As was already done last weekend, the number of trains to and from the Belgian coast will be increased as more travellers are expected to head to the sea to cool off.
The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) has predicted temperatures of around 30°C and more inland in the coming days — as the chances of a heatwave have increased, the RMI has even announced code yellow for heat in two provinces — but at the seaside, they are expected to be slightly lower, meaning this is an ideal location to escape the heat this weekend.
Belgium's railway company SNCB is therefore again putting in extra trains to and from the coast this weekend to meet the expected rise in demand from passengers. The rail operator also wants to prevent trains from becoming overcrowded and surpassing their capacity, which has happened in the past during hot summer days in the past.
"There are eight extra trains both Saturday and Sunday to Ostend and Blankenberge from inland, and also eight back," said SNCB spokesperson Bart Crols.
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The extra trains usually run between Welkenraedt and Ostend, Leuven and Ostend, Antwerp and Blankenberge, Hasselt and Blankenberge, and Charleroi and Blankenberge, the key routes to the coast.
SNCB still advises travellers to check the online journey planner before their departure, especially those planning to take the train on Sunday morning.
The journey planner takes into account the adjusted train service and also shows the expected crowds on the train.
