Rail Transport for reliable intermodal logistics

Q: Which cargo types can be transported by rail between Antwerp and Rekkem?

Containerised cargo moving between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and inland destinations in Belgium and Northern France. Cargo can continue by truck or be handled via storage at LAR (Rekkem). Learn more about applicable flows via our Industries & Cargo Types services.

Q: How quickly can containers move from vessel to rail?

Containers can move from deep-sea terminals onto rail based on discharge timing and scheduled departures, aligned with terminal availability.

Q: Is rail transport suitable for all container shipments?

Best suited for regular container flows on the Antwerp–West Belgium / Northern France corridor. Less suitable for ad-hoc or highly time-sensitive shipments.

Q: How does rail transport reduce road movements?

It shifts long-haul road movements away from the port, with trucks used mainly for regional distribution from LAR onwards.

Q: Can rail transport be combined with warehousing and distribution services?

Yes. Cargo can move directly into warehousing, inventory handling or distribution from LAR.

Q: What happens after a container arrives at LAR?

It is either delivered by road, stored, or integrated into a distribution flow based on the transport plan.

Q: Can import and export flows use the same rail connection?

Yes. The same rail corridor supports both inbound and outbound container flows via Antwerp-Rekkem.

Direct rail connections between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and inland destinations in Belgium and Northern France

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Scheduled rail corridor

Reliable rail link from Antwerp to Rekkem

Inland gateway access

Reach West Belgium and Northern France efficiently

Less long-haul trucking

Shift container flows away from road.

Rail plus distribution

Connect rail arrivals to storage or final delivery

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Rail connections from the port of Antwerp-Bruges to West Belgium

Gosselin operates a scheduled rail freight connection between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Rail Transport Center LAR (Lauwe, Aalbeke en Rekkem). The service connects the port with industrial regions across West Belgium and Northern France, creating a reliable inland route for import and export containers.

Containers arriving in Antwerp can be transferred directly onto rail and transported inland the same day. At Rekkem, containers are transferred to trucks for final delivery or moved into storage when required.

lar_rail_connectivity_map_gosselin_landscape — Rail connectivity Network, connecting POAB to West Flanders and France

Rail Terminal at LAR (Rekkem)

The rail service is supported by Gosselin's road and rail terminal at Transport Center LAR, located close to the French border.

Terminal handling equipment at both Rekkem and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges allows containers to be transferred efficiently between rail and road transport.

30,000 m² terminal area

Dedicated wagon set with 62 TEU capacity

Reach stackers for container handling

Warehousing facilities on-site

The advantages of rail for inland container transport

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Less road transport around the port

Containers are transported inland by rail before being transferred to trucks. This reduces the number of kilometres driven between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and inland destinations.

Faster access to West Belgium and Northern France

Rekkem serves as an inland gateway that connects rail transport with efficient last-mile delivery by road, helping cargo reach its final destination quickly and reliably.

Additional flexibility beyond transport

The terminal combines rail handling, warehousing and regional distribution in one location. Cargo can be stored, consolidated or released according to customer demand rather than moving immediately from port to customer.

Scheduled Rail departures

The service operates on fixed schedules between Antwerp and Rekkem using a dedicated wagon set with capacity for up to 62 TEU per departure. Contact us for an up-to-date overview of departure times.

Contact one of our specialists.

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Case Study: Antwerp to Northern France

A recent paper reel operation combined train transport, warehousing and electric last-mile delivery between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Northern France. Inventory was positioned closer to the end customer while maintaining direct access to port infrastructure.

Read the Paper trail case study

Frequently asked questions

Which cargo types can be transported by rail between Antwerp and Rekkem?

How quickly can containers move from vessel to rail?

Is rail transport suitable for all container shipments?

How does rail transport reduce road movements?

Can rail transport be combined with warehousing and distribution services?

What happens after a container arrives at LAR?

Can import and export flows use the same rail connection?

Looking for a reliable inland connection between the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and key destinations in Belgium and Northern France?