More than half of Belgium’s population (52%) resides within two kilometres of a railway station, according to a recent analysis by the Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport.
The report highlights the accessibility of public transportation across the country and how it compares with other European nations. The study further reveals that 82% of Belgians live within five kilometres of a station.
However, accessibility varies by region, with the provinces of Luxembourg and Limburg having the most residents living farthest from railway stations due to their lower population densities.
InterCity Stations Less Accessible
While overall rail station access is relatively high, fewer Belgians live near InterCity (IC) stations, which provide faster, long-distance services by stopping only at major hubs.
Only 32% of the population resides within two kilometres of an IC station, reflecting the concentration of these major transit points in urban centres.
On the other hand, when considering metro, tram, or bus (MTB) stops, nearly all Belgians (98%) have at least one nearby.
The study notes that half of the population lives within just 200 metres of an MTB stop, demonstrating the widespread availability of local public transport services. However, the frequency and connectivity of these stops vary significantly depending on location.
Belgium Ranks 9th in Europe for Rail Access
Belgium ranks ninth among 33 European countries in terms of railway station accessibility, with 52% of its population living within two kilometres of a station. This figure is lower than Switzerland (81%) and Austria (66%), but slightly higher than the Netherlands and France, both at 47%.
Switzerland leads Europe in railway accessibility, owing to its extensive and well-integrated rail network. Austria also ranks highly due to its efficient public transport system, which connects urban and rural areas effectively.
Belgium’s ranking suggests room for improvement, particularly in regions with lower connectivity to major rail hubs.
Future Developments and Mobility Policies
The Belgian government continues to prioritise public transport development, with investments in railway infrastructure and regional connectivity.
Projects aimed at expanding and modernising train services, particularly in underserved areas, could improve Belgium’s ranking and make rail travel even more accessible to residents.
Additionally, ongoing urban mobility initiatives focus on improving last-mile connectivity, ensuring that more people can reach railway stations conveniently via tram, bus, or cycling paths.
As Belgium navigates future transport policies, the findings of this report underscore the importance of enhancing railway accessibility to support sustainability goals and ease congestion on road networks.
The country’s relatively strong standing in European rankings suggests that while progress has been made, further improvements can help make public transportation an even more viable alternative for daily commuters.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
