Brussels Airport Reconnects To Europe's High-Speed Rail
After over 10 years, Brussels Airport is back on the high-speed rail map with a new Deutsche Bahn service, offering daily return journeys between Cologne and Antwerp
Brussels Airport has reconnected to Europe's high-speed rail network after more than 10 years, marking a significant milestone in the airport's development as an intermodal hub. The new Deutsche Bahn service, which began on 7 September, connects Brussels Airport with Cologne and Antwerp, with two return services operating daily.
The service is part of a deal between Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn, inked in February, which allows travelers to book rail and flight journeys on a single ticket. This partnership opens up Brussels Airport's network of over 180 destinations worldwide to travelers from western Germany, while also providing direct rail connections to destinations in Germany for travelers arriving at the airport.
The first Deutsche Bahn high-speed train arrived at Brussels Airport on 7 September at around 8:30 am, having started its journey at Cologne station in Germany, with stops including Aachen, Liège, Leuven, and Antwerpen-Centraal. The train station at Brussels Airport is conveniently located directly below the terminal, making it easy for travelers to connect between rail and flight.
According to Brussels Airlines, more than 1,000 tickets have already been sold since the partnership was announced in February. The top destinations among travelers using this intermodal offering are New York, Accra, and Alicante.
## Why it matters The reintroduction of high-speed rail services to Brussels Airport is a significant development for travelers in Europe, providing a convenient and sustainable way to travel between cities. With the ability to book rail and flight journeys on a single ticket, travelers can enjoy a seamless journey, reducing the need for multiple bookings and making the overall travel experience more efficient. As the airport's CEO, Arnaud Feist, noted, this move is an important step in the further development of Brussels Airport as an intermodal hub, offering travelers a range of sustainable options to travel efficiently to and from the airport, across national borders.
## What happens next With the success of this new service, there are hopes that it will be the catalyst for even more high-speed train connections in the future. As the demand for sustainable and efficient travel options continues to grow, the reintroduction of high-speed rail services to Brussels Airport is a positive step forward, providing travelers with more choices and flexibility in their journey planning.
