Belgium is currently experiencing significant travel disruptions due to a nine-day rail strike that started on Friday 21 February 2025, at 10:00 pm and is scheduled to continue until Sunday 2 March 2025, at 10:00 pm. The industrial action, initiated by two smaller rail unions, OVS and ASTB, is in protest against recent federal government proposals, including an increase in the retirement age and budget cuts in the rail sector.
⚠ En raison d’une grève, l’offre de trains sera réduite du vendredi 21 février, dès 22h, au dimanche 2 mars inclus.
— SNCB (@SNCB) February 13, 2025
📆 Vous pourrez vérifier si votre train circule, dès la veille de votre départ, via notre planificateur de voyages, qui sera mis à jour quotidiennement. pic.twitter.com/fY5Sky3uj6
Impact on domestic rail services
The strike has led to substantial disruptions across Belgium’s domestic rail network. The National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS/SNCB) has implemented alternative timetables based on staff availability, resulting in varying levels of service each day. On Saturday, 22 February, approximately 60% of trains operated, while Sunday saw an improvement with two-thirds of InterCity (IC) trains and 75% of S and L trains running. However, the situation is expected to worsen during the weekdays.
On Monday, 24 February, only two out of five IC trains are anticipated to operate, with suburban L and S trains reduced to 25% of their usual frequency. P-trains, which serve commuters during peak hours, will be almost entirely cancelled.
Effect on international train services
International rail services have also been significantly affected. The Eurocity Direct service between Brussels and Amsterdam has been suspended within Belgium for the duration of the strike. The EuroCity service connecting Brussels and Rotterdam will operate, but with a reduction of four out of sixteen daily round trips. High-speed trains are not immune; two ICE connections between Brussels, Cologne, and Frankfurt were cancelled on Sunday, 23 February.
Eurostar services between Brussels and Paris will see six trains cancelled daily on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Night trains are also impacted; the Austrian ÖBB’s Nightjet will terminate in Cologne instead of Brussels on Monday, 24 February, requiring passengers to transfer to ICE trains for onward travel to Brussels. European Sleeper night trains are expected to operate as scheduled.
Short cross-border routes to destinations such as Roosendaal, Maastricht, Aachen, Luxembourg, Lille, and Maubeuge are subject to daily assessments. Travellers are advised to consult the NMBS/SNCB travel planner one day prior to their journey to obtain up-to-date information on service availability.
Wat is er mis met de belgische spoorwegen! #sncb! Elke dag bijna alle treinen vertraging. Nemen jullie achterlijke mensen aan om te werken of wat? Hoe kan het zo lang niet opgelost worden? En ze zeggen dat belgië een ontwikkeld land is! Godverdomme!!! @SNCB pic.twitter.com/84ib1mViHM
— Fluffy (@KvanCoban) February 20, 2025
Passenger advisory
The NMBS/SNCB has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the strike and is striving to provide alternative services where possible. Passengers are strongly encouraged to verify train schedules in advance via the official NMBS/SNCB strike page. Given the anticipated escalation of disruptions during the weekdays, commuters should consider alternative transportation options or adjust travel plans accordingly.
This rail strike is part of a series of industrial actions and protests in Belgium, reflecting widespread opposition to proposed governmental reforms affecting public services and pensions. The situation has led to significant challenges for both domestic and international travellers, underscoring the critical role of rail transport in Belgium’s infrastructure.
As the strike progresses, passengers are urged to stay informed through official channels and remain flexible with their travel arrangements to navigate the ongoing disruptions effectively.
