It is also called the Staatslijn A ("state line A") in Dutch.

The part between Arnhem and Zwolle is sometimes called the IJssellijn ("IJssel line").

During the Second World War, the tracks between Deventer and Olst were removed by the German occupiers following the national railway strike from 1944 onwards.

It had been a double-track section like the rest of the line, but was replaced post-war by a single track due to costs.

[1] The main interchange stations on the Arnhem–Leeuwarden railway are: Ittersum, Herculo, Windesheim, Herxen, Wijnvoorden, Bovendorp, De Boerhaar, Diepenveen West, Rande, De Platvoet, Boksbergerweg, Snippeling, Colmschate, Epse, Gorssel, Eefde, Hungerink-Mettray, Nieuwstad, Hoven, Voorstonden, Het Vosje, Weg naar Voorst, Leuvenheim, Spankeren, Villa Hofstetten, Ellecom, Klein Avegoor, Diepesteeg, Holleweg, Hotel Den Engel, De Steeg, Worth-Rheden, Hotel Naeff, Cafe Unie and Plattenburg.