NS records profit thanks to increased traveller numbers and higher ticket prices

For the first six months of this year, NS recorded a net profit of 25 million euros, which the Dutch rail company has attributed to an increase in passenger numbers and higher ticket prices. Punctuality also remained high, despite dropping slightly compared to a year ago.

More train passengers drive NS profits

Earlier this year, NS announced that the company had posted a profit for the first time since 2019 in its annual figures for 2025. It looks like the Dutch rail company will continue to climb out of the red this year too.

In NS’ half-year figures for 2026, the Dutch rail company reported a net profit of 25 million euros. At the same time last year, NS posted a loss of 9 million euros. This year’s profit is largely due to a growth in the number of travellers on Dutch trains, reflected in revenue from passenger transport, which has risen to 1,7 billion euros.

Increased costs were also offset by raising ticket prices by 6,5 percent, based on the expected inflation for this year. “In last year’s half-year figures, we reported a loss, but now we have a small profit. Financially, we are on track, but the economic situation is uncertain,” said NS director of finance and risk management Angelique Magielse. 

“It remains necessary to further improve our financial position to keep train tickets affordable, to finance the modernisation of the train fleet and stations, and to improve our debt position.”

Dutch trains were on time slightly less often

In the first half of this year, 86,3 percent of Dutch trains were less than three minutes late and 95,3 percent were less than 10 minutes late. This is slightly lower than in the first half of 2025.

However, despite travel disruptions caused by the heavy snow in January, severe heat in the summer and other unexpected issues, NS still exceeded its punctuality standard of 84,4 percent. According to the Dutch rail company, targets were also met for seating, with 92,3 percent of passengers able to find a seat during peak-hour travel and 98 percent during off-peak. 

NS wants to continue attracting more residents to train travel, especially during off-peak periods. The summer discount ticket, which allows passengers unlimited travel on Dutch trains during off-peak periods and weekends for 49 euros per month, is one example where the rail company worked with the government to make public transport affordable. 270.000 people signed up for the pass in the first month.

“As far as I am concerned, this collaboration between the central government and NS is an example of how we, as a sector and government, can work together on the affordability of public transport. This leaves us wanting more,” said Magielse.