Trains in Belgium: The Complete Guide to Prices and Tickets for Traveling Like a Local (2026)
Belgium is one of those destinations where you don’t need a rental car. Its rail network, run by SNCB/NMBS, connects iconic cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges in minutes. With the right ticket strategy, you can travel for a fraction of the usual cost.
At AdvenTours, we put together this quick guide so you know exactly which ticket to buy, when discounts apply, and how to save on your journeys—whether you’re joining one of our free tours or planning your trip on your own.
Types of Train Tickets: Which One is Right for You?
SNCB/NMBS ticket options come down to four main categories:
1. Standard Ticket
What it is: The base fare calculated strictly according to the distance traveled.
Conditions: Valid any day, at any time, with no restrictions or special conditions.
Note: It serves as the starting baseline on which all other discounts are calculated.
2. Weekend Ticket (-30% Automatic)
What it is: A 30% discount automatically applied when you buy a ticket to travel on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, with no card or extra steps required.
📌 AdvenTours Tip: For most of our one-day free tours, if you’re traveling on the weekend, this discount alone is usually enough. You typically won’t need the Train+ card unless you’re making several trips during your visit.
3. Train+ Card (-40% Extra)
What it is: An optional subscription card costing €6/month for adults and €4/month for young people and seniors.
Benefits: Adds an extra 40% discount during off-peak weekday hours and on weekends.
Price Caps: Features a maximum price per journey of €14 in second class (or €5.50 for young people and seniors).
4. Children’s Tickets (Free)
What it is: Children under 12 travel for free when accompanying a paying adult, up to a maximum of 4 children per adult.
Benefit: Ideal for family travel without blowing your budget.
Special Age Discounts: Young Travelers & Seniors
If you’re under 26 or over 65, you automatically pay 40% less on any ticket, with no card or special conditions required.
Additionally, if you decide to get the Train+ card, it’s even cheaper for you:
The card costs €4/month instead of €6/month.
The maximum price per journey drops to €5.50 instead of €14.
Is the Train+ Card Worth It for Your Trip?
It’s not always easy to know whether the Train+ savings outweigh the monthly cost of the card, especially if you’re only taking one or two trips during your stay.
That’s why we built an online calculator: just enter your route, date, and time for each journey, and in seconds we’ll tell you whether the card is worth it—and exactly how much you’d save.
How to Buy Your Train Ticket in Belgium
Official Channels: The easiest way is through the official SNCB app or website (External Link). You can also buy a physical ticket at any station.
Seat Reservation: One important detail—there is no seat reservation. You simply board the train and find an available seat.
Airport Supplement: If you land at Zaventem Airport, keep in mind there is a mandatory €7.10 supplement, which is always added to your train ticket, whether or not you apply discounts or have the Train+ card.
Key Stations for Your Sightseeing Route
If your plan is to explore Belgium’s most iconic cities by train, these are the stations you’ll want to know:
Brussels-Central
Ghent-Sint-Pieters
Bruges
These three stations connect quickly and directly, making them the perfect base for a multi-day itinerary around the country. (Suggested Image Alt Texts: “SNCB train at Brussels-Central station”, “view of Bruges from the train”, “Ghent-Sint-Pieters station”).
Traveling with Family or in a Group
With Children: Children under 12 travel free when accompanying a paying adult (up to 4 children per adult).
In Groups: If you’re traveling in a group of 6 or more, special conditions apply. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you organize it.
Quick Summary: How to Save on Trains in Belgium
| Travel Situation | What to Do |
| One-day trip on the weekend | Standard ticket + automatic weekend discount (-30%) |
| Several trips during the week | Check if the Train+ card is worth it for you via our calculator |
| Under 26 or over 65 years old | The 40% discount applies automatically, no card needed |
| Traveling with young children | Children under 12 don’t pay for a ticket |
| Arriving from the airport | Always add the €7.10 supplement |
Ready to Discover Belgium by Train?
At AdvenTours, we design experiences and free tours in Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges (Internal Link) built to help you make the most of your time, without worrying about transport logistics. Use our calculator to plan your journeys and book your next adventure with us.
Note: Reference prices based on official SNCB/NMBS rates, checked in July 2026. Rates are adjusted every February 1st, so we recommend verifying the exact price before purchasing.