SNCB
SNCB
The SNCB (Société nationale des chemins de fer belges) or NMBS (Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen) is the Belgian national railway operator and the most important railway operator in Belgium. (Image to be inserted here)
Summary
- SNCB accepts FIP free travel and FIP 50 tickets
- No reservation required
- Surcharge for trips to/from Brussels Zaventem Airport
Validity of FIP Tickets
FIP free tavel passes: ✅
FIP 50 tickets: ✅
FIP free travel passes and FIP 50 tickets are valid on SNCB connections. For cross-border trips, either a continuous FIP 50 ticket or FIP free travel passes from both countries must be available.
Reservation
Reservation requirement: Within Belgium, there is no reservation requirement for SNCB and it is not possible on many trains. For the cross-border ICE to Germany, a reservation is possible and was mandatory in summer 2024 (only for cross-border trips).
Train Categories and Reservations
No reservation requirement for SNCB trains.
InterCity Express (ICE)
Description:High-speed trains of Deutsche Bahn, operated by SNCB in Belgium. They run between Brussels (Midi) and Germany (Cologne / Frankfurt am Main), but can also be used with FIP tickets without surcharge within Belgium between Brussels Midi and Liège-Guillemins.
Reservation possible: yes
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: 🟡
6.50 € (1st class)
5.20 € (2nd class)
Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) ⚠️
Description:High-speed trains of SNCF, operated by SNCB in Belgium. They run between Brussels (Midi) and France (e.g., Paris, Lille, Strasbourg, or Marseille). However, reservation is mandatory on all trains.
Reservation possible: yes
Reservation required: yes
Cost for reservation: 🔴
Varies by route/availability
InterCity (IC)
Description:Unlike in other countries, these are not real long-distance trains, but rather fast regional trains with few stops.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Train local oder Lokale trein (L)
Description:Regional trains that stop at most stations, often simply referred to as “R” for regional train in connection information.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Train S oder S-Trein (S)
Description:A suburban train in the metropolitan areas of Antwerp, Brussels, Charleroi, Ghent, or Liège. They connect the major cities with the suburbs and usually stop everywhere. Unlike in other countries, the S-trains here do not have denser schedules than other train categories. In the connection information, these are sometimes also summarized as “R” for regional train.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Train d’heure de pointe oder Piekuurtrein (P)
Description:Additional trains during peak hours from Monday to Friday mornings and late afternoons, often simply referred to as “R” for regional train in connection information.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Express (E/EXP/EXTRA)
Description:Additional trains during high traffic periods, especially in the summer months to the Belgian coast.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Tourist (T)
🔽 Tourist (T)
Description:
Additional trains to certain tourist destinations, often simply referred to as “R” for regional train.
Reservation possible: no
Reservation required: no
Cost for reservation: -
Ticket and Reservation Purchase
Online
- SNCB Website:
Reservation: -
FIP 50 tickets: ⛔ - Other options:
Cross-border connections between Germany and Belgium can be purchased online by Deutsche Bahn employees through the DB Travel Market.
On Site
- SNCB ticket counters:
SNCB operates ticket counters at many major stations (see belgetrain).
Reservation: ✅
FIP 50 tickets: ✅ - Other options:
FIP 50 tickets and reservations can also be purchased at CFL, DB, and NS travel centers.
On the Train
If no ticket counter is available or open, a ticket can be purchased on board the train from the conductor if approached immediately. According to SNCB, a surcharge of 9 euros is charged here. 1
Arrival and Border Points
Luxembourg
From Luxembourg, cross-border SNCB trains to Liège or Brussels can be used. In 2nd class, the FIP ticket (free travel pass or FIP 50) is sufficient for the entire route, as public transport in Luxembourg is free in 2nd class. For 1st class, an additional FIP ticket for CFL is required.
Germany
From Germany, the cross-border ICE from Frankfurt / Cologne / Aachen can be used to enter the SNCB network. A regional train of SNCB also operates between Aachen and Liège. In both cases, an additional ticket for the German section of DB is required. The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) can also be used from Germany to reach the SNCB network. Here, a special FIP ticket from Eurostar is required for the entire section (including within Belgium) (see Eurostar page).
Netherlands
From the Netherlands, cross-border regional trains (including IC) can be used, requiring an additional FIP ticket from NS. The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) can also be used from the Netherlands to reach the SNCB network. Here, a special FIP ticket from Eurostar is required for the entire section (including within Belgium) (see Eurostar page).
France
From France, cross-border regional trains and TGV-Services can be used, requiring an additional FIP ticket from SNCF and reservation for the TGV. The Eurostar (formerly Thalys) can also be used from France to reach the SNCB network. Here, a special FIP ticket from Eurostar is required for the entire section (including within Belgium) (see Eurostar page).
Border Points
| Railway operator | Border Points |
|---|---|
| CFL | Athus, Gouvy (fr), Sterpenich (fr) |
| DB AG | Aachen Süd (Gr) |
| EIL | Bruxelles (fr) |
| NS | Roosendaal (fr), Visé (fr) |
| SNCF | Blandain (fr), Givet (fr), Jeumont (fr), Quévy (fr), Tourcoing (fr) |
| THI | Antwerpen, Bruxelles, Liège |
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Discounts
Children up to 5 years old travel free on SNCB trains. Children aged 6 to 11 are eligible for a 50% discount on the adult fare, and from 12 years old they pay the adult fare. If they are FIP eligible, they also pay only half the normal price for FIP 50. 2
Special Fares
Brussels Zaventem Airport
For connections to and from Brussels Zaventem Airport, a surcharge must be paid for the FIP free travel pass. This currently amounts to 6.70 euros (see SNCB info) even if endorsed No Supplement Necessary. For FIP 50 tickets, this is already included in the price. 2
Experiences
The 1st class in SNCB / NMBS trains is often used with 2nd class tickets. Also, the 1st class is usually not much more comfortable than the 2nd class. Unlike in other countries, buying 1st class tickets to have more space and quiet is only worthwhile to a limited extent.