With temperatures expected to soar this week, national railway operator SNCB is preparing for a rush to the country's coast with extra trains.
Holidaymakers and daytrippers expected to flock to the Belgian coast to make the most of the hot weather, meaning it could be very crowded there.
Until Thursday, SNCB is expanding its train service extend to Ostend and Blankenberge. These tend to be the busiest destinations on the Belgian coast as there are direct connections between the centre of the country (Leuven and Brussels) and these stations.
"This service is in addition to the tourist trains that run to the coast all summer long," said a SNCB spokesperson.
During the summer holidays, the railway company is also expanding its services to destinations in the Ardennes, amusement parks, nature reserves, and various tourist attractions.
SNCB regularly expands its services during the hottest times of the spring and summer to meet the expected rise in demand from passengers. By doing so, the rail operator wants to prevent trains from becoming overcrowded and surpassing their capacity, which has happened in the past.
