A new direct rail connection between Switzerland, France and Belgium is planned from July 2027, as three national operators prepare to extend an existing international TGV service.
SBB, SNCF Voyageurs and SNCB will jointly pilot an extension of the current Brussels–France TGV INOUI service beyond Strasbourg to Basel SBB.
The planned service will initially operate as one return trip on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The aim is to strengthen rail links between Basel, Strasbourg and Brussels, while offering another long-distance option between Switzerland and northern Europe.
The extended train will keep the intermediate stops of the existing service. From Brussels-Midi, it is expected to depart at around 7:00, serving Lille-Europe, Charles de Gaulle Airport TGV, Champagne-Ardenne TGV, Meuse TGV, Lorraine TGV and Strasbourg-Ville, before arriving at Basel SBB at around 12:30.
In the opposite direction, the train is planned to leave Basel at around 14:00 and reach Brussels at approximately 19:00.
The connection would also give Swiss passengers a rail option towards London, with a change at Lille-Europe and an expected London arrival at around 20:00 UK time. According to the current timetable concept, however, the reverse connection from London to Switzerland via Lille is not possible.
From Brussels, passengers would also be able to continue towards the Netherlands, making the route part of a broader cross-border rail offer between Switzerland, France, Belgium and onward destinations.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in spring 2027.
