Buy SNCB Train Tickets Online - Book Belgium Rail with Omio

Mon, May 19
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Buy SNCB Train Tickets Online - Book Belgium Rail with Omio

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Omio makes it easy to book SNCB train tickets

Want to buy SNCB train tickets? Omio makes it simple to book SNCB train tickets in Belgium and beyond. Traveling on SNCB trains has never been easier.

Learn more about SNCB’s trains and the services on offer, and search for detailed information about travel times and SNCB stations. The Omio search tool can be filtered by date, time, journey duration and price, allowing you to find the best SNCB ticket for your journey.

Check out the Omio app for an even smoother experience

You can buy SNCB train tickets on-the-go with the Omio App. Twenty-seven million monthly users already compare and book trains, buses, flights, and ferries on their phones in Europe and beyond. It makes SNCB train booking a cinch - it’s never been easier to book train tickets online.

What is SNCB?

SNCB is Belgium's national railway company. SNCB can also be referred to as NMBS, which is the Dutch name for the service. SNCB’s trains have a rich history dating back to 1926, when they replaced Belgium State Railways. The SNCB train network now spans over 2,100 miles (3,500 km) carrying millions of passengers to their destinations each year, in Belgium and bordering countries like France and the Netherlands.

NMBS/SNCB Train Stations and Destinations

SNCB's main hub, SNCB International, is in Brussels. From there, dozens of SNCB trains depart for the rest of Belgium and other countries in Europe every day, including trains that go all the way from Brussels to London.

Other popular stations going to and from SNCB International include:

Popular Routes with SNCB trains

Some of the most popular routes on SNCB trains are:

  • Lille to Bruges. Trains run every few hours throughout the day, from early morning until the evening. The journey usually takes under two hours and most services have one change.
  • Liège to Amsterdam. Trains run all day, starting from before 7:00 a.m. and take around four to five hours with one change, usually in Brussels.
  • Zeebruges to Bruges. It's a fast journey, usually around 20 minutes. There's at least one train every hour.

SNCB Offers and Fares

There’s a wide range of SNCB tickets, with several SNCB train ticket discounts for various age groups. Anyone under the age of 26 can purchase an SNCB Youth Ticket to get a discount on their fare, and kids under the age of 12 can travel on a child's ticket, which is just half price. What’s more, on an SNCB adult train ticket, up to four children can travel for free!

If you’re traveling with your family, SNCB rail tickets are fantastic value, allowing you to access the best SNCB routes. Oh, you’re a student? Why not get 5% off your next trip here.

There’s also various loyalty or membership cards that can be added when booking an SNCB train to help you save money. For example, if you book with Omio, you and a friend can get €10 off each fare!

One of SNCB's most popular tickets is the SNCB Weekend Ticket, where you can buy a return journey for half price from 7 p.m. on Fridays and throughout the weekend. The other is the Senior Ticket, which allows anyone over 65 to buy a same-day return throughout Belgium.

SNCB Train Types

If you're traveling on an SNCB train, you'll be on either an inter-city or a local service. InterCity trains only stop at major train stations in big cities, whereas local trains make lots of stops at smaller towns on the route. There are also S-trains, which are suburban trains. They leave big cities and stop at smaller train stations in the surrounding areas.

Peak and 'EXTRA' trains are added at busy commuter times or on popular travel days, such as Fridays and during the summer holidays. Finally, international or 'INT' trains are regular trains that travel to foreign countries, and they may be partly operated by other providers, such as Eurostar or Thalys.

Explore Belgium by rail

Although small, Belgium has lots to offer. Most SNCB train journeys within the country take a few hours. Its size means it’s easy to explore most of the country in one visit.

The capital, Brussels, is home to the European Union and is known for its chips, their many dipping sauces, and love of beer. You could also treat yourself to a ‘moules frites’ or one of the world’s best steaks, if you fancy. And everyone’s heard of Belgian waffles. Delicious.

Besides the great food, there’s plenty to see and do in the capital. We recommend the Magritte Museum to learn more about one of Belgium’s most influential artists.

Just under an hour on an SNCB train is a route from Brussels to Antwerp, arguably the country’s coolest city. Once a bustling port city, it’s now known for its groundbreaking design and fashion scene. Make sure to visit the Museum of Modern Art, located inside a grain store. It’s where old and new Antwerp combine.

Another great trip is Brussels to Bruges. Just an hour away by train from Brussels, it’s an easy day trip from the capital - although if you’d like to stay longer, we certainly recommend it. Known as the “Venice of Belgium,” the historic center is built around a series of interlocking canals and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

FAQs about SNCB trains and SNCB train tickets

Can I use my SNCB discount card on Omio?

Omio accepts most discount cards when you buy SNCB train tickets, just make sure to select it from the menu options when searching for your booking.

What services do SNCB trains offer for people with reduced mobility?

SNCB helps those who need it at all Belgian rail stations, but you must book an SNCB train service 24 hours in advance. The service helps blind or partially sighted passengers navigate through the station and can help any passengers in a wheelchair or with a mobility aid get on and off their train.

How much luggage can I take on an SNCB train and can I bring my bike?

You can bring a maximum of three pieces of luggage on each train, but they must not exceed a combined weight of 30kg.

You can bring your bike for a small fee, but it's best to avoid peak times when there may not be much space.

What are the services on board SNCB trains?

SNCB trains do not have Wi-Fi, but have electrical outlets, air conditioning and toilets. The larger and busier trains have both first and second class sections.

Can I take pets on an SNCB train?

Small pets kept inside a carrier and assistance dogs can travel for free. For larger dogs on a leash, you will need to purchase a special pet ticket for a small fee.

What might delay my SNCB train?

Train delays happen for a variety of reasons, including poor weather, technical difficulties such as signaling faults, or infrastructure works and repairs. In some circumstances the delays may be because of an accident on the line, or because the service is busy with lots of passengers that need to board and disembark from the SNCB train.

The last train for my journey got canceled. What should I do?

If you're unable to get the last train, you should let the staff at the station or the train conductor know. Alternatively, you can contact SNCB's customer service contact center. They will help you to find an alternative mode of transport such as a bus replacement service or a taxi.

What should I do if my SNCB train is late?

If your SNCB train is very delayed, it may be possible to claim compensation by completing a compensation application form online.

Can children under 12 travel for free?

Yes, up to four children under the age of 12 can travel for free with a paying adult.

When do you have to make a group reservation?

If you are picking up your group reservation SNCB train ticket from a ticket office, you will need to book seven days in advance. If it's by post, SNCB will need 12 days' notice.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

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