Rail links between between Luxembourg and the Belgian coast will be curtailed in 2017 and 2018, caused by infrastructure works on the rail network during the summer months.
Due to various worksites on the Belgian network, the "Luxembourg-Blankenberge Express" train will not be able to travel in 2017.
As for the 2018 summer season, trains on line 50 (Luxembourg - Kleinbettingen - Arlon) will not be able to travel in the context of large-scale works on the Luxembourg network. This will also eliminate the rail link between Luxembourg and the Belgian coast.
This summer, travellers wishing to get to Blankenberge will be able to use the direct trains from Luxembourg to Ostend, changing trains at Bruges train station.
This connection will be in operation from 1 July and until 3 September 2017 inclusive, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Luxembourg and for return journeys.
Network service provider CFL has introduced a special rate for Belgium at €71 return for two people in second class.
Schedules and the "Escapade" are available on the CFL website.
Luxembourg union, LCGB, has questioned what measures are being implemented to support commuters particularly during the cut in services between Luxembourg and Arlon next year.
According to the union, François BELLOT, Belgian Minister for Mobility, said that a bus service would be implemented.
The union says that it considers it urgent to launch concrete initiatives to improve cross-border mobility between Belgium and Luxembourg and insists that solutions be quickly offered to Belgian cross-border commuters in order to offer them an efficient, diversified and future-oriented mobility offer.
