Antwerp Central Railway Station

The Antwerp Central (Antwerpen-Centraal) railway station is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural gem of Belgium, often referred to as the "Railway Cathedral." The building impresses with its monumental dome, luxurious interior, and a unique combination of historical elements with modern engineering solutions. The station is located in the very heart of the city, right next to the Diamond Quarter and the famous zoo, serving both local and international high-speed trains.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a complex multi-level structure. Trains arrive and depart from four different levels (including underground ones), so please pay close attention to the signage and platform numbers on the display boards. The main entrance is located on the Koningin Astridplein side, and the building is equipped with escalators and elevators for convenient movement between floors.

• Official website: www.belgianrail.be (SNCB/NMBS)
• Information line: +32 2 528 28 28 (general contact center for Belgian Railways)
• Address: Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
• Opening hours: the station building is open daily from 04:00 to 01:00 (hours may vary on public holidays)
• Luggage lockers: automatic lockers are available on levels 0 and -1
• Accessibility: an assistance service is available for passengers with reduced mobility (booking 24 hours in advance is recommended)

Getting to Antwerp Central station is very simple due to its central location. Almost all modes of urban transport converge here.

Public Transport: Beneath the station, you will find the pre-metro (underground tram) stations Astrid and Diamant, through which numerous routes pass (for example, lines 2, 6, 9, 15). Surface trams and De Lijn buses stop directly on the square in front of the entrance and on Pelikaanstraat.

Taxi and Car: The taxi rank is located at the side exit on Pelikaanstraat. If you are travelling by car, there is a large paid underground car park beneath Astridplein.

On Foot: From the historic centre (Grote Markt square), you can walk to the station in 15–20 minutes, strolling along the main shopping street, Meir.

Antwerp Central station offers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. In the main hall (Level 0), there are ticket offices for international and domestic journeys, as well as numerous self-service machines.

Benches are provided in common areas for waiting, although there are few enclosed waiting rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (registration required). Passengers can make use of automatic luggage lockers of various sizes, located near the entrance. Paid restrooms are situated on the basement level. For citizens with reduced mobility, elevators to all platforms and an escort service are provided.

It is impossible to stay hungry at the station. Inside the building, there are many spots for a quick bite: from chain bakeries like Panos to Starbucks coffee shops and kiosks serving Belgian waffles. This is an excellent option for those rushing to catch a train. The average cost for a coffee and a sandwich is around 8–12 Euros.

If you have time, it is worth stepping out of the station onto De Keyserlei street or Astridplein, where dozens of full-service restaurants, cafes, and dining venues with terraces are located. Also, within the station building itself, there are several shops where you can purchase famous Belgian chocolate as a souvenir or a treat for the road.

The history of Antwerp Central station began in the late 19th century. The current monumental building was constructed between 1895 and 1905, designed by architect Louis Delacenserie. Initially, it was a terminus station where trains had to turn around.

A key stage in its modern history was a massive reconstruction completed in 2007. Engineers dug a tunnel under the city and the station, transforming it into a transit hub. This allowed for the reception of high-speed trains (Thalys, Eurostar) travelling from Amsterdam to Brussels and Paris without losing time changing direction. Today, the station is an outstanding example of preserving historical heritage while radically modernizing functionality.

When planning a trip through Antwerp Central, consider a few important points:

Arrival and Navigation: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. Due to the vertical layout (levels +1, 0, -1, -2), the path from the entrance to the required platform may take longer than at a standard station. Be sure to check the Level on the information boards.

Tickets: For local trips, the ticket is not tied to a specific time, but for high-speed trains (such as Thalys), boarding is strictly by time and seat assignment. Tickets for international journeys are best purchased online in advance.

Security: As with any major station, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowds. The station closes for several hours at night, so staying overnight in the waiting hall is not possible.