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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Travel from Utrecht to Groningen by train in 2 hours 35 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Utrecht to Groningen by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Utrecht to Groningen by train is 2 hours 49 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 35 minutes. You'll usually find 70 trains per day traveling the 159 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Groningen. Trains on this route are operated by Nederlanse Spoorwegen (NS). As the main rail operator in the Netherlands, all services are modern with comfortable seating.
Book train tickets from Utrecht to Groningen in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Utrecht to Groningen in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Utrecht to Groningen by train
| First train | 5:33 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:54 pm | |
| Departure station | Utrecht | |
| Arrival station | Groningen | |
| Journey time | From 2h 35m | |
| Distance | 99 miles (159 km) | |
| Frequency | 70 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators |
NS trains from Utrecht to Groningen
NS is the main railway operator in the Netherlands. It connects the four corners of the country with regional, medium-distance and high-speed trains. It's also possible for you to travel at night thanks to multi-line night trains, including Schiphol and Eindhoven airports. All trains are equipped with two comfort classes – First Class and Second Class.
More information
NS classes from Utrecht to Groningen
Compare the different travel classes offered by NS when traveling from Utrecht to Groningen.
Second Class
NS Second Class is perfect for you if you're looking for free WiFi and a generous baggage allowance at an affordable price.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
First Class
Upgrade to NS First Class and enjoy more onboard amenities, including adjustable seats and more legroom.
- Free WiFi
- Baggage storage
- Reading light
- Power outlets
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- More legroom
- Quiet area
Onboard services on NS
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Utrecht to Groningen.
There are no baggage weight limits on NS trains, so long as you can carry your bags by yourself.
There is no onboard catering on NS trains.
The majority of NS Intercity trains have free WiFi on board. If your train has WiFi available, connect to the network 'Wifi in the train' to get online.
Children under 4 travel free on NS trains. Children between 4 and 11 years old can get a 'Railrunner' ticket, which costs €2.50 a day, for unlimited travel.
Outside peak hours (from 9am to 4:30pm, and after 6pm), at the weekend, on bank holidays and during the summer months, you can take your bike on board NS trains. Bikes must be placed in the designated storage spaces, which you can find by looking for a bike symbol on the side of the car. Foldable bikes can be transported like normal baggage.
Small pets are allowed on board, provided that they travel on your lap or in a suitable travel carrier. Guide dogs are also allowed on board but must be recognisable as guide dogs for the blind or another type of assistance dog. Larger dogs can travel on NS trains, so long as they wear a muzzle and are kept on a leash - you must also buy a dog train ticket.
If you need help getting on or off the train, you can reserve NS Travel Assistance. This service is available 7 days a week. You need to specify the help you need on your online NS account and reserve assistance on the NS website, on the NS app or by phoning (+31) 30 235 78 22.
Cheap train tickets from Utrecht to Groningen
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Utrecht to Groningen by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Utrecht to Groningen
Want to know more about your journey from Utrecht to Groningen? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Utrecht to Groningen take?
The average journey time by train between Utrecht and Groningen is 2 hours and 49 minutes, with around 70 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Utrecht and Groningen by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Utrecht to Groningen is 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Utrecht to Groningen?
No, there are no direct train services from Utrecht to Groningen. Travelling from Utrecht to Groningen by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Utrecht to Groningen leave?
The first train from Utrecht to Groningen leaves at 05:33. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Utrecht to Groningen leave?
The last train from Utrecht to Groningen leaves at 23:54. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Utrecht and Groningen by train?
Trains travelling from Utrecht to Groningen cover a distance of around 99 miles (159 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Groningen to Utrecht.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.