A new direct train service linking Louvain-la-Neuve to the European Quarter in Brussels will begin operating from Monday, 25 August, the Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) confirmed on Wednesday.
The S81 trains will now run hourly on weekdays, expanding beyond their current schedule of peak-only services. The route includes stops at Louvain-la-Neuve, Ottignies, Hoeilaart, Groenendaal, Boitsfort, Watermael, Etterbeek, Brussels-Luxembourg, Brussels-Schuman, and Schaerbeek stations.
The SNCB aims to provide an alternative for drivers currently using the Léonard junction, which is undergoing significant roadworks.
Meanwhile, the completion of repairs on the Carsoel bridge in Uccle will restore normal train operations from 1 September. As a result, the S5 (Mechelen-Brussels-Luxembourg-Enghien/Geraardsbergen), S7 (Vilvoorde-Mérode-Halle), and S9 (Landen-Brussels-Luxembourg-Nivelles) services will return to their usual routes.
All timetable and route changes have already been updated in the SNCB’s online journey planner and mobile app.
