SNCB Summer Schedule: More Trains to Coast and Festivals

Belgian national railway company SNCB has announced its annual summer schedule adjustments, significantly expanding service to tourist destinations while reducing commuter trains during the holiday period. The adapted timetable, effective from June 27 to August 30, 2026, reflects growing demand for rail-based leisure travel across Belgium.

According to the official SNCB press release, the summer schedule is designed to align with shifting travel patterns as schools close and workers take holidays. “On weekdays, the rail service is adjusted to account for the decrease in commuter and school trips,” said Vincent Bayer, SNCB Spokesperson. “This results in a reduction of P trains and S trains, and a reinforcement of service to the most popular tourist and leisure destinations.”

Coastal Connections Take Center Stage

The Belgian coast remains the flagship destination for summer travelers. SNCB is deploying significant additional capacity to coastal towns, with weekend services seeing the largest increases. Blankenberge receives the biggest boost with seven additional round trips on weekends, while Ostende gets four extra weekend round trips and three on weekdays. Knokke gains three additional round trips throughout the week, and La Panne receives one extra weekday service and three on weekends.

Beyond the coast, SNCB is reinforcing services to nature reserves, amusement parks, and outdoor leisure spots. Additional trains will run to Planckendael Zoo (via Mechelen station) on both weekdays and weekends, while weekend services are being added to Pairi Daiza animal park, Walibi amusement park, and Plopsaland De Panne. A tourist train will also operate on Saturdays and Sundays from Liège to the Ourthe Valley and the Durbuy region, a popular area for outdoor activities.

City Trips and Festival Services

For those seeking urban getaways, SNCB is deploying extra trains to Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges from numerous stations across the country. The company is also rolling out special services for summer 2026’s major music events, including Rampage Open Air in Lommel, the Festival de Dour, and concerts by Bad Bunny and BTS at Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium. Round-trip tickets at 40% discount and night trains are available for these events.

As La Libre Belgique reported, SNCB noted that last summer saw 3% more leisure travelers compared to the same period in 2024, indicating growing enthusiasm for rail-based tourism.

Discount Programs and Affordable Travel

SNCB continues to promote its Discovery Ticket, which combines train travel with entry to parks, museums, and attractions at a 40% discount on the train fare. Partners include Antwerp Zoo, Pairi Daiza, Walibi, Bellewaerde, Mini-Europe, the Royal Palace in Brussels, and Train World, among others.

The Train+ card, launched in October 2025, offers a 40% discount during off-peak hours and weekends, with a maximum fare of €14 for adults regardless of distance. Youth, seniors, and social beneficiaries pay no more than €5.50, and children under 12 travel free (up to four per paying adult).

Infrastructure Works and Travel Advice

The summer schedule also accounts for significant track maintenance by Infrabel, Belgium’s rail infrastructure manager, which will be carried out across the network during July and August. SNCB advises travelers to check its app or website for real-time updates on disruptions and alternative routes.

On sunny weekends, high passenger volumes are expected on coastal routes. SNCB’s journey planner indicates expected occupancy rates for each train, allowing travelers to choose less crowded services.

Broader Context

The summer adjustments are part of SNCB’s broader 2023-2026 transport plan, which includes adding 2,000 additional trains over three years. The company has also been investing in cross-border connections, with a new Ghent-Antwerp-Amsterdam-Paris line scheduled to launch in December 2026.

With leisure rail travel growing year on year and an expanding portfolio of discounted fare options, SNCB is positioning rail as a competitive and sustainable choice for summer getaways. The company’s summer program underscores a strategic shift toward capturing a larger share of Belgium’s domestic tourism market, while the reduction in commuter services during the holiday months reflects a pragmatic alignment with actual passenger demand.

As the summer season gets underway, travelers across Belgium will find more options — and more affordable ones — for exploring their country by train.