Netherlands and Belgium Explore Direct Eindhoven-Brussels Rail Link

The Netherlands and Belgium are collaborating to establish a direct train connection between Eindhoven and Brussels, aiming to strengthen cross-border economic ties and improve regional transport. The initiative, formalized through a joint declaration signed on February 19, 2026, seeks to address current travel inefficiencies and boost connectivity between the Brainport region and the Belgian capital.

Addressing Current Travel Challenges

Currently, traveling between Eindhoven and Brussels is cumbersome, often requiring multiple transfers and a lengthy journey. Dutch State Secretary for Public Transport Thierry Aartsen highlighted the difficulties, noting that a trip from ASML in Eindhoven to Brussels can take three and a half hours with approximately four transfers [1]. This inefficiency hinders business and personal travel between the two regions.

Proposed Solutions and Infrastructure

The new rail link could take two forms: constructing new tracks or adding an additional service on existing rail lines [1]. The proposed route, dubbed the “Brainport-Brussel line,” will primarily utilize existing or former local lines, though laying new tracks remains an option [2].

Broader Rail Cooperation

This project is part of a wider effort to enhance rail cooperation between the Netherlands and Belgium. Alongside the Eindhoven-Brussels connection, both countries are examining freight connections between Ghent and Terneuzen and the potential development of the “Iron Rhine” link from Belgium to Germany through Limburg [1]. Officials plan to meet annually to review rail developments.

Economic Impact and Regional Benefits

The improved rail connection is expected to strengthen cross-border economic ties, particularly between the Noord-Brabant region of the Netherlands and Flanders in Belgium [2]. A new goods line between Terneuzen and Genk is likewise planned, potentially handling 15% of goods arriving at the North Sea Port [2].

Current Travel Options

Currently, travelers between Brussels and Eindhoven can utilize FlixBus services, with buses running every four hours [3]. Train travel is also possible, with a shortest travel time of 2 hours and 34 minutes, but requires one transfer [4]. Ticket prices for train travel start from €14 [4].

Next Steps

Following the signing of the joint declaration, a spokesperson for State Secretary Aartsen indicated that more concrete plans are expected by this summer [1]. Regional authorities and rail operators are actively involved in the discussions, though no funding has been allocated to the project yet.