Do I need to book train tickets in advance in Belgium?


Do I need to book train tickets in advance in Belgium? Rail tickets for the domestic Belgian service. All national rail tickets are calculated based on a fixed price depending on the distance travelled. You don't need to purchase your tickets in advance as seat reservations are not available.


Are trains in Belgium reliable?

A new study has confirmed what many commuters already knew: Belgian trains are among the least punctual in Europe. In 2017, the Belgian rail service performed the worst among the 13 European countries compared by Prime, the European platform of rail infrastructure managers.


How do I pay for a train in Belgium?

You can pay for your trip using your contactless bank card (debit or credit), smartphone or smartwatch. Every STIB bus, tram and metro station is equipped with a specific contactless payment device.


Is it better to buy train tickets in advance or on the day?

Reserve Early. The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.


Can you travel by train without booking?

In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. Most trains require reservations and you should not board reserved trains without a reservation. Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop.


How do I get my train ticket if I book online?

Getting Your Ticket
  1. You'll receive your eTicket as a PDF attachment to your emailed receipt. You can even retrieve your eTicket in the app.
  2. Open the eTicket PDF on your mobile device. You can even print your eTicket before arriving at the station.
  3. Simply show the eTicket barcode and your ID to the conductor.


Can you use your train ticket anytime?

Anytime tickets have no restrictions on what time you can travel. Anytime Singles allow you to travel within 2 days of the date shown on your ticket.


Should I book a train ticket in advance?

The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.


What happens if I board a train without a ticket?

Technically it is considered theft of services to board without a valid ticket. So if the conductor really wanted to cause you trouble, he/she could have you arrested. Most however would probably never go to those lengths, unless you gave them a reason.


Can I just buy a train ticket on the train?

Onboard. In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. On most Amtrak trains, only the full, undiscounted, unrestricted fare will be available for purchase onboard the train. This is regardless of reservations made or fares previously quoted by ticket agents, Amtrak.com or elsewhere.


Is it better to purchase your ticket at the station or on the train?

Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train. To secure the best available fare, passengers should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train.