NS Travel Information MCP Server: Connecting Your AI Assistant to Real-Time Dutch Trains

Overview: What is NS Travel Information MCP Server?

The NS Travel Information MCP Server integrates real-time train data from Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) into your AI application, enabling it to provide highly accurate and up-to-date travel information. This server acts as a bridge between Claude Desktop and the NS API portal, allowing you to build intelligent applications that can answer a wide range of questions related to Dutch railway travel.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

The NS Travel Information MCP Server offers a robust set of features aligned with Model Context Protocol (MCP) standards. These include real-time train information endpoints for departures, arrivals, journey planning, and service updates, as well as detailed station information covering facilities, accessibility, OV-fiets bike rental, and platform details.

Real-time Train Information

• Departures: Gain access to real-time departure information with platform numbers, delays, and travel notes.
• Arrivals: Stay informed about upcoming train arrivals at your preferred locations, including origin stations, platform changes, and status updates.
• Journey Planning: Find the most efficient routes with transfers and real-time updates.
• Service Updates: Check for disruptions, engineering works, and maintenance activities.

Pricing Information

• Ticket Prices: Get accurate pricing data for single and return journeys.
• Travel Classes: Compare prices between first and second class travel options.
• Group Pricing: Calculate fares for adult and child travelers.
• Discount Options: Check joint journey discounts and special offers.
• Validity Details: View the validity periods and travel conditions of your tickets.

Station Information

• Station Details: Access comprehensive station information, including facilities, accessibility features, OV-fiets bike rental availability, platform layouts, track information, location details, and approach instructions.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The NS Travel Information MCP Server adheres to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) architecture and protocol implementation guidelines. This ensures seamless integration with various AI applications through standardized communication protocols, making it compatible with other MCP clients like Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, etc.

Mermaid Diagram: MCP Protocol Flow

graph TB
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

Mermaid Diagram: Data Architecture

graph TD;
    N[Persistent Store] --> M[API Gateway];
    M --> A[Database Layer]--|Models-- P[Application Service]
    A --> D[(Data Sources)]
    P --> R[Response Builder]
    R --> S[Client];
    style N fill:#e8f5e8
    style M fill:#f3e5f5
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style D fill:#f7dce9

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To install and set up the NS Travel Information MCP Server, follow these steps:

1. Using Claude Desktop with NPM Package

Update your Claude configuration file (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json) to include the following:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ns-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "ns-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

You can obtain an API key from the NS API Portal.

2. Using Smithery

Install NS Travel Information Server automatically using Smithery:

npx -y @smithery/cli install ns-server --client claude

3. From Source

1. Clone this repository.

2. Install the necessary 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
   

5. Update your Claude configuration file with this:

   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "ns-server": {
         "command": "node",
         "args": [
           "/path/to/ns-server/build/index.js"
         ],
         "env": {
           "NS_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
         }
       }
     }
   }
   

Make sure to:

• Replace /path/to/ns-server with the actual path where you installed NS Travel Information.
• Add your NS API key in the env section. It can be obtained from https://apiportal.ns.nl/product#product=NsApp.

After updating the configuration, restart Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

• 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?

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

The NS Travel Information MCP Server is compatible with a range of MCP clients, including Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, etc. Here’s the compatibility matrix:

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

Ensure the server's performance and compatibility are optimized for various AI workflows.

Performance Metrics

• Response Time: Less than 1 second.
• Data Freshness: Real-time data updates within 5 minutes of changes at the NS API endpoint.
• Error Handling: Graceful degradation during API outages with fallbacks to cached data or other available sources.

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For advanced users, configure and secure your setup as needed:

MCP Configuration Code Sample

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ns-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "node_modules/ns-mcp-server/dist/index.js"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NS_API_KEY": "${API_KEY}"
      }
    }
  }
}

Ensure environmental variables are safeguarded and properly managed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I obtain an NS API key?

A: Obtain your NS API key from the NS API Portal.

Q: Can this server handle international stations as well?

A: Yes, robust handling of time zones and international station names ensures consistent performance across all locations.

Q: Is data privacy protected during transmission?

A: Data is transmitted securely using HTTPS to maintain confidentiality and integrity.

Q: How does the server ensure real-time updates?

A: The server continuously polls the NS API for updates, ensuring that your AI application receives timely information.

Q: What happens if the API goes down temporarily?

A: The server has built-in failover mechanisms to cache data and provide fallback responses until service is restored.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contribute to the development of this project by following these guidelines:

• Fork the repository.
• Implement bug fixes or new features.
• Ensure your code passes all tests.
• Submit a pull request for review.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Join the MCP ecosystem by exploring additional resources and documentation:

• Visit ModelContextProtocol.org for more information about MCP.
• Engage with the community on our GitHub Discussions section.

By leveraging NS Travel Information MCP Server, you can significantly enhance your AI application's capabilities in providing real-time travel details and optimize user experiences.