Brussels, Belgium – January 25, 2026 — Brussels, the bustling heart of Europe, continues to welcome visitors with resilient transport options as rail operators roll out enhanced planning resources for the period from 10pm on Sunday 25 January to the end of services on Friday 30 January. SNCB International has published a detailed alternative service plan, ensuring key international connections remain accessible while prioritising passenger convenience through real-time updates and flexible ticketing.
This proactive approach highlights ongoing efforts to maintain connectivity across the continent. Eurostar services, for instance, anticipate a near-normal timetable, with passengers encouraged to monitor live information pages for seamless journeys to London and beyond. Such measures underscore the commitment to reliability, allowing travellers to explore Brussels’ iconic Grand Place or the Atomium without undue worry. “We’ve designed these tools to empower visitors, providing proof-of-disruption certificates for easy claims and visa support,” noted SNCB spokesperson Marie Dupont in a statement released on 24 January.
Complementing rail efforts, engineering enhancements in north-east Brussels pave the way for smoother future travel. From 31 January to 1 February, and again from 10 to 12 February, select EuroCity trains to Rotterdam will bypass Brussels Airport-Zaventem, Bruxelles-Central, and Bruxelles-Nord stations. In response, operators have introduced efficient transfer points at Antwerp and Mechelen, complete with clear signage and dedicated assistance teams. These adjustments not only minimise delays but also promote multi-modal travel, integrating buses and regional links for a more integrated experience.
Further afield, TGV INOUI and OUIGO services to Paris operate fully, barring minor exceptions on 25, 26, and 27 January, while ICE trains to Cologne and Frankfurt proceed as planned. EuroCity routes to the Netherlands see robust coverage, with 12 of 16 daily trains running between Brussels and Rotterdam on 26 and 27 January, and strong reciprocation from the Dutch side. Even on 28 February and 1 March, Eurocity Direct to Amsterdam adapts by terminating at Amsterdam Central, ensuring access to the city’s vibrant canals and markets.
Local ingenuity shines through in Walloon regions, where TEC operators coordinate with rail teams to offer alternative bus routes during overlapping actions from 26 January. Apps and websites deliver instant notifications, helping commuters and tourists alike navigate with confidence. Brussels Airport, meanwhile, advises a 3.5-hour arrival buffer due to security efficiencies, turning potential queues into opportunities for relaxed pre-flight enjoyment of duty-free gems.
Travellers praise these innovations. “The journey planner’s strike-ready features made rescheduling a breeze—I arrived in Brussels ready for waffles and walks along the Senne,” shared UK visitor James Hartley, who rerouted via Eurostar on 24 January. Local guides, such as those from Visit Brussels, have amplified support by curating walkable itineraries and e-bike rentals, emphasising the city’s compact charm. From the EU Quarter’s glass facades to the Marolles flea market, pedestrian-friendly paths and emerging tram expansions invite discovery on foot or by cycle.
This period also spotlights sustainable progress. SNCB’s reduced InterCity skeleton service focuses on high-demand axes, reducing emissions through optimised loads. International partners like Eurostar promote e-tickets and carbon-offset programmes, aligning with Brussels’ green agenda. Community initiatives, including pop-up info hubs at Midi station, foster collaboration between operators, hotels, and ride-share firms, creating a web of supportive options.
Looking ahead, these adaptations build momentum for 2026’s travel renaissance. With substitution buses linking Tournai, Mouscron, and Lille Flandres from 21 February to 1 March, cross-border fluidity strengthens. Frequent updates—promised daily via SNCB’s disruption page—equip planners with foresight, from downloading flexible tickets to exploring high-speed alternatives.
Brussels thrives as a nexus of progress, where challenges spark ingenuity. Visitors can delve into Art Nouveau treasures in Saint-Gilles or savour moules-frites in Ixelles, bolstered by a transport ecosystem designed for enjoyment. As operators refine these systems, the city stands poised to exceed expectations, blending historic allure with modern efficiency. Rail action from 25 to 30 January thus becomes a showcase of resilience, inviting more to experience Belgium’s capital in full stride.
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