NS Koploper 2026 workings

[FGWHST43009]

Hi, this has probably been posted before but I'm hoping to get on the iconic Dutch intercity 'Koploper' train this summer, otherwise known as the ICM. Which routes am I most likely to get one on?

 

[DesDobramento]

Hi, this has probably been posted before but I'm hoping to get on the iconic Dutch intercity 'Koploper' train this summer, otherwise known as the ICM. Which routes am I most likely to get one on?

ICMs aplenty even on a Sunday. The half-hourly service starting at Enschede through Amersfoort towards Den Haag on 19/4/26 seemed to be a good bet that day for Koplopers.

 

[Bemined]

ICM between Den Haag and Enschede is already limited and will be reduced even further in the mid-June timetable update with only a few trains per week still running with ICM. The best route will be Schiphol - Leeuwarden, which is the only remaining service entirely planned with ICM. Other routes partially ran with ICM in the June timetable are Schiphol - Groningen (mixed with ICNG), Amsterdam - Almere (mixed with SNG), Amsterdam - Deventer(mixed with SNG) and Den Haag - Leeuwarden(mixed with VIRM). For the Groningen and Leeuwarden services it can differ per day of the week which trains are running with ICM and which with the other stock.

 

[FGWHST43009]

ICM between Den Haag and Enschede is already limited and will be reduced even further in the mid-June timetable update with only a few trains per week still running with ICM. The best route will be Schiphol - Leeuwarden, which is the only remaining service entirely planned with ICM. Other routes partially ran with ICM in the June timetable are Schiphol - Groningen (mixed with ICNG), Amsterdam - Almere (mixed with SNG), Amsterdam - Deventer(mixed with SNG) and Den Haag - Leeuwarden(mixed with VIRM). For the Groningen and Leeuwarden services it can differ per day of the week which trains are running with ICM and which with the other stock.

Thanks, I'm hoping to pick one up between Utrecht and Den Haag or vice versa, but preferably westbound

 

[Bemined]

Right now it seems Mondays and Tuesdays are the best day to catch them on that line, on Tuesday mornings you can even encounter a combination of four coupled ICM units. But keep it mind that rolling stock planning might be altered due to engineering works or the holidays. It's common for trains to be shorter during the 4 weeks overlap in summer holiday (the school holidays differ per region, but there is a 4 week overlap in which schools in all regions are closed) and they might swap rolling stock types as well. If you inquire shortly before your trip perhaps more information is available.