Temporary reopening of Antwerp-Linkeroever train station
posted on 23rd May 2026 11:56
On 2 May 2026, Antwerp-Linkeroever station has been temporarily reopened. It serves as an important alternative for the suspension of tram services between the left and right bank during the renovation works on Antwerp’s premetro tunnel. These works started on 4 May and will continue until the end of March 2027.
After 51 years of service, the Antwerp premetro tunnel between Van Eeden and Diamant stations is in need of a thorough renovation. The underground structure, tracks and all utility systems will be renewed. Several mobility partners have worked together to develop a series of alternatives for travellers, one of which is the temporary train station on Linkeroever. It is located on Katwilgweg, at the same site where trains stopped until 1984. As a result, part of the existing infrastructure could be reused, although many elements required substantial renovation.
The old platforms have been renewed using prefabricated concrete elements. These not only provide a level surface and thus more comfort, but also raise the platform height to 76 centimetres. This matches the boarding height of the trains that stop there, allowing passengers to board and alight smoothly. The temporary station is equipped with shelters, benches, lighting and camera surveillance. Tactile paving and guiding lines support blind and visually impaired travellers.
The existing pedestrian bridge over the tracks and the staircase to platform 2 have been renovated. A temporary staircase has been installed for platform 1. From Katwilgweg, an access path has been constructed leading to the platforms. A ticket machine and a digital information screen displaying the departure times of upcoming trains have also been installed.
Extensive train service
On weekdays, two trains per hour stop at Antwerp-Linkeroever in each direction. During school holidays, one IC train per hour runs in each direction on weekdays. During weekends, one local train per hour runs in each direction. On weekdays, SNCB will double the capacity of the local trains during peak hours, from 280 to 560 seats per train. The timetable of these trains has also been extended, with services running until 23 h.
At Antwerp-Linkeroever station, passengers can easily transfer between different modes of transport. Bus line 36 of De Lijn will make an additional stop there. The station also offers 200 bicycle parking spaces and 200 car parking spaces. The cycle path along Katwilgweg has been resurfaced and connects via the tunnel to the Kaypad. The Linkeroever Park & Ride is also within walking distance of the station.
A range of alternatives
The temporary station is part of a broad set of alternatives. De Lijn, the City of Antwerp and Lantis collaborated with all other mobility partners, including SNCB.
Shuttle buses run between the left and right bank, with a frequency of every 7.5 minutes between 6.30 h and 22.30 and every 10 minutes outside those hours. For pedestrians and cyclists, there is the free Sint-Anna ferry and DeWaterbus between Hemiksem and Lillo. They can also cross the Scheldt via the Sint-Anna Tunnel and the Kennedy Cycling Tunnel.
Working together for an accessible and liveable Antwerp
The Antwerp region is undergoing major development. Ambitious infrastructure and urban development projects are improving accessibility and shaping the mobility of the future. To ensure everyone can reach their destination safely, sustainably and efficiently, cooperation is essential. That is why mobility providers, developers and authorities are joining forces.
