NS confirms plans for extra trains between Brussels and the Netherlands

Dutch rail operator NS has confirmed plans to double the number of intercity trains between the Netherlands and Brussels from 16 to 32 from the end of 2024. Specifically, NS and Belgian railways SNCB want to split the current IC Brussels service into two connections, each with 16 trains per day.

The first connection will be a fast train between Amsterdam South and Brussels South, with stops at Schiphol, Rotterdam and Antwerp. The total journey time will be reduced by 45 minutes.

There will also be a slower train between Rotterdam and Brussels South, with stops at Breda, Noorderkempen, Antwerp-Central, Antwerp-Berchem, Mechelen, Brussels Airport, Brussels-North and Brussels-Central.

NS also indicates that the 'three-country train' between Liège, Maastricht and Aachen should become a reality in the first half of 2024.

Regional authorities and passenger organisations will examine the plan and give their advice. It will then be up to ProRail, the Dutch rail network manager, to combine the wishes of NS, passenger organisations and freight operators in a final timetable, which is scheduled to go into effect on 15 December.

^{Photo: © Ramon van Flymen / ANP / AFP}