The EuroCity from Brussels-Midi/Zuid in Belgium to Paris-North in France will start running regularly on Thursday 19 December 2024. From French perspective, the service will run under the OUIGO brand. This train service already ran in the summer for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. 

According to research by Mobilithib‘s Thibault Lapers, the service will include stops at Mons, Aulnoye-Aymeries, and Creil. This connection will operate three times daily in each direction, travelling via classic lines between the French and Belgian capitals with a journey time of approximately three hours. 

I11

According to Lapers, the service will utilise I11 coaches in OUIGO livery and Type 18 (HLE) locomotives.

The I11 coaches are now really being used for international trains. The I in I11 stands for International. The EuroCity, formerly Benelux train to the Netherlands, will also use I11. The S43 train to Aachen in Germany also uses I11. 

Are there any I11 left?

Made official?

Originally planned for launch on 15 December, the start date was delayed by several days. Lapers expected an official announcement on 3 December.

This new ‘slow’ service complements existing high-speed options like Eurostar and inOui, which connect Brussels with Paris and other destinations such as Charles de Gaulle Airport and Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (for Disneyland Paris). 

It marks a milestone for the OUIGO brand, as it is the first time it will operate an international route. Previously, OUIGO services were limited to domestic routes in France and Spain.

Pricing and class options

Tickets for the Brussels–Paris route will start at €10 for adults, with prices capped at €59 depending on demand. Children under 12 can travel for €8, and infants under 4 travel free if seated on an adult’s lap. 

Each ticket includes one piece of hand luggage and one cabin bag, with additional luggage options available for a fee. Notably, the service will only offer second-class seating under its ‘Vitesse Classique‘ low-cost model.

Timetable and features

The timetable will include morning, afternoon, and evening departures in both directions. An additional late-evening train from Brussels and an early-morning departure from Paris have been added compared to the summer schedule.

While details about the use of Interrail passes and seat assignments remain unclear, the service promises competitive pricing and accessibility. OUIGO aims to provide an affordable alternative for travellers between Brussels and Paris, blending the low-cost model with the convenience of rail travel.

Now we must wait for an official announcement. 

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