When we talk about European proximity, Lille loves to remind everyone that it's just half an hour away from Brussels. On paper, that’s true! But in reality, things have changed a bit since the beginning of this year. Starting in January 2026, the last direct train from Brussels-Midi to Lille-Europe leaves at 6:00 PM sharp. After that? Curtains down.
A cross-border connection abruptly shortened
Specifically, this means there is now no more direct train from Brussels → to Lille in the evening. The last departure, which used to be at 6:17 PM, has been moved up by 17 minutes. It may seem like a small detail, but it’s a real headache for the hundreds of workers and students who commute daily between the two cities.
Back in 2015, there were still four direct trains making the trip after 6 PM. Since then, the number of services has steadily decreased. December 2022 already saw the removal of two peak-hour TGVs. January 2026 just drives the point home.
Commuters under pressure and daily stress
For commuters, the consequence is immediate: leaving the office earlier, shortening meetings, racing against the clock… or risking missing their train and ending up stuck on the Belgian side.
The Lille-Brussels Commuters Association (ANLB), which brings together nearly 300 people, talks about a daily stress and a situation that has become "humannely difficult and professionally penalizing."
Some share that they have to leave work before 5:30 PM, while others live with the constant anxiety of missed connections. Just 30 minutes apart, the absurdity of the situation is evident.
Why this cancellation?
Behind the scenes, the reason is as simple as it is frustrating: the time slot for the Lille-Brussels train has been assigned to an Eurostar Amsterdam-London by Infrabel, the manager of the Belgian railway network. A strategic decision that…
But heavy with consequences for local mobility. In conclusion: a daily international connection is sacrificed in favor of a long-distance route.
Xavier Bertrand Takes a Stand
In the face of discontent, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, Xavier Bertrand, has broken his silence. On January 21, he made public a letter addressed to Jean Castex, CEO of SNCF, denouncing an “incomprehensible” decision and calling for immediate dialogue with SNCF and SNCB.
According to him, weakening this connection means permanently undermining cross-border professional life and the attractiveness of the Lille area. It's a tough argument to contest when aiming to be the European capital of the North.
And now?
For now, there’s been no official announcement about a return to normal. The Lille → Brussels trains remain unchanged, with the last departure from Lille-Europe at 10:09 PM. But in the other direction, the message is clear: don’t linger too long after work. Just 30 minutes away, Bru.
xelles has never seemed so far away.