SNCB offers special train service for Paris Olympics

Belgian train operator SNCB will offer additional trains for the Paris Olympics this summer, it has announced.

The train service will be called "Eurocity" and will transport passengers to Paris starting at €34 per ticket.

“There will be no risk of queuing on the motorway, no worries about parking in Paris during what will undoubtedly be a very busy period – a must for tourists or supporters wishing to cheer on the athletes taking part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” SNCB said.

Two trains a day will depart from Brussels-Midi between 24 July and 11 August, and one train a day between 28 August and 8 September.

The Eurocity will stop at Mons station - the only stop between Brussels and Paris - where passengers will also be able to board.

“The train was already the obvious choice for travelling to the City of Light, and with this additional offer, we are encouraging everyone to use the most sustainable and comfortable means of transport,” said SNCB chief executive Sophie Dutordoir.

Tickets are on sale on the SNCB International website, with second class offerings available from €34 one way and first class from €49 one way. Groups of 10 or more are entitled to special fares.

“Choosing the train means choosing the most sustainable and efficient way to get to this major sporting event,” said Belgium’s mobility minister Georges Gilkinet.

“And in the future, Belgians will benefit from this direct and more affordable connection between our two capitals, which can really compete with the car.”

During the period from 24 July to 11 August, a train will depart every day early in the morning (7.02 on weekdays and 7.06 on weekends) and early in the afternoon (13.38 on weekdays and 12.26 on weekends).

The return journey will be possible at 12.30 on weekdays and 13.56 on weekends, or 18.48 on weekdays and 18.21 on Saturdays and 17.58 on Sundays.

The journey will take about three hours on weekdays and about four hours during the weekends due to engineering works in France.

From 28 August to 8 September, the train will leave Brussels-Midi at 7.02 on weekdays and 7.06 on weekends, returning at 18.48 on weekdays and 19.02 on weekends.