Belgian train tickets

Buying the cheapest train ticket can be complicated. The ticket system does not proactively warn you that there might be cheaper alternatives, depending on your wishes and habits.

Tips

• There exist paper tickets, and electronic tickets
• A PDF ticket can be handy for an expense claim
• Tickets can be a single voyage, two-way, multi, or season ticket
• Larger cities have (virtual) zone stations (so you can use any city station)
• In Brussels you can combine train, tram, bus, and metro
• Most tickets are electronically available via the app, or the website
• Never buy a ticket on the train; you will pay 9 € extra, for no added value
• When you are travelling international, buy 2 separate tickets (split national and international) when you have 50% national reduction
• 50% reduction is not always the cheapest solution (compared to long distance multi)
• It can be difficult to find the right option on the different platforms

Overview of type of tickets

Typical Belgian train tickets

Journey type	Ticket	Price	Comments and requirements	Format
Free ticket		0 €	Blind, companion, job application, journalists, civil activities	Electronic or paper
-12		Free if accompanied	Accompanied children
-26	Multiple tickets	Reduced price	Young people
65+		7,20 € two-way	Only valid after 09:00
Short distance	Multi local	29 € for 10 single voyages	Nearby stations in agglomerations (not valid for zone)
Reduced prices	50% reduction		Several options
Same destination		10 single voyages
Weekend		two-way reduction	Valid from Friday evening
Medium distance	Normal ticket	Full price is expensive	Some reductions possible
Long distance	Multi	93 € for 10 single voyages	Might be cheaper than 50%
Group tickets			From 15 passengers
Event tickets	Combined ticket		Event and train
Border ticket			Neighbouring country train stations
Season ticket			Daily, or frequent travel
Zaventem Airport	Brussels Airport Supplement		QR code ticket required to enter the airport
City pass	All public transports		Brussel, Gent, Antwerp	MOBIB card
Net ticket	Unlimited travel	(Very) expensive	1-12 month forfait

Sales channels

For the electronic tickets, you receive an email, or can download a PDF version:

1. Electronic
   • There exist a well-working mobile SNCB app; you need a user account and an e-mail address;
     • Mobile or Wi-Fi coverage required
     • It uses Payconiq and PayPal;
     • Including real-time train information (including delays)
   • via the website;
     • Multiple electronic payment methods
     • You can register your ticket with your eID number
     • You can download a PDF ticket (handy to file expense claims)
2. On paper
   • buy at a dispenser, using your bank card;
   • or at the ticket counter in the major train stations.

Expense claims

When you need to claim expenses, there are multiple possibilities:

1. Via the SNCB app; make a PDF extract from the e-mail (first page only; including date, journey, and price)
   • Same for the Multi (electronic version)
2. Via the website: download the PDF ticket
3. Make a PDF scan of your paper ticket

Issues

1. When there are network interruptions, it might be needed to login again (the system resets your credentials)
2. Load your ticket before boarding
   • Avoid mobile network coverage problems in modern trains or rural areas
   • Do not close your app during your voyage (do not perform "Close all")
3. Ticket not timely available on your eID (replication delay): keep your e-mail confirmation on your smartphone (Google drive, One drive)
4. Smartphone low battery
   • find one of the few power outlets in (modern) trains
   • save your ticket on your eID
   • print your ticket
5. eID tickets are not available in the app

External link

• https://www.belgiantrain.be