Rail transport
Rail transport is fast, reliable and suitable for any kind of cargo, such as containers, dry and liquid bulk, and heavy and dangerous goods. One train takes an average of 45 trucks off the road. Rail transport makes the logistical chain at the port more sustainable and efficient. Rail is an important mode of transport for the port of Bruges and accounts for more than 15% of the total modal split. Port of Antwerp-Bruges' ambition is to increase the share of rail transport on both platforms.
Rail transport is fast, reliable and suitable for all types of cargo, including containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and heavy and dangerous goods. Besides the growing number of new cars arriving at the port, trailers are also finding their way by rail.
Rail connections to European destinations
Port of Antwerp-Bruges has rapid rail connections with all major European rail corridors. Rail connections offer short transit times and congestion-free transport to Europe's major economic hubs.
The number of rail services has increased significantly in recent years. Port of Antwerp-Bruges matches supply and demand by working closely with rail operators. As such, new high-frequency rail shuttles with European focus regions in the hinterland are being set up.
In Antwerp
The rail network in Antwerp consists of more than 1.000 kilometres of railway lines. Railport and Infrabel (in Dutch) are important partners in the optimisation of rail transport based on several pillars of the rail vision.
In Zeebrugge
The rail network in Zeebrugge consists of about 135 kilometres of track. Platform Zeebrugge is very much oriented towards rail transport with large volumes of cargo related to Short Sea Shipping and wagon traffic.
Railport coordinates all rail activities
Railport develops projects with various partners and coordinates all rail activities at the port. These are intended to strengthen railway transport within the port and links with other European hubs. Private railway companies, rail freight forwarders, workshops, refuelling stations and rolling stock rental companies are active in Antwerp.
Doubling goods transport via rail
The combination of a growing port, increased pressure on the road network and ambitious environmental objectives means that promoting and supporting alternatives to road transport is absolutely imperative. Port of Antwerp-Bruges launched a master plan to double railway transport at the port of Antwerp to 15% by 2030.
To achieve that goal, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Railport started with the Rail Bundling project in 2024. By increasing cooperation and bundling volumes by rail, we enhance the efficiency of transort, with a positive impact on the price and use of the port infrastructure.
Central reporting point for port rail
Are you planning works on a railway bridge or level crossing and would you like to inform the rail sector? Do you have a question about a railway crossing in the port? Are works being carried out on a railway line or level crossing and would you like to know more about them?
©Benjamin BroletRelated downloads
Brochure Connectivity
11/4/2024
A product sheet with all rail, barge and shortsea connections from Antwerp and Zeebrugge. (Only in English)
Download
Brochure Supply Chain
26/3/2024
To stand out from the competition on the world market, companies must be able to call on the best possible supply chain to get cargo to its final destination.
Download
Rail leaflet
17/7/2023
On the Port of Antwerp-Bruges website, you will find an updated version of the rail map, with some useful information, for the Antwerp and Zeebrugge platforms.
Download
Rail transport subsidies: Federal conditions
29/12/2023
Een overzicht met alle voorwaarden en bepalingen om subsidies voor spoortransport aan te vragen bij de Federale overheid. (Enkel beschikbaar in het Engels)
Download
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