Overview

SNCB/NMBS is Belgium's national rail operator, providing domestic train services throughout Belgium and connections with neighbouring countries.

Luggage & bikes

• Luggage: max 3 items per passenger (30kg total) — briefcases, rucksacks, suitcases, wheelchairs, pushchairs, folding bicycles, instruments and sports equipment all count, stored in the spaces above/below seats. Explosive, flammable, toxic, infectious, radioactive or corrosive materials are banned.
• Bikes (InterCity Brussels): folding bikes free if folded and packed with your other luggage; standard bikes need an international ticket (~€12 one-way).
• Cross-border (Belgium/France/Netherlands/Germany): limited bike numbers, both wheels removed, covered by a non-rigid cover (max 135×85×30cm); arrive 30 minutes early.

Traveling with pets

• Small pets: travel free when carried in a basket, cage, or crate no larger than 30×55×30 cm.
• Larger pets: require a pet supplement, currently €3 per single domestic journey. Pets travelling outside a carrier must be kept on a lead.
• Dogs: a muzzle is not normally compulsory, but the train manager may ask you to use one. Pets must not occupy seats or tables.
• Guide and assistance dogs: travel for free. Assistance dogs must meet SNCB's applicable accessibility-card requirements.

Boarding & check-in

Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure — there is normally no check-in or security screening for domestic SNCB trains. Have a valid ticket before boarding and be on the platform in good time, as train doors close shortly before departure. Seat reservations aren't normally required on standard domestic SNCB services. Bikes should be placed in the designated areas.

Wheelchair & assistance

SNCB provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, including help boarding and leaving trains and the use of mobile ramps where required.

• For most domestic journeys, request assistance at least 24 hours before travel.
• At selected stations, assistance for certain direct journeys can be requested up to 3 hours before departure.
• Arrive at the agreed meeting point at least 20 minutes before departure with your valid ticket.
• If your journey involves a connection, SNCB recommends allowing at least 15 minutes between trains.
• For safety reasons, wheelchairs and mobility aids requiring a mobile ramp must not exceed 300kg, 75cm wide and 120cm long.

Assistance can be booked directly with SNCB online or by phone. For international journeys, different advance-booking requirements may apply.

Tickets & mobile/digital use

SNCB tickets may be available digitally depending on where and how they were purchased. Always make sure you have your valid ticket available before boarding.

• Since 1 July 2026, tickets can generally no longer be purchased onboard domestic SNCB trains. Buy your ticket before boarding.
• SNCB website tickets can be issued as a PDF, which may be printed or displayed on a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
• Tickets purchased through the SNCB app are displayed in the app's Purchases section and must be shown on the device used for the purchase.
• A purchase confirmation email is not a valid ticket.
• Screenshots of tickets purchased through the SNCB app are not accepted because the ticket contains dynamic security elements.
• Carry valid identification when required, particularly when travelling with a personalised or discounted ticket.

Fares

SNCB domestic fares vary according to the passenger's age, travel time, class and any applicable discount.

• Adults (26–64): the Standard fare is available for travel throughout Belgium. Reduced fares apply on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
• Youth (under 26): reduced fares are available for eligible young passengers.
• Seniors (65+): receive a reduced fare compared with the regular Standard fare.
• Children under 12: up to four children can generally travel free when accompanied by a paying passenger aged 12 or over, subject to the applicable ticket conditions.
• Train+: provides additional discounts during off-peak periods, weekends and public holidays, together with maximum journey prices depending on the passenger category.
• 1st class: first-class tickets or a Class Upgrade are available on eligible services.

Fare availability and conditions can vary. Check the price and conditions shown during your Rail Europe booking before purchase.

Refunds & claims

Delays of 60–119 minutes: 25% of the ticket price; 120+ minutes: 50% (minimum refund €4). Claims must be filed within 60 days with your "RE-" reference, passenger names, train number, disruption details, and receipts for extra costs if applicable. Illness, bereavement and disruption-related incidental costs are not covered — use travel insurance instead. SNCB typically takes up to 7 months to approve compensation, after which Rail Europe refunds your original payment method.

Food & drinks on board

Food and drink services are generally not available on standard domestic SNCB trains.

We recommend purchasing any food or drinks you may need before boarding. Catering options may differ on international services operated with partner railways.