SNCB travelling in Belgium by train
Learn more about SNCB trains and how you can buy cheap train tickets. Discover where SNCB can take you, onboard facilities including WiFi access and power sockets. Wherever you're starting your adventure, start it with Trainline.
About SNCB
The Belgian National Railway Company is known by the French abbreviation SNCB. The symbol of the company consists of the linguistically neutral letter B, bordered by a horizontal oval. Since 2005, SNCB has been an independent public company and founding member of the Eurostar group, Thalys International and Railteam. Belgium has one of the densest railway networks in the world and the six-lane railway tunnel of the Brussels North-South railway line is the busiest in the world, with around 1,200 trains daily.
Types of train
INTERCITY (IC) - SNCB's National express train that connects all major cities of the country by the dense rail network. All lines are operated on an hourly basis and on the most important routes. All trains are equipped with air conditioning, 2nd and 1st class, and the necessary equipment for people with reduced mobility.
You can also travel with your bike and there is no seat reservation available.
LOCAL (L) - SNCB's Regional train connecting small towns with the Intercity network and the big cities. The trains stop at all stations and have 2nd and 1st class and a bicycle compartment.
Some models have air conditioning, sockets and equipment for people with reduced mobility. Seat reservation is not possible.
PIEKUURTREIN/TRAIN D’HEURE DE POINTE (P) - Reinforcement during rush hours. These "P" trains operate on many Belgian railway lines and generally have 2nd and 1st class and similar characteristics as regional trains. Seat reservation is not possible.
RÉSEAU EXPRESS RÉGIONAL/GEWESTELIJK EXPRESNET (S) - These train serve the metropolis of Brussels. Trains run at regular intervals. There is a bicycle compartment and modern cars have air conditioning, sockets, and the necessary equipment for people with reduced mobility. There is no seat reservation.
Crossborder trains to and from Brussels
The Belgian capital is an important centre of European long-distance high-speed transport. The high-speed trains mentioned below offer a high level of travel comfort, with air-conditioned 2nd and 1st class carriages and buffet cars. Some trains also have a business class with special services. These trains are also accessible for people with reduced mobility, WiFi and power sockets. You may also take your bike with you.
Eurostar connects Brussels to Paris in under 90 minutes and through the Channel Tunnel to London in a little over 2 hours.
TGV FRANCE - BELGIUM connects Brussels to many French cities.
THALYS operates from Paris via Brussels to Cologne or Amsterdam.
INTERCITY BRUSSELS (IC B) connects Amsterdam to Brussels. Unlike Thalys, it circulates on conventional railways and travel takes longer.
INTERCITY EXPRESS operates between the main cities of Germany and several neighbouring countries, including Brussels.
For more information about travelling in Belgium, check out our trains in Belgium page and stay one step ahead with your travel plans.