GoVolta

GoVolta is a low-cost train operator running direct international services across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France. No changing trains along the way.

Where GoVolta runs

GoVolta connects Dutch stations including Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, Den Haag HS, Arnhem Centraal, Haarlem, Hengelo and Roosendaal, plus a free park-and-ride stop at Lage Zwaluwe, with destinations in Germany (Berlin, Hannover Hbf, Braunschweig Hbf, Osnabrück Hbf, Magdeburg Hbf, Bad Bentheim), Belgium (Antwerpen-Centraal, Gent-Sint-Pieters) and France (Paris Gare du Nord, Arras, Amiens Longueau). Every train runs straight through to its booked destination. No transfer to plan, no connection to protect.

The operator also sells train-and-hotel city-trip packages to Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, The Hague and Rotterdam, bonded through the Dutch SGR travel guarantee fund. Want just the train? Single tickets book directly from the GoVolta homepage without adding a package.

Tickets and booking

Book through govolta.nl, or the local govolta.de, govolta.be and govolta.fr sites, for up to 9 people in one online booking; larger groups need a quote by email. Train travel tax is included in every fare. Hotel city tax on package bookings is not: it is paid locally, typically a few euros per person per night.

Online check-in opens 3 days before departure at govolta.nl/checkin, using your booking number and surname, and your boarding pass arrives by email once you check in. At Dutch stations you scan the QR code on that pass at the NS gate. GoVolta guarantees every checked-in passenger a seat, even without choosing one. Picking your own seat on the seatmap costs extra, and a group needs one shared booking to sit together.

Classes, luggage and what to expect on board

Economy Class seats four people around a table. An XL Duo Seat add-on reserves the seat opposite you for extra space and a forward-facing seat. Comfort Class offers more room, including single seats on one side of some carriages. Two pieces of hand luggage are included per ticket, one up to about 55 x 40 x 25 cm and one smaller bag; a bigger case or a third item costs €15 booked in advance, or €30 if added on board.

GoVolta's carriages date from 1987 and board via three steps, with no dedicated wheelchair space or adapted toilet. Travellers who need help moving should bring a companion, since staff cannot lift passengers for safety reasons. The trains are not air-conditioned, run at up to 160 km/h with opening windows, and currently sell no food, drink or WiFi on board. Bring what you need and use your own mobile data. A planned 40-seat lounge carriage has not opened yet.

Bikes and pets are not carried, aside from assistance dogs, and smoking is banned throughout. Bring a passport or national ID card. A driving licence will not get you through the gate.

Changing or cancelling

GoVolta bookings cannot be changed or cancelled unless you added a flexible fare at booking. Without that option, you can still change the traveller name on a ticket up to 24 hours before departure, for €70 per person. Need to cancel altogether? GoVolta can provide paperwork for a travel or cancellation insurance claim, but the ticket itself is not refunded.