SNCB: 9.5M+ Passengers in Belgium Summer 2024 – Rail Growth

Introduction

SNCB reported that over 9.5 million passengers traveled by train during July and August, marking a nearly 3% increase compared to the previous summer. This growth reflects a rise in leisure travel, with passenger volumes up almost 30% compared to the summer of 2019.

Increased Passenger Numbers

Weekend travel saw significant growth, with numbers up 2% on 2024 and 37% higher than in 2019. To meet growing demand, SNCB strengthened services to tourist hotspots. These included coastal towns, theme and wildlife parks, and major music festivals, while also offering a wider range of discounted fares.

Popular Destinations and Services

The Belgian coast remained popular. Over one million passengers bought tickets to or from the eight coastal stations during July and August, up 25% compared with 2019. To accommodate demand, SNCB operated additional Côte-Express services to Blankenberge, La Panne, Knokke and Ostend. Staffing was reinforced with student workers and additional security, supported by local police forces. Festivals were another major draw, with over 240,000 festivalgoers traveling by train this summer. SNCB laid on additional services for around 20 events, including more than 100 overnight trains.

Additional Travel Details

Bicycle transport increased in popularity, with sales of bike tickets rising 13% year-on-year. Foldable bicycles continue to be carried free of charge. SNCB also reported high punctuality across the summer. Between July and August, more than 93% of trains ran on time, an improvement on 2024, when punctuality had already exceeded 91%. International journeys also grew, with 1.6 million bookings recorded via SNCB International in July and August – up 6% compared with 2024 and 50% compared with 2019. SNCB offers services to more than 6,000 destinations in 14 European countries, with France, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands among the most popular. Demand was bolstered by new routes launched from Brussels-Midi, including Eurocity Direct to Amsterdam, Eurocity to Rotterdam, and OUIGO services to Paris.

Service Updates

With the summer holidays ending, SNCB has restored its full regular service. Suburban S-trains and peak-time P-trains are now operating in greater numbers. Since 25 August, a direct S81 service has been running throughout the day between Louvain-la-Neuve and the European Quarter. From 1 September, the completion of works at the Carsoel Bridge in Uccle will allow S5, S7 and S9 services to resume their full routes, strengthening the Brussels RER network. The expanded S-service offers a sustainable alternative for commuters seeking to avoid road congestion, particularly during major roadworks at the Leonard interchange. SNCB has also introduced reduced-price parking at Louvain-la-Neuve station – €1 per day – for passengers holding a valid train ticket, providing more than 700 spaces for commuters looking to combine driving with rail.

Conclusion

During July and August, SNCB saw an increase in passenger numbers, particularly for leisure travel and weekend trips. The company increased services to meet demand, including adding routes and offering discounts. International travel and bicycle transport also increased. Furthermore, SNCB has resumed full regular service, including S-trains, P-trains, and new routes, with improved punctuality. In addition, SNCB introduced reduced-price parking at Louvain-la-Neuve station.

Company Summary

SNCB: The primary railway operator in Belgium, responsible for passenger and freight rail services.

SNCB International: A division of SNCB focused on international rail travel.