From Sunday 15 December, NMBS will introduce a new train timetable, expanding the range of services by almost 2%.
These annual adjustments are aimed at optimising rail transport based on available infrastructure, equipment and personnel. A total of 220 previously cancelled trains will return, while some existing connections will be adjusted to make room on busy rail axes.
A growing network for urban and regional travellers
The expansion of the train service fits within the broader ambition of the NMBS to achieve a growth of 2032% by 10. This goal is laid down in the Public Service Contract that the carrier has concluded with the Belgian government. A large part of the growth is focused on the so-called S-network, especially in urban areas such as Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels.
For example, around Antwerp, the S-train between Puurs, Antwerp and Essen will run twice an hour on Saturdays. In Ghent, the service will be reinforced with an hourly S-train between Ghent, Lokeren, Oudenaarde and Ronse. From June 2025, the S81 line between Schaarbeek and Louvain-la-Neuve will run all day long, a significant improvement for commuters to Brussels and the European quarter.
Return of deleted connections
The train service will be further enriched with 220 trains that were previously cancelled in 2022 due to staffing problems. These restored connections include a second S-train per hour during rush hour between Antwerp and Herentals. A number of P-trains will also return around Ghent, Geraardsbergen and Kortrijk.
An important milestone for 2025 is the completion of infrastructure works on the Carsoel Bridge in Sint-Job. From June 2025, two tracks will be available again, which will provide more capacity for S-trains between Brussels-Luxembourg and both Nivelles and Halle and Enghien.
“Our ambitions extend beyond the national borders,” Dutordoir stated. “We are consolidating the position of Brussels-South as an international hub and are doubling the frequency of trains to the Netherlands. In addition, there will be a new classic connection between Brussels and Paris. With this offer, which is being created thanks to the collaboration with our partners NS and SNCF, we can offer our customers more sustainable and comfortable international travel options.”
Although the expansions benefit passengers on various lines, NMBS is forced to make some adjustments due to saturation on the rail network. This is particularly noticeable on the busy axis between Antwerp and Brussels. Here, one IC train less per hour will run in 2025, after Eurostar was assigned train paths following an arbitration procedure.
Travelers in certain regions will have more options, but sometimes at a higher travel time. For example, trains from Liège-Guillemins to Brussels will now also stop at Brussels Airport, which will result in a thirteen-minute increase in travel time between Borgworm and Brussels. In other cases, transfers will be mandatory, such as for travelers from Liedekerke and Erembodegem to Ghent.
new benefits
NMBS emphasises that the changes offer not only challenges, but also advantages. For example, commuters from Aalst to Leuven will gain fourteen minutes of travel time. For travellers from Knokke, there will be a direct train connection to Leuven at the weekend. In addition, two trains per hour will now stop in Sint-Truiden and Alken all day long.
Travelers are encouraged to check the new timetable and travel options in good time via the NMBS online travel planner. NMBS acknowledges that some adjustments may have an impact on the daily habits of travellers. However, the railway company emphasises that these changes are necessary to comply with the limitations of the railway network.
According to NMBS spokesman Bart Crols, solutions were sought that would benefit as many travellers as possible. “We understand that some adjustments seem unfavourable, but these choices were made to utilise the capacity of the rail network as efficiently as possible,” says Crols.
The new timetable and most important changes can be found on the NMBS website and app.
