Schaerbeek station: opening of the extended under-track walkway

For Better Accessibility to the Station and Other Attractions in the Area

At Schaerbeek Station, passengers can now use the extended underpass starting today. This extension connects the station to Vilvorde Avenue, allowing travelers coming from the canal to avoid detours via the Van Praet bridge. In the coming years, Schaerbeek Station will also become fully accessible: access to each platform will be possible via elevators through the underpass, and all platforms will be raised and renovated.

The extension of the underpass is part of SNCB's project to make Schaerbeek Station a major transportation hub. The station is integrated into the suburban S network around Brussels, welcoming over 3,000 passengers and nearly 200 trains every day.

Faster and Safer

The extension of the underpass improves access to the station, SNCB Train World museum, and Docks Bruxsel shopping center. The pedestrian connection between the station and the shopping center is significantly shortened: from over 1 km via the Van Praet bridge to about 400 m via the underpass. The same applies to the journey between the canal, the station, and Train World, which is now much shorter.

The extension of this underpass also significantly enhances safety by discouraging crossing the tracks at Schaerbeek Station. Previously, pedestrians sometimes crossed the tracks to avoid the detour via the Van Praet bridge, which was extremely dangerous and could disrupt train traffic.

Fully Accessible

The underpass is accessible via ramps at the front and back of the station. It is a pedestrian tunnel where cyclists, like in other stations, must dismount and walk their bikes.

In recent years, a new waiting area and covered bike parking have been installed at Schaerbeek Station. The extension works of the underpass began in March 2021, and renovation works at Schaerbeek Station will continue, particularly for the complete accessibility of the station.

Starting from 2025, SNCB will raise and renovate the platforms in collaboration with the railway network manager Infrabel. Canopies on the platforms will be renovated, and the extended underpass will be equipped with an elevator to each platform. The second underpass of the station, further north, will also undergo refurbishment.