Access Real-Time Dutch Rail Data

NS Travel Information MCP Server

Transform your AI assistant into a Dutch railways expert! This MCP server connects Claude to real-time NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) travel information, making it your perfect companion for navigating the Netherlands by train.

Installation

You can install this server in three ways:

1. Using Claude Desktop with NPM Package

Update your Claude configuration file (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ns-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "ns-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

You can get an API key from NS API Portal

2. Using Smithery

To install NS Travel Information Server automatically via Smithery:

npx -y @smithery/cli install ns-server --client claude

3. From Source

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Copy the example environment file:

   cp .env.example .env
   

4. Add your NS API key to the .env file:

   NS_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
   

Then update your Claude configuration file:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ns-server": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/ns-server/build/index.js"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Make sure to:

1. Replace /path/to/ns-server with the actual path to your installation
2. Add your NS API key in the env section. It can be obtained from here https://apiportal.ns.nl/product#product=NsApp

After updating the configuration, restart Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.

Real-World Use Cases

• "Is my usual 8:15 train from Almere to Amsterdam running on time?"
• "Are there any delays on the Rotterdam-Den Haag route today?"
• "What's the best alternative route to Utrecht if there's maintenance on the direct line?"
• "Which train should I take to arrive at my office in Amsterdam Zuid before 9 AM?"
• "Which route to Amsterdam has the fewest transfers with a stroller?"
• "What's the earliest train I can take to make my 10 AM meeting in The Hague?"
• "When's the last train back to Groningen after a night out in Amsterdam?"
• "Are there any weekend engineering works that might affect my Monday morning class?"
• "Are there OV-fiets bikes available at Utrecht Centraal for my afternoon meeting?"
• "Is Eindhoven Strijp-S station wheelchair accessible and what platforms does it have?"
• "What trains are arriving at Utrecht Centraal in the next hour?"
• "Has the train from Venlo to Schiphol Airport arrived on time?"
• "How much does a first-class ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam cost?"
• "What's the price for 2 adults and 1 child traveling to Den Haag?"

🔑 Environment Variables

🌟 Features

This MCP server provides comprehensive access to NS train information through the following endpoints:

Real-time Train Information

• Departures: Get real-time departure information including platform numbers, delays, and travel notes
• Arrivals: Access upcoming train arrivals with origin stations, platform changes, and status updates
• Journey Planning: Find optimal travel routes with transfers and real-time updates
• Service Updates: Check for disruptions, maintenance work, and engineering activities

Pricing Information

• Ticket Prices: Get accurate pricing for single and return journeys
• Travel Classes: Compare prices for first and second class travel
• Group Pricing: Calculate fares for adults and children
• Discount Options: Check joint journey discounts and special offers
• Validity Details: View ticket validity periods and travel conditions

Station Information

• Station Details: Access comprehensive station information including:
  • Facilities and accessibility features
  • Platform layouts and track information
  • OV-fiets (bike rental) availability
  • Location and approach details

Additional Features

• Multi-language Support: Information available in Dutch and English
• Flexible Queries: Search by station name, code, or UIC identifier
• Time Zones: Proper handling of time zones for international stations
• Status Updates: Track changes, delays, and cancellations in real-time