As well as travelling by road or air, members of the Royal House sometimes also travel by rail. The first royal train steamed into service in 1864. Since then, the royal carriage has been replaced several times.
The last royal train had been in operation since 1993, but as of the summer of 2023 it is no longer in use. Dutch national railway operator NS, which constructed and operated the single-carriage train, has donated it to the Railway Museum. The carriage comprises a sitting room with a seating area, a conference table with six chairs, two small bedrooms and a galley kitchen.
The train was used for domestic and foreign trips by the King and visiting heads of state. It was also used to transport members of the Royal House on King’s Day. Government ministers could also use it on special occasions.
Despite the retirement of the royal train, members of the Royal House still travel by rail, using regular trains. When choosing travel options, consideration is always given to sustainability, destination, efficiency and cost.