Brussels Airport Reconnects to High-Speed Rail Network

International high-speed trains are pulling into Brussels Airport again after an 11-year gap, reconnecting Belgium's busiest airport to Europe's expanding rail network.

Deutsche Bahn launched its new service on September 7, with trains now running twice daily between Cologne, Germany and Antwerp, Belgium. The route stops at Brussels Airport's underground station, located directly beneath the terminal, along with Aachen, Liège, and Leuven.

The real breakthrough is the single-ticket system launched through a partnership between Brussels Airlines and Deutsche Bahn. Travelers can now book their train ride and flight together, with guaranteed connections even if delays happen.

Since the February announcement, more than 1,000 passengers have already bought combined tickets. The most popular destinations so far are New York, Accra, and Alicante, showing strong demand for seamless rail-to-air connections.

For passengers starting in western Germany, the service opens access to Brussels Airlines' network of over 180 worldwide destinations. For those flying into Brussels, it means direct rail connections deep into Germany without switching tickets or worrying about missed connections.

The Ripple Effect

This revival marks a turning point for sustainable travel in Europe. Airport CEO Arnaud Feist sees it as just the beginning, hoping more high-speed rail connections will follow as travelers increasingly choose trains over short-haul flights.

The partnership also rewards eco-conscious choices through Lufthansa's Miles & More program, letting passengers earn points on their rail journeys. It's a small but meaningful nod to making green travel feel rewarding rather than sacrificial.

Dr. Michael Peterson from Deutsche Bahn highlighted how the service connects two crucial transport hubs: Cologne as a rail crossroads and Brussels Airport as an aviation gateway. The combination creates new possibilities for international travelers who want flexibility without compromising on sustainability.

Brussels Airport is betting big on becoming what they call an "intermodal hub," where planes, trains, and other transport modes work together seamlessly. This first service proves the concept works and passengers want it.

After 11 years without international high-speed rail, Brussels Airport is finally back in the game and leading Europe toward a more connected, sustainable future.