Trains in Belgium

Brussels-Midi (Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid) is Belgium's primary international rail hub. Eurostar services to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne depart from here. The station sits south of the city center and connects to the Brussels metro. If you're arriving internationally, this is almost certainly where you'll step off.

Domestic tickets are available through the SNCB/NMBS website and app, at station ticket counters, or from self-service machines in most stations. For international routes like Eurostar, booking in advance online typically offers better fares than walk-up purchases. Buying domestic tickets on the train itself usually incurs a surcharge, so purchase before boarding.

Belgium has one of Europe's densest rail networks relative to its size. SNCB/NMBS operates frequent services connecting Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Liège, Namur, and most smaller cities. Journey times between major cities are generally short, Brussels to Bruges or Antwerp, for example, takes roughly an hour. For rural villages, you may need a connecting bus.

Domestic SNCB/NMBS trains have no formal weight or bag limit, you can bring whatever you can carry and store yourself. There are overhead racks and floor space near doors. But no dedicated luggage cars. On international Eurostar services, luggage policies are stricter with size limits, so check before boarding. During peak commuter hours, large bags can be awkward in crowded carriages.

SNCB/NMBS domestic trains offer both classes. First class has wider seats, more legroom, and is generally quieter with fewer passengers. Second class is comfortable for Belgium's short journey times and is what most travelers use. On international services like Eurostar, the gap between classes is more pronounced, with first class sometimes including meal service.

SNCB/NMBS allows bikes on most domestic trains. You'll need a separate bike ticket, available at stations or through the app. Folding bikes travel free when folded. Space is limited to designated bike areas in specific carriages, and access can be restricted during peak commuter hours. International trains like Eurostar have their own bike policies, check before traveling.

Brussels Airport (Zaventem) has a train station directly below the terminal. SNCB/NMBS runs frequent services to Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, and Brussels-North, with the journey taking around 15 to 20 minutes. A surcharge called the Diabolo fee is included in the ticket price for airport rail journeys. Follow signs to the underground station from the arrivals hall.