From December 2027, new night train services to Brussels Airport will be introduced by SNCB/NMBS. The trains will operate from Bruges, Ghent and Brussels and will run seven days a week. They are scheduled to arrive at Brussels Airport as early as 3.30 am. The measure is included in Belgium’s new three-year transport plan and marks a significant change in overnight rail connectivity to the airport. It is designed to support passengers with very early departures and improve access during nighttime hours.
The main reason for the introduction of these services is the current gap in early-morning transport options. Today, the earliest trains from Bruges and Ghent arrive at the airport after 5.30 am on weekdays, which is too late for many flights. From Brussels, the first arrivals are around 4.30 am, while weekend services arrive even later. This creates a clear barrier for passengers taking early departures, especially for low-cost carriers and morning connections. Many travellers currently rely on cars, taxis or overnight stays near the airport, which increases both cost and travel stress.
The new night trains also strengthen the role of rail in the overall airport experience. The station at Brussels Airport is located directly under the departures and arrivals hall, allowing passengers to move straight from train to terminal. This reduces the need for shuttle transfers or additional local transport. It also reinforces the idea of the airport as a fully integrated rail hub, where rail and air travel connect seamlessly. With journey times such as 11 minutes from Brussels and around 55 minutes from Ghent, the airport already functions as one of the most accessible in the country during the day.
Beyond airport access, the night trains are part of a wider effort to expand national rail services. The transport plan approved by the government aims to increase overall train services by 3 percent over its duration. Earlier plans had set higher growth targets, but these were adjusted due to operational constraints and infrastructure limits. Despite this, a long-term objective remains to expand services by 10 percent between 2023 and 2032.
The plan will be introduced in three phases between 2026 and 2028. The second phase in December 2027 will bring the night trains to Brussels Airport into operation. The first phase, starting in December 2026, will add more trains on weekdays and weekends and introduce additional late evening services on Saturdays to and from Brussels. The final phase in December 2028 will bring further adjustments across the network. The programme also includes expansion of suburban S-train services around major cities such as Antwerp, Liège and Charleroi.
Another element of the plan is the gradual strengthening of local rail infrastructure. A new station, Braine Alliance station, is expected to open during the first phase of the rollout. These developments reflect a broader strategy to improve regional mobility and reduce dependence on road transport. For air passengers, the combination of night trains, improved city links and integrated airport access could gradually change how early morning travel is organised. It also highlights a shift toward making rail a more continuous 24-hour mobility option rather than a daytime-only service.
