NS Travel Information

What is ns-mcp-server?

ns-mcp-server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed to connect Claude AI with real-time train travel information from the Dutch Railways (NS) via their official API. It essentially transforms your AI assistant into an expert on Dutch train travel, providing up-to-date information on schedules, disruptions, and more.

How to use ns-mcp-server?

You can install and use ns-mcp-server in three primary ways:

1. Using Claude Desktop with NPM Package: Update your Claude configuration file (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json) to include the ns-mcp-server command and your NS API key. You can obtain an API key from the NS API Portal.

2. Using Smithery: Utilize the Smithery CLI to automatically install the NS Travel Information Server with the command npx -y @smithery/cli install ns-server --client claude.

3. From Source: Clone the repository, install dependencies (npm install), copy the example environment file (cp .env.example .env), and add your NS API key to the .env file. Then, update your Claude configuration file with the path to the built index.js and your API key. Remember to restart Claude Desktop after making changes.

An NS_API_KEY environment variable is required for all installation methods.

Key Features of ns-mcp-server

ns-mcp-server offers comprehensive access to NS train information through various endpoints:

• Real-time Train Information:

  • Departures: Get real-time departure details 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, accessibility features, platform layouts, OV-fiets (bike rental) availability, and location 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.

Use Cases of ns-mcp-server

This MCP server can be used for a wide range of real-world scenarios, including:

• Checking if a specific train is running on time or experiencing delays.
• Finding alternative routes during disruptions or maintenance.
• Determining the best train to take to arrive at a destination by a certain time.
• Identifying trains with the fewest transfers, especially when traveling with specific needs (e.g., a stroller).
• Finding the earliest or latest trains for travel.
• Checking for weekend engineering works that might affect commutes.
• Verifying OV-fiets availability at specific stations.
• Checking station accessibility and platform information.
• Monitoring train arrivals at a particular station.
• Confirming if a train has arrived on time.
• Inquiring about ticket prices for various journeys, classes, and passenger groups.

FAQ from ns-mcp-server

Q: Where can I get an NS API key? A: You can obtain an API key from the NS API Portal.

Q: What environment variable is required for this server? A: The NS_API_KEY environment variable is required and must contain your NS API key.

Q: What kind of information can I get about stations? A: You can access details like facilities, accessibility features, platform layouts, OV-fiets availability, and location information for stations.

Q: Does this server support multiple languages? A: Yes, information is available in both Dutch and English.

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

Variable	Description
NS_API_KEY	Your NS API key (required)

🌟 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

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details