More towns connected to Brussels and more trains to Amsterdam in new SNCB schedule

Belgian rail operator SNCB has adapted its schedule, which will see a few more services in Brussels. Several more towns and cities in Flanders will have direct lines to Brussels.

The S8 line from Louvain-la-Neuve to Brussels South is being extended to Flanders, passing through the new Anderlecht station before moving on to Denderleeuw, Welle, Haaltern, Ede, Burst, Terhagen, Herzele, Hillegem and Zottegem in East Flanders.

The S9 line from Braine-L’Alleud to Leuven, which passes through several Brussels stations, including Schuman, will then head south to Landen, passing through Vertrijk, Tienen, Neerwinden and Ezemaal. Both extensions will only run on weekdays.

A new IC train will offer much faster service between Hasselt and Antwerp on weekdays, meanwhile, and the IC train Antwerp – Brussels Airport – Leuven will add Sundays to its existing Saturday service.

The IC train to between Brussels and Amsterdam, meanwhile, will see an increase in service, from the current 12 per day to 16, in both directions.

In related news, the council of ministers has approved a proposal that would require the SNCB to reserve at least eight spaces to park bikes on every new train introduced from 2025. Any trains currently in service that undergo renovations would also have to provide the eight spaces.

Photo ©Laurie Dieffembacq/BELGA