Belgium
In 1835 Belgium was the first European country on the continent to build a railway system. The first steam engine train connected Brussels to Mechelen. Since that historical day there has been a lot of progress and innovation. Architects like Horta, Beyaert en Cluysenaar were responsible for creating railway stations that to day can still be admired.
Visit the website of the Belgian railway company SNCB: English / French / German / Dutch.
Network
Belgium has an extensive railroad network. A great number of Belgian cities can be visited by train. Major stations are Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid, Brussel-Centraal, Brussel-Noord, Antwerpen-Centraal, Gent-Sint-Pieters and Luik-Guillemins. The Belgian Railways (NMBS) will bring you from Brussels to Brussels in less than 1 hour, from Bruges to Ghent in 30 minutes, from Ghent to Antwerp in 50 minutes.
The Belgian Railway (SNCB) has direct lines to the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and Germany. The train connection to Amsterdam is possible through normal trains that runs every hour. The connection between Brussels and Paris is only possible by the Thalys and reservations are required. There is also the connection to London by Eurostar. Reservations are compulsory.
Railway Service
There are several types of train that will take you to your destination in a day. They have 1st and 2nd class seats. Some have a restaurant car and others a mobile mini-bar offering hot and cold drinks, snacks and a range of light meals.
Most of the high speed trains (Eurostar, Thalys, and TGV, but ICE as well), have a bar open to all passengers. Here you will find a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals. In some international daytime trains, a minibar is brought through the carriages, offering an assortment of hot and cold drinks, sweets and snacks. Some trains even have restaurant cars.
Special trains Belgium
There are some special trains in the Benelux that require a reservation or supplement. You can make reservations during your trip at most international train stations.
- Eurostar (high-speed train)
- Thalys (high-speed train)
Both have discounted tariffs.
InterRail Passes for Belgium
- InterRail Global Pass
- valid in 30 countries, incl. Belgium
- InterRail One Country Pass
- available for 28 countries, incl. Belgium