In 1993 Israel Railways introduced the concept of regional rail by inaugurating the Netanya – Tel Aviv Suburban Service. Netanya was the northern terminus of the suburban trains as well as continuing to be a stop on the Haifa – Tel Aviv Inter-City Service. When Israel Railways reorganized the suburban service in the late 1990s the line was extended to Binyamina and Netanya railway station lost its terminus status. As part of the same reorganization it was decided that Inter-City trains would, in most cases, skip the station in order to reduce travel time between the two large metropolises of Haifa and Tel Aviv. The same rule was applied on all intermediate stations between Tel Aviv University railway station and Binyamina railway station, except for some late-night and early morning trains.
Design
The station consists of a side platform and an island platform, numbered 1 to 3 from west to east. Between the side platform and the island platform there are two parallel rail tracks, and an additional track to the east of platform 3, there are several additional free tacks to the east of the station in use by freight trains. The station hall is located to the west of the rail tracks. The two platforms are interconnected by a pedestrian tunnel. Parking lots are located on both sides of the station. Platform 1 is used for northbound suburban trains, platform 2 for southbound suburban trains. Platform 3 is used during the rush hour by the suburban trains that use the stations as a terminus.
Train service
Netanya railway station is a station on the Tel Aviv suburban line. Almost all Inter-City trains pass through this station without stopping, except on the weekends. The station is situated between Hadera Ma'arav railway station to the north and Netanya Shapir to the south.
Suburban Service:
*On weekdays the station is served by 38 southbound and 35 northbound suburban trains. First train departs at 06:36 and last train arrives at 21:31.
*On Fridays and holiday eves the station is served by 5 southbound and 6 northbound suburban trains. First train departs at 10:52 and last train arrives at 14:55.
Inter-City Service:
*On weekdays the station is served by 6 early morning southbound trains, 3 early morning northbound trains and 5 late night northbound trains.
*On Fridays and holiday eves the station is served by 18 southbound and 11 northbound trains. First train departs at 02:11 and last train arrives at 14:23.
*On Saturdays and holiday the station is served by 6 southbound and 5 northbound trains. First train departs at 19:38 and last train arrives at 21:27.
