SNCB expects busy days on coastal trains as sunny weather returns

With the return of sunny and warm weather over the next few days, Belgian national rail operator SNCB expects a greater flow of passengers to the coast as the week comes to an end. To avoid long waiting times, the railway company advises passengers to book a seat on board Côte-Express trains, the special service operating on routes heading to the coast over the summer. "There are still enough places available for the coming days and the weekend," SNCB said in a statement on Wednesday.

Côte-Express trains provide a direct connection to the coast from Brussels during the week and from several other stations on weekends. Reservations are made via the SNCB website at a price of one euro per person per journey, in addition to the cost of an ordinary ticket, the purchase of which can be made at the same time as the reservation. Reservations on the direct coastal routes can be made up to a quarter of an hour before departure.

On weekdays, four Côte Express trains run to and from the coast: two trains in the morning, departing from Brussels-Midi to Ostend, and two trains in the evening, from Ostend to Brussels-Midi.

On Saturdays and Sundays, 10 Côte Express trains leave in the morning and nine make the return journey. These trains depart from Antwerp-Central, Brussels-Midi, Ghent-Saint-Pierre and Liège-Guillemins heading to the coastal destinations of Blankenberge, La Panne, Knokke and Ostend.

While sunny weather is expected leading into the weekend, Sunday – which is a public holiday due to it being Assumption Day – will see temperatures drop slightly with some clouds. The return of the rain is expected next week.