A new high-speed rail connection that will link Belgium, France and Switzerland is set to be tested from summer 2027. These tests will see the project mark a significant milestone as rail operators SNCB, SNCF Voyageurs and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) join forces to extend the existing TGV INOUI service between Brussels and Strasbourg to Basel.
The trial service is scheduled to launch in July 2027. Additionally, it aims to strengthen rail connectivity between three of Europe’s most important travel markets. Furthermore, it will offer passengers a more sustainable alternative to short-haul flights.
Significance
If successful, the high-speed rail could further enhance cross-border rail travel between Belgium, France and Switzerland. Moreover, it would create new onward connections to destinations such as London and the Netherlands.
The extension will build on the existing Brussels-France TGV INOUI route. This route is jointly operated by Belgian and French rail operators SNCB and SNCF Voyageurs. SBB has now joined the partnership to test demand for a direct connection between Brussels, Strasbourg and Basel. Additionally, the high-speed rail project is set to join others such as the Grand Paris Express in France in bolstering railway transport in Europe.
Route
Departing Brussels-Midi at around 7 am local time, the train will call at Lille-Europe, Charles de Gaulle Airport TGV, Champagne-Ardenne TGV, Meuse TGV, Lorraine TGV and Strasbourg-Ville before arriving at Basel SBB at approximately 12:30 pm.
The return service will leave Basel at around 2 pm and arrive back in Brussels shortly before 7pm.
Direct Rail Connection Between Belgium and Switzerland
For travellers, the route will create a new direct rail option between Belgium and Switzerland, eliminating the need for multiple connections and making weekend leisure breaks and business travel easier between the two countries.
The trial is also expected to strengthen links between major destinations across eastern France, including Strasbourg, which is home to several European institutions and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Benefits of the Project
One of the most significant benefits will be the improved international connectivity beyond the three countries themselves. Also, Swiss travellers will be able to connect at Lille-Europe onto Eurostar services to London. This will provide an attractive rail alternative to flying between Switzerland and the UK.
Additionally, passengers travelling from Switzerland will be able to continue from Brussels to destinations across the Netherlands via Belgium’s extensive rail network.
However, the current timetable does not allow passengers travelling from London to make a same-day connection onwards to Basel via Lille.
Lastly, the tickets for the trial service are expected to go on sale in spring next year ahead of the launch in July 2027.
Project Factsheet
Primary Route Corridor: Brussels (Midi)-Lille (Europe)-Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport)- Champagne-Ardenne TGV-Meuse TGV-Lorraine TGV-Strasbourg -Basel SBB
Participating Nations: Belgium, France, Switzerland
Operating Speed: Up to 320 km/h on French LGV lines; up to 160–200 km/h on conventional connecting segments
Full Service Launch: July 2027
Lead Operators: SNCF Voyageurs (France), SBB (Switzerland), in cooperation with Infrabel/SNCB (Belgium)
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