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.
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.
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.
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:
Some of the most popular routes on SNCB trains are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your SNCB train is very delayed, it may be possible to claim compensation by completing a compensation application form online.
Yes, up to four children under the age of 12 can travel for free with a paying adult.
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.