Belgian Rail has a rich history along the vast network of tracks crisscrossing the country; you will learn about history, tracks, stations, high-speed trains, ticket gauges used, and much more. The system offers some of the most efficient rail transport in Europe, while its reasonably priced tickets make it one of the most affordable countries to explore by train.
Table of Contents
Early History of Belgian Rail
- EARLY TRANSPORTATION METHODS: Before railways, Belgians relied on walking, horses, and stagecoaches for travel. Tow barges were another standard mode of transport along canals, moving goods at a slow pace.
- Tow Barge Innovation: Tow barges, dating back to 1618 in Belgium, were pulled along waterways by horses or people, providing efficient transportation despite their leisurely speed.
- Belgian Rail Introduction (: In 1835, Belgium built its first railway line, connecting Brussels and Mechelen. This made it the second European country, after Great Britain, to have a railway.
- RAILWAY EXPANSION Belgium was the first state in Europe to create a national railway network and the first to possess a nationalized railway system, with the Government owning and managing it.
CURRENT BELGIUM RAILWAY NETWORK
The Belgian national railroad is commonly known by its abbreviations SNCB/ NMBS, reflecting its name in French and Flemish (Belgium’s two primary languages). The historical peak length of the Belgian Rail was 5,081 (1940). Now, the county has 3,600 km of railway lines, with over 80% of them being electrified. From the 1930s, the steam trains were gradually replaced by electric railways. The first electric railway line was from Brussels North to Antwerp Central in 1935. About 81 lines are used for passenger trains. More than 3,800 trains pass through 550 stations and stopping points, servicing 750,000 daily passenger journeys.
Gauges Used in Belgium Railway
Belgium Rail’s track length is 3,602 km. Standard gauge is used on the Belgium railway track; all other track gauges are converted or closed.
Belgium Trains
Inter City trains between Brussels Nord (north station) and Antwerp take 35–45 minutes and operate four times per hour (every second train runs via Brussels Airport at Zaventem). Brussels Nord-Brugge train takes less than 1 hour, 15 minutes with three InterCity trains hourly, Brussels Nord-Ghent is 41 minutes with four trains hourly, Brussels Nord-Liege/Guillemins is 52–54 minutes twice hourly (plus additional higher fare reserved international trains), and Brussels Nord-Mons and Brussels Nord-Namur runs both take about an hour with twice hourly trains.
High-Speed International Train:
The Belgian railroad also serves as an international high-speed railway hub, with fast trains running to Paris, London, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and various German cities. International runs include hourly services to Amsterdam and Luxembourg, plus SNCF’s TGV high-speed services from Brussels Midi Station (south station) to various French cities.
Eurostar trains via Lille and the Channel Tunnel to London. Thalys high-speed trains to Paris, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Köln, and a handful of ICE trains to German cities.
Thalys
Thalys trains operates services via Brussels between Paris and Amsterdam or Cologne. So far, these have reached their top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) only on the run between Brussels and Paris Nord, scheduled to take 1h 25m up to 16 times daily in each direction.
There are also daily Thalys services between Paris and the main cities of Flanders and Wallonia, and four daily between Brussels and Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy for Disneyland Paris via Pais CDG airport, one of which continues through to Geneva, and the corresponding return workings.
Eurostar
This Network provides services via Lille and the Channel Tunnel between London and Brussels (or Paris). Ten journeys taking 2h 40m are scheduled daily, most of which call at Lille Europe and Ashford International in Kent.
Network TGV
This network provides services between Brussels and various cities in France beyond Paris. Some eight such services run daily via Lille Europe to termini, including Lyon, Grenoble, Nice, Marseilles and Bordeaux.
Train Tickets Belgium
Belgium rail’s passenger train system, operated by SNCB/NMBS, is quite convenient and accessible for both residents and visitors. Here’s a breakdown of how ticketing and travel work:
- Ticketing Policy: Most Belgian passenger trains, including domestic InterCity services, operate without seat reservations. Passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets before boarding. While buying tickets from the conductor onboard is possible, it’s not advised due to the higher cost and a surcharge of €7 ($8.25). However, this surcharge is waived if you board a station without ticket facilities.
- Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets is straightforward. Stations have ticket machines and larger ones have staffed counters. Traditional paper tickets are being phased out for electronic options like travel cards and E-tickets. Tickets can also be bought online or through the SNCB/NMBS app.
- Journey Planning: SNCB/NMBS provides electronic interfaces for journey planning, including real-time scheduling, timetables, and station service information such as luggage storage availability.
- Ticket Prices: One-way tickets are reasonably priced when purchased in advance. For instance, Brussels to Brugge costs €14.70 in second class and €22.60 in first class. Round-trip fares are typically double the one-way price.
- Discounted Fares: Regular travelers, military personnel, families, students, and pregnant women (for first-class travel) can avail of discounted fares. The Rail pass ticket is a great bargain, offering 10 individual one-way journeys between any two stations on the network within a year, with prices starting from €77 for second class and €118 for first class.
- Travel Rules: Passengers must take the shortest or fastest route between endpoints, but breaks at midpoint are allowed if they’re on the accepted path. Each passenger can carry up to three pieces of luggage, and most trains provide ample luggage storage. Belgium’s train system offers flexibility, affordability, and convenience for travelers exploring the country.
PASSENGER VOLUMES
Passenger-carried data was reported at 6,970.000 Person-km million in 2021, a decrease from the previous 7,397.000 Person-km million for 2020.
CURRENT SIGNALING SYSTEM
Belgium’s railway network utilizes both the ETCS (European Train Control System) and the TBL1+ (Transmission Balise-Locomotive) system is being used for safe and efficient train operations.
ETCS operates on two levels: Level 1 provides continuous supervision of train movement, and Level 2 controls speed using radio signals. The first line in ETCS operation was HSL 3, which was 56 km (35 mi) long in 2007.
The TBL1+ system was designed in 2006 by the Belgian subsidiary of the Alstom Transport group. It is the new standard for Belgian signaling and is supposed to be deployed on most lines equipped with conventional signaling. The signals are the same as classic ones but combined with automatic train control and cab signaling.
In 2011, the first national ETCS–Masterplan was released for homogeneity with other European countries, which was renewed in 2016. The following four phases of ETCS were planned.
Phase 1: TBL1+ program completed (until the end of 2015, succeeded)
Phase 2: Network fully equipped with ETCS and TBL+ (2016–2022, in progress)
Phase 3: Making ETCS the only technical standard and removing TBL+ (until 2025)
Phase 4: Convergence towards a homogeneous version of ETCS L2 (about 2030–2035
By August 2023, 57% of the Belgium railway (Infrabel network) had an ETCS system.
How NMBS/SNCB Work
The nationalization of the Belgian railways was completed in 1958. The Belgian rail network has since been in the hands of the government. In 2004, following European regulations, it was decided to split SNCB into 3 public SAs.
- INFRABEL: Railroad infrastructure: Infrabel is a Belgian government-owned public limited company. It builds, owns, maintains and upgrades the Belgian railway network.
- SNCB: Rail operator (carry passengers): All public trains in the country are operated by SNCB/NMBS. The NMBS/SNCB is an autonomous government company.
- HR Rail: HR services for SNCB and INFRABEL.
All public trains in the country are operated by SNCB/NMBS. The activities of the SNCB are grouped into 4 major divisions:
- Its activities in transporting passengers: SNCB Mobility (in Belgium) and SNCB Europe (in Europe).
- Its activities in the workshops: SNCB Technics.
- The training bodies for train drivers and train attendants.
- Its activities in the transport of goods via subsidiaries such as SNCB Freight Services.
In 2017, it was decided to outsource the IT business to an external partner. SNCB will keep overall IT management, strategy, programme management and architecture. All other IT functions will be outsource.
Top Activities in Belgium
Brussels Grand Place
The famous Grand Place is less than a 10-minute walk west of Brussels Central. This opulent cobblestone, automobile-free space is one of Europe’s finest city squares; it is ringed by ornately decorated buildings and dominated by Brussels’ Gothic Hôtel de Ville (old City Hall) with an imposing 315-foot-tall (96 meters) tower. The square is popular and often crowded with visitors; consider an evening visit when the buildings are illuminated with lights that give the Grand Place a magical feel.
Railway Museum: Train world
Train World, located in Schaerbeek, suburban Brussels, is more than just a museum about trains. Situated in restored railway station buildings along the oldest railway route in Continental Europe, Train World offers a fascinating journey through the history of Belgian railways, from the steam age to the present day. The museum showcases Belgium’s significant role in developing railways, stemming from its independence in 1830 and the resulting boost in railroad transportation due to diminished economic ties with neighbouring countries. Visitors can marvel at beautifully restored locomotives like Le Belge, the first engine built in Belgium, and explore exhibits featuring railway artefacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Highlights include the sleekly streamlined 4-4-2 steam locomotive, engine 12004, reminiscent of the famous Hiawatha of the Milwaukee Road. The museum also offers combined admission and train ticket packages, with SNCB platforms conveniently located nearby for easy access. Alternatively, tram route 92 provides frequent service to and from urban points and connections in Brussels, with a terminus right in front of Train World. For an enriching and enjoyable experience, Train World (trainworld.be/en) is a must-visit destination for all ages.
The Good Night Train from Brussels to Berlin and back
Experience a fun and intelligent way to travel between Brussels and Berlin on The Good Night train operated by European Sleeper
Europe: Eurail Benelux Mobile Pass:
Discover Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg (Benelux) with Eurail Benelux Mobile Pass. Choose from various options to suit your travel requirements and access your passes straight from a mobile app.
Brussels: Private Trip to Bruges & Food Tour with 6 Tastings
Taste the unique flavors of Bruges, a medieval fairy-tale of canals, cobbled streets, and fascinating food. Discover the local lifestyle on a personalized tour with a private guide.
Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Centre Guided Boat Trip:
Enjoy a 50-minute guided boat trip through Ghent’s beautiful medieval city centre to discover its most glorious sites.
Barges: Small Group Boat Cruise and Guided Walking Tour
Discover the medieval town of Bruges with this best-of-both-worlds tour. Explore the historical center of this UNESCO World Heritage site on foot and by boat with a local guide in a small group.