NS's busiest corridor is the Randstad core network connecting Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Den Haag Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, and Utrecht Centraal. The Intercity Direct service connects Amsterdam Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal in 40 minutes via the Hogesnelheidslijn (HSL) at 300 km/h, with a supplement required over the standard NS ticket. Sprinter trains provide a stopping service covering communities not on the Intercity routes, running at frequencies of up to 6 trains per hour between major cities.
Schiphol Airport station sits directly under Terminal 1 of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and is one of the busiest rail stations in the Netherlands, handling direct train connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven without the need for a bus or shuttle. International trains to Paris (Thalys), London (Eurostar), and Brussels (Thalys/Intercity direct) depart from Amsterdam Centraal.
NS uses a stored-value OV-chipkaart for all domestic rail travel, with fares calculated based on distance checked in and checked out at platform gates. Visitors can use a single-use OV-chipkaart purchased at station ticket machines, or contactless bank card payment at compatible gates (widely available since 2022). The NS Dagkaart (day pass) provides unlimited travel for one calendar day and is good value for travellers planning multiple journeys. The NS International website handles booking for Thalys, Eurostar, and Deutsche Bahn international connections.