The Paris Olympic Games are approaching and the French capital will become the sporting centre of the world for two weeks. National railway operator SNCB is introducing a new, more affordable train service (Eurocity) to Paris for the occasion.
SNCB confirmed on Tuesday that two direct trains (one early morning and one early afternoon) will run daily between Brussels-Midi and Paris-Nord from 24 July to 11 August, when the Olympic Games will take place. The return services will arrive in Brussels in the early afternoon or early evening. For the Paralympics, one train (early morning) will run between the two capitals from 28 August to 8 September.
"The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer will give thousands of Belgians a front-row seat to support their favourite athletes," said Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet. "Opting for the train means opting for the most sustainable, relaxing, safe and efficient way to travel to this global sporting event."
However, the plan is for the line to continue even after the Games. "We announced in July last year that we are exploring a connection to Paris via classic railway lines, as this is already our most popular destination," SNCB spokesperson Dimitri Timmermans told The Brussels Times.
"We are looking to launch this from the end of 2024. But this summer, we expect passenger numbers to be even higher than usual, which is why we are already temporarily launching the service." The more affordable connection complements the offer of high-speed trains.
Cost and timetable
Tickets for the new Eurocity are now on sale on the SNCB International website. Prices range from €34 for second-class tickets to €49 for first-class. SNCB stressed that a reservation is required to travel with this service.
The travel time is estimated to be about three hours during the week, while during the weekend this will be closer to four hours due to work on the line in France. The Eurocity will also stop at Mons station (the only stop between Brussels and Paris), where passengers can also board.
High-speed trains at Bruxelles Midi railway station. Credit: Belga / Thierry Roge
From 24 July to 11 August, the train will depart early in the morning (07:02 on weekdays and 07:06 on weekends) and early in the afternoon (13:38 on weekdays and 12:26 on weekends). The return journey departs from Paris-Nord just after midday (12:30 on weekdays and 13:56 on weekends) or in the early evening (18:48 on weekdays, 18:21 on Saturdays and 17:58 on Sundays).
From 28 August to 8 September, the service will leave Brussels-Midi at 07:02 on weekdays and 07:06 on weekends, with a return journey in the early evening (18:48 on weekdays and 19:02 on weekends).
