2023-08-15 06:10:00
The number of intercity trains that connect Brussels to the Netherlands daily will double from the end of 2024 and increase from 16 to 32, the two national railway companies, NS and SNCB, announced on Monday.
THE sixteen new trains that are added to the current offer will borrow the high-speed line between Amsterdam-Zuid and Brussels-Midi, round trip, with stops at Schiphol, Rotterdam and Antwerp-Central. The journey with these trains will last regarding two hours, 45 minutes faster than today’s timetable. These trains therefore constitute the alternative to the Thalysthe TGVs that run between the two capitals.
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IC trains currently still run from Bruxelles-Midi to Amsterdam Centraal and make more stops. This connection will remain, but will be shortened.
New trains to Breda and Rotterdam
From 2025, they will also offer 16 daily trips between Rotterdam and Brussels-Midi with stops at Breda, Noorderkempen, Antwerp-Central, Antwerp-Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport, Brussels-North and Brussels-Central.
This new organization therefore entails the end of the direct connection from Brussels-Airport, and other smaller stations, with Amsterdam. According to the Dutch Railways (NS), the travel time, with a connection in Rotterdam, will not differ too much from the current connection.
The two companies still have to determine precise prices and schedules of these future journeys.
Always more international destinations
The number of international destinations departing from Brussels continues to grow, indicates the SNCB. Some 40 TGVs and 40 conventional trains leave the capital every day to reach a foreign destination. In addition to increasing the frequency of trains with our Dutch neighbours, a feasibility study examines the opportunity to launch a new Brussels-Paris connectionalongside what Thalys already offers.
Belga – Photo: Belga / Virginie Lefour
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