First GoVolta train departed
posted on 19th Mar 2026 13:17
On 19 March 2026, GoVolta launched its first international service. At 08.34 h, a fully booked train carrying more than 600 passengers departed from Amsterdam Central heading for Berlin. GoVolta thus becomes the first Dutch rail operator to offer direct international daytime services under open‑access conditions. Even before the inaugural journey, more than 40,000 tickets had already been sold. The train left Amsterdam Central hauled by the TCS locomotive 101 001, although the Vectron was announced.
The inaugural run was festively kicked off at Amsterdam Central, where co‑founders Maarten Bastian and Hessel Winkelman, together with Olger van Dijk, Regional Director Randstad North at ProRail, and Harro Homan on behalf of the Amsterdam Transport Region, delivered speeches. Under the watchful eye of representatives from ProRail, NS, Arriva, Qbuzz and dozens of journalists, the ribbon was cut, after which the first GoVolta train departed for Berlin. The train arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
GoVolta is starting with two international routes: Amsterdam - Berlin and Amsterdam - Hamburg, each operating three times per week. From 1 July 2026, the Berlin service will run daily. The Amsterdam - Berlin route stops in Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo, Bad Bentheim, Osnabrück and Hannover, arriving at 15.20 h. The Hamburg route runs via Amersfoort, Deventer, Hengelo and Bremen.
With an average one‑way fare of 30 EUR and prices starting at 19 EUR, GoVolta aims to make international train travel accessible to a wide audience. Passengers can choose between Economy and Comfort Class.
GoVolta has big plans for the coming years. In December 2026, it envisages to launch a direct service between Amsterdam and Paris, with an average return fare of 50 EUR. After 2027, routes to Basel and München are planned as well. The goal: a broad European network of affordable direct trains from the Netherlands.
Related news
