The annual Steam Train Festival in Maldegem in East Flanders by Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo is fast approaching, with organisers reporting that preparations are in full swing ahead of the 2026 edition. The museum site is being readied, rolling stock is undergoing final maintenance, and a full promotional campaign is underway, as the team aims to match…
Tag: NMBS / SNCB
WORLDPRIDE AMSTERDAM 2026 | Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to Amsterdam on 1 and 2 August 2026
Last year‘s Pride Express was successful enough, so organiser Jurgen Dedeckere has another go. His dedicated Pride Express train will link Belgium with WorldPride Amsterdam on Saturday 1 August 2026, offering passengers a combined transport and entertainment experience between Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. The return trip is scheduled for Saturday night, bringing you home…
BELGIUM | Rise of international trains puts pressure on the rail network: domestic services must not disappear
In three years, demand for train paths for international services in Belgium has almost doubled, De Standaard noticed. This is increasing pressure on the Belgian rail network, where more and more sections are being declared saturated, and it is also affecting the availability of domestic train services.
DEUTSCHE BAHN | First ICE service to the Belgian North Sea coast this summer
Deutsche Bahn has published a press release on Wednesday 4 March 2026 regarding its plans for Belgium coming summer. It confirms this post of 1 March.
ANTWERP | Renovation of Linkeroever station to begin during spring half-term, rail services temporarily disrupted
Renovation works at the long-abandoned NMBS / SNCB Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station will start at the beginning of the spring half-term holiday on Monday 16 February, Gazet van Antwerpen reports. The station is being prepared as a temporary mobility hub ahead of major renovation works to Antwerp’s premetro tunnel, scheduled to begin in May. Rail passengers…
Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland
Belgium’s federal Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke (Les Engagés) wants to make a direct train connection between Belgium and Switzerland possible again, Gazet van Antwerpen and Het Nieuwsblad report. In his latest policy note, Minister Crucke argues that a direct rail link is necessary and says he intends to give instructions to prepare a relaunch of…
NETHERLANDS | Arriva will not launch the Groningen to Paris service in 2026
Dutch private railway operator Arriva, which has been planning to launch open-access services between the Netherlands and Paris in France, via Brussels in Belgium, will not put this project into operation in 2026. The information was first revealed by Thibault Lapers on his Mobilithib blog, based on statements from the company itself.
NMBS / SNCB & CAF for MR30 / AM30 electric multiple units signed
Belgium’s National Railway Company NMBS / SNCB has formally signed the framework agreement for its future MR30 / AM30 electric multiple units with manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) from the Basque Country in Spain.
A London-bound Eurostar terminal at Antwerp-Central? Highly unlikely!
A new use is being sought for the vacant space of Plopsa Station, located at the rear of Antwerp-Central Railway Station. Belgium‘s national train operator NMBS / SNCB owns the space and says it is open to all ideas. For Antwerp’s Alderman for Tourism and Mobility, Koen Kennis (N-VA), this opens the door to an…
BELGIUM | Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo presents 2026 heritage runs season ft. Balgerhoeke Bridge
Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo has scheduled a busy 2026. One of the most visible highlights will be the Balgerhoeke Bridge, which will regain its former splendour following a thorough renovation. The first train to cross the renewed bridge is scheduled to be the Valentine’s Orient Dining Express. Further details are outlined below.