key to .env

Get your free NS API key from NS API Portal in about 30 seconds.

Real Scenarios Where This Shines

Morning Commute Planning: "What's the earliest train to Utrecht that gets me there before 9 AM, and are there any disruptions on that route?"

Meeting Logistics: "I have a 2 PM meeting in The Hague. Should I take the 1:15 or 1:30 from Amsterdam Zuid, and which platform?"

Weekend Trip Planning: "Plan a day trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam. What's the total cost for 2 adults, and are there any engineering works this weekend?"

Accessibility Needs: "Is Eindhoven Strijp-S wheelchair accessible, and what facilities are available?"

Last-Minute Changes: "My train to Rotterdam is delayed 15 minutes. What's the next alternative that still gets me there by 5 PM?"

Integration That Fits Your Workflow

This isn't another tool to remember—it's Claude with expanded capabilities. Continue your normal Claude conversations while seamlessly accessing:

• Live departure boards for any station
• Real-time platform and delay information
• Journey planning with current conditions
• Pricing for any route and passenger combination
• Disruption alerts and alternative routes
• Station facilities and accessibility details

The server handles all the NS API complexity, rate limiting, and data formatting. Claude gets clean, contextual information that it can reason about and combine with other knowledge.

Beyond Basic Train Times

This server transforms Claude into a Dutch mobility expert that understands:

• Contextual disruptions: "That weekend engineering work will affect your Monday morning commute"
• Transfer optimization: "Take the 8:12 instead—same arrival time but only one transfer"
• Cost optimization: "The joint journey discount saves you €3.20 for that route"
• Accessibility planning: "That station has OV-fiets available and step-free platform access"

Built for Reliability

With comprehensive error handling, proper rate limiting, and official NS API integration, this server handles the complexity of real-world travel data. It's been tested by developers who depend on Dutch railways daily.

Ready to stop juggling apps during your commute? Install the NS MCP Server and give Claude the real-time travel intelligence you've been missing.