GERMAN Rail (DB) and Belgian National Railways (SNCB) have confirmed plans to launch a new ICE service between Cologne and Antwerp from September 9 2026, strengthening cross-border passenger services ty between Germany and Belgium.
DB’s long-distance subsidiary has submitted a request to the Belgian rail regulator to assess the economic impact of the service on the national passenger rail market. The application, required over 18 months in advance, also includes a track access request to infrastructure manager Infrabel.
SNCB, which is responsible for the Belgian section, has proposed timetable adjustments and requested formal approval. As the service will allow domestic stops within Belgium, a favourable ruling is anticipated.
