New low-cost Brussels-Paris train launched
The Belgian and French railway operators inaugurated a new train service between Brussels and Paris on Thursday morning. The train, operated by SNCF's low-cost brand Ouigo, takes three hours to travel between the two cities. Tickets start at 10 euros one way.
"With this service, we want to launch an affordable offer between the two capitals that complements the current offer and makes the train a mobility option for everyone in Europe," said SNCB spokesperson Tom Guillaume.
The first train left Paris-Nord at 8.18 on Thursday and arrived at Brussels-Midi at 11.21. It was nearly sold out.
Three services a day
The train runs three times a day between the Belgian and French capitals, both during the week and at weekends. It stops at the recently renovated Mons station in Belgium and at Aulnoye-Aymeries and Creil in France. The total journey time is three hours.
Passengers have allocated seats. Tickets start at 10 euros, but a flat rate of 6 euros applies for children between the ages of four and 12. Children under four travel free.
The new budget service to Paris comes more than two years after the end of the low-cost Izy trains, which travelled between Brussels and Paris in 2.5 hours. During the Olympics, Eurocity trains ran daily between Brussels and Paris, with a stop in Mons.
© PHOTO ERIC PIERMONT / AFP / BELGA VIDEO LOU LAMPAERT
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