The ns-mcp-server is an MCP server designed to connect AI models, like Claude, to real-time travel information from the Dutch Railways (NS). This empowers AI assistants to provide accurate and up-to-date answers to user queries about train schedules, delays, and station details within the Netherlands.

Key features include real-time departure and arrival information, journey planning, service updates, and even pricing details. By leveraging the official NS API, the server ensures access to the most current data. Developers can seamlessly integrate this server into their AI applications to enhance the AI's ability to handle travel-related inquiries.

The core value lies in providing AI models with a reliable source of information, enabling them to offer practical and timely assistance to users navigating the Dutch railway system. Installation is straightforward, with options ranging from using Claude Desktop with NPM to Smithery or building from source, offering flexibility for different development environments. The server is built using TypeScript and JavaScript, ensuring a robust and maintainable solution.

Real-time Travel Information Access

The ns-mcp-server provides AI models with real-time access to Dutch railway (NS) travel information. It leverages the official NS API to fetch up-to-date data on train departures, arrivals, and potential disruptions. This allows AI assistants to answer user queries about train schedules, delays, and alternative routes with high accuracy. The server continuously monitors for updates, ensuring that the information provided to the AI model is current. This feature is crucial for AI applications that require timely and reliable travel information, such as virtual travel assistants or smart city platforms. For example, a user can ask "Is my train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam delayed?" and the AI, using the ns-mcp-server, can provide an immediate and accurate answer based on the latest NS data. The server uses HTTP requests to the NS API and parses the JSON responses to extract relevant information.

Comprehensive Station Details

This feature allows AI models to access detailed information about specific train stations in the Netherlands. This includes facilities available at the station (e.g., restrooms, shops), accessibility features for passengers with disabilities, platform layouts, and the availability of OV-fiets (rental bikes). By providing this information, the ns-mcp-server enables AI assistants to answer a wider range of user queries related to station amenities and accessibility. For instance, a user could ask, "Is Utrecht Centraal station wheelchair accessible and are there OV-fiets available?" The AI, powered by the ns-mcp-server, can then provide a detailed response based on the station's profile in the NS database. This feature enhances the AI's ability to provide comprehensive and helpful travel advice. The server retrieves station data from the NS API using station-specific identifiers and presents it in a structured format for the AI model.

Intelligent Journey Planning

The ns-mcp-server empowers AI models to perform intelligent journey planning by considering real-time data and user preferences. It enables the AI to find optimal travel routes, including transfers, and provide up-to-date information on potential disruptions or delays. This feature goes beyond simply displaying train schedules; it allows the AI to dynamically adjust travel plans based on real-time conditions. For example, if a train is delayed, the AI can automatically suggest an alternative route to the user's destination. A user could ask, "What's the best alternative route to Utrecht if there's maintenance on the direct line?" and the AI, utilizing the ns-mcp-server, can calculate and present the most efficient alternative route. This feature significantly enhances the user experience by providing proactive and adaptive travel assistance. The server uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze travel options and identify the best routes based on user-defined criteria.

Pricing Information Retrieval

The server provides the capability to retrieve pricing information for train tickets, including single and return journeys, different travel classes (first and second class), and group pricing. It also supports checking for discount options and special offers. This allows AI models to provide users with accurate cost estimates for their train journeys. For example, a user could ask, "How much does a first-class ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam cost?" or "What's the price for 2 adults and 1 child traveling to Den Haag?". The AI, using the ns-mcp-server, can then fetch the current pricing information from the NS API and provide the user with an accurate quote. This feature is particularly valuable for users who are budget-conscious or need to compare the costs of different travel options. The server handles the complexities of pricing calculations, including discounts and special offers, and presents the information in a clear and concise format for the AI model.