This sports summer, at least nine direct trains will depart from the Netherlands to Paris every day.
The Dutch Railways (NS) International has seen a significant increase in the number of booked train tickets to Paris this month. Athletes and Orange supporters in particular use the train en masse to attend the Olympic Games in the French capital. This year, the demand for train tickets for the final week has almost doubled compared to the same period last year, NS International reports.
Heike Luiten, director of NS International, explains: “Paris has always been a popular destination for train travelers, but we are now seeing a clear increase. We look forward to welcoming all athletes and supporters.”
In honor of the Olympic Games, Rotterdam Central Station has been completely transformed into a French atmosphere and dressed in orange. A six-metre high Eiffel Tower adorns the station hall, and visitors can have their picture taken with 'Tourtje Paris', a cheerful mascot in the shape of the iconic tower. In addition, employees of the Kiosk and the Station Living Room wear French outfits, and orange French berets are available for travelers. NS colleagues are ready to guide athletes and supporters with arrow boards.
direct trains
This sports summer, at least nine direct trains will depart from the Netherlands to Paris every day. The travel time from Amsterdam Central Station is 3 hours and 18 minutes, while the journey from Rotterdam Central Station takes 2 hours and 37 minutes. In addition, travelers can choose to travel with the IC Brussels and transfer in Brussels to a train to Paris.
NS has been supporting various top athletes for years, such as Keet Oldenbeuving (skating), Anouk Vetter (athletics), India Sardjoe (breakdancing), Anne Luijten (marathon) and Lisa Kruger (swimming). These athletes regularly use the train to travel to their training. Luiten explains: “Traveling by train promotes exercise; travelers exercise on average 25 minutes a day by walking or cycling to and from the station. NS encourages everyone to get moving and is therefore a Supporter of Exercise.”
The popularity of Paris as a destination is not only due to its sporting events. The French capital is known for its cultural wealth and historical sights. The convenience of the train, with travelers arriving directly in the heart of Paris without the hassle of airport procedures, also adds to its appeal.
During the final week of the Olympic Games, which takes place from August 2 to 11, a wave of Dutch fans is expected in Paris. For many, the train journey is not only a practical choice, but also a sustainable one. NS is responding to this trend by offering extra facilities and a festive atmosphere at the stations.
cooperation
The collaboration with top athletes underlines NS's commitment to promoting sport and exercise. “We are proud of the athletes we support and the fact that they choose the train as a means of transport,” said Luiten. “It is proof that the train is not only an environmentally friendly choice, but also contributes to an active lifestyle.”
With these initiatives, NS shows that it is more than a transport company; it is an active player in promoting sustainability and health. The increased demand for train tickets to Paris confirms the popularity of the train as a comfortable and efficient means of transport, especially during major events such as the Olympic Games.
