SNCB to run conventional Brussels – Paris services for the Olympics

BELGIAN National Railways (SNCB) announced on March 19 the start of ticket sales for the conventional services that it will operate between Brussels and Paris this summer as the French capital hosts the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

SNCB will operate two Eurocity services a day each way from July 24 to August 11 when the Olympic Games are underway, and one in each direction from August 28 to September 8 when the Paralympic events take place.

From July 24 to August 11, trains will leave Brussels Midi at 07.02 during the week or 07.06 at the weekends, and at 13.38 in the week or 12.26 on Saturdays and Sundays.

The return services will leave Paris Nord at 12.30 in the week and 13.56 at weekends, as well as at 18.48 on weekdays, 18.21 on Saturdays and 17.58 on Sundays.

SNCB says that the journey time will be around 3 hours during the week and around 4 hours at weekends due to infrastructure maintenance work in France. The Eurocity services will make one intermediate stop at Mons in Belgium.

From August 28 to September 8, the train will leave Brussels Midi at 07.02 during the week and at 07.06 at weekends. The return working from Paris Nord will depart at 18.48 on weekdays and at 19.02 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ticket prices start at what SNCB describes as a “very competitive” €34 for a single journey in second class and €49 in first class. Seat reservations are compulsory.

SNCB says that the new service will enable passenger to avoid motorway congestion and the difficulty of parking in Paris at a time when the city is likely to be extremely busy.

“The train is already the obvious choice for travelling to the City of Light, and with this additional service we are encouraging everyone to take the most comfortable and sustainable means of transport,” says SNCB CEO, Ms Sophie Dutordoir.

“In future, passengers from Belgium will be able to take advantage of this more affordable direct connection between the two capitals, which can really compete with the private car,” says Belgian federal transport minister, Mr Georges Gilkinet.