Railways and Train Travel in Belgium

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Railways and Train Travel in Belgium

The Belgian National Railways is run by the SNCB/NMBS - Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges/Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen (the French and Flemish names respectively).

• SNCB/NMBS Information
  Tel: 02 528 28 28
  Open: For information on domestic travel, 07:00–21:30 daily
  Open: For international information 08:00–20:00 Monday to Friday, 09:30–17:30 on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays
• For timetables and to book online: Click here

The SNCB/NMBS has a number of different train types running from Brussels' main stations.

• National trains: for inter region and inter city travel
• International trains:
• Thalys service that runs between Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris (Gare du Nord), stopping at intermediate cities and large towns
• Eurostar operating from Brussels to Lille and London
• Deutsche Bahn is the German rail network; it offers lines from Brussels to Frankfurt, Aachen and Cologne
• TGV is part of the French rail network, SNCF, and operates between Lyon, Bordeaux, Paris-CDG airport and many other French cities. It also goes to Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg

International trains connect with domestic trains at Brussels' Gare du Midi/Brussel Zuid. With all Eurostar and Deutsch Bahn and some Thalys tickets it is possible to finish a journey for free on domestic trains. 

Planning a journey

• For general information on all public transport systems see the Trabel website
• For timetable information from SNCB for international services: Click here

Train Services in the Brussels Region

Brussels has three railway stations:

• Brussels South (Gare du Midi/Brussel Zuid) is where the high-speed trains stop en route to Paris, Ostend and London. It is Brussels' largest station and is well serviced with shops and restaurants. Trains to Holland, Germany and France all stop at Brussels Midi. Many of them also stop at the other two stations. The station is connected to the Ringway metro line and tramways
• Brussels Central (Gare Centrale/Brussel Centraal) is an underground station located in the heart of the city, between the North and South stations. The station is also connected to the main metro line
• Brussels North (Gare du Nord/Brussel Noord) operates trains to the airport, plus Antwerp, Amsterdam and Cologne. There is a Eurolines coach station on site with regular coaches to over 500 destinations in Europe

Fares, Railcards & Discounts

• To calculate the fare for a journey: Click here
• The SNCB fares page provides information on all special tickets, passes and discounts available for students, groups and other categories of passenger. There is also a wide range of railcards, multi-trip cards and passes for frequent travellers
• For international special deals and passes: Click here

Railcards

There are a number of different railcards available for regular journeys, students, business travellers and for those under 26.

• For comprehensive information about the different railcards available, how to apply and what to do in case of a lost railcard: Click here

Tickets and Reservations

Combined tickets are available allowing rail transport to the city and then bus or tram transport within the city. Domestic tickets are sold at railway stations. International tickets may be bought via the Internet, telephone, at railway stations and at certain travel agents.

• For further information: Click here

All high-speed and sleeper trains must be booked in advance for cheap fares, either online or using a travel agency.

Note: Rail tickets are inspected on board. Fines are levied for travelling without a ticket.

Services for Disabled Passengers

The SNCB/NMBS provides services on trains and at stations to help passengers with reduced mobility.

• For comprehensive information on these services: Click here

Practical Information

Practical information on sales venues, station facilities, parking cards, transporting pets, bikes and outsize objects on trains, and information about the recovery of lost property can be found on the SNCB/NMBS website.

Animals on Trains

There are regulations for animals travelling on trains in Belgium:

• Small pets may travel free of charge if they are kept in a cage, box or basket that measures no more than 55cm long, 30cm wide and 30cm high
• For larger dogs on leads, passengers must buy a ticket which costs 50% of the second class fare; 10-trip cards are available for dogs
• Pets are not allowed to take passengers' seats
• Animals must not cause inconvenience to other passengers
• For further information from the SNCB/NMBS: Click here

Bicycles on Trains

Bicycles may be taken on trains, passengers must buy a special ticket. There is a limited number of spaces for bicycles on trains and it is recommended not to travel with a bicycle at peak times.

• For further information from the SNCB/NMBS: Click here

Expectant mothers

In the last four months of pregnancy expectant mothers can travel in first class on a second-class ticket. A medical certificate stating the due date may be required for this.

Subsidised rail commuting

Employers can participate in a government-subsidised scheme to help employees travel to work by rail. This is a government measure to reduce road use.

Related Information

• The Belgium Tourist website has information on air travel, shuttles, trains, buses and ferries: Click here 
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Buses, Metro & Tram Services in Brussels 
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Airport Contacts in Brussels

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