With a Eurail Pass, you’re free to explore Europe on your own terms. Whether that’s hopping between must-see cities in Belgium or making your way across the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on the railway line that spans an outstanding scenic swath of the country.
Belgian domestic trains work on a turn up, buy your ticket and hop on basis, with seat reservations not available. So it’s best to be flexible and just go with the flow.
1. Brussels to Antwerp
The best way to get from Brussels to Antwerp is by train. The journey takes just under an hour and trains depart up to 90 times a day! Traveling between the two cities is a great way to explore Belgium’s small size.
Both stations are easily accessible by local transit, making it easy to commute from the train to other city points. Each station also offers a variety of eateries and ATMs as well as clear signage and information desks for seamless navigation. Mobile mapping apps also allow travelers to find their destinations with ease.
Brussels Central (or Brusels Centraal in Flemish) is the main station in the city center, just a five-minute walk from the famous Grand Place. The train station is the headquarters of NMBS, Belgium’s national railway company that offers all domestic train trips in the country. The train station is also home to Thalys and IC Brussels trains that connect with high-speed routes to other European cities like Paris, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.
The second largest station in Brussels is called Bruxelles Midi/Zuid, referred to as “Brussels South” in English and Flemish. It is the departure point for most trains to and from the rest of Belgium and Europe, including Eurostar. The station also has a metro connection, making it easy to reach other parts of the city.
Train service in Belgium is operated by NMBS and SNCB, with options for standard or first class seating. Standard seats provide essential amenities in a comfortable environment, while first class seating provides more spacious comfort and a quieter atmosphere for business or leisure travelers. Lastly, the premium option, business class, is ideal for passengers who want to enjoy a luxury experience with meals and drinks included.
Once you’ve arrived in Antwerp, take a stroll around the historic Grote Markt and spend time shopping for Belgian chocolate, taking a canal tour, or climbing up to the centuries-old Belfry Tower to overlook the city. Or, indulge in a culinary adventure and try a few of the city’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
There’s so much to see and do in this little corner of Belgium, and a train trip is the perfect way to discover it all! Use our route finder to find the perfect train itinerary for your next trip to Belgium.
2. Antwerp to Mechelen
As a relatively short journey, taking the train from Antwerp to Mechelen is a convenient and quick option for getting around Belgium. Typically, this trip costs about $7.15. However, prices can change depending on the day of the week, the season, and other factors. To make sure you get the best deal, book in advance and travel at off-peak times.
With a variety of options available for this trip, including direct routes, it is easy to find the route that fits your needs. Virail will help you compare options to find the best train ticket for your journey. For example, some routes may offer more amenities than others or might be faster. To see all of your options, simply enter your travel dates and preferences in our search engine. Then you can decide what type of transportation to take and how much time to spend on your journey.
Once you know which option suits you best, it’s simple to book your tickets online with NMBS. This is the national train company that offers all of Belgium’s nationwide trains. Additionally, other services like Thalys and IC Brussels also operate on some of these routes.
If your preferred departure date isn’t currently open for booking, you can still use our tools to set up a booking alert and receive an email as soon as fares become available. By doing so, you can save time and money by booking your tickets well in advance.
In addition to making reservations ahead of time, you can also save on train tickets by traveling at off-peak times. On most routes, the price of a one-way ticket is lower during non-rush hours. Plus, you can save even more by purchasing a return ticket.
Although Belgium is a small country, it’s packed with sites and activities that can make your journeys feel incredibly long. So be sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful region by exploring it from coast to coast with Eurail. From Bruges to Ghent to the capital city of Brussels, there’s so much to discover on this continent-spanning railway network.
3. Mechelen to Tervuren
The city of Tervuren is home to a bustling downtown area, with shops and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a five-course meal at one of the top restaurants or want to browse some of the many boutiques that offer up the latest in fashion, you’ll find what you’re after in Tervuren.
The average price for a train ticket from Brussels to Tervuren is about €35. This price can vary depending on the time of year and when you travel, though. For example, during peak season (June-August), you can expect to pay more for a ticket to Tervuren than at other times of the year.
For the best possible prices, you should book your tickets in advance. This can be done at the train station or via a website like Trainline, which offers an easy-to-use booking tool. Using a train booking tool can help you to quickly compare different options and choose the best option for your budget and schedule.
If you have a flexible schedule, it’s worth keeping in mind that some of the best deals are available on the weekend when many commuters head home. If you’re able to take advantage of these special weekends, you may be able to save big on your ticket cost.
On the other hand, travelling during the weekdays when most people are at work is typically a lot cheaper and less crowded. If you can, it’s a good idea to avoid taking the train during the morning peak and evening rush hour when you’re travelling into and out of major cities.
Whether you’re planning on using the train as your main method of transport or just to get around, the Belgium rail network is a convenient way to experience the country. The small size of the country makes it easy to reach even remote destinations by train, so you’ll never have trouble finding a great way to explore all that Benelux has to offer. The best thing to remember is that each adult ticket enables up to four accompanied children age 12 and under to travel for free in both 1st class and 2nd class; you’ll just need to be able to provide proof of age for the kids on request.
4. Tervuren to Brussels
The journey between Tervuren and Brussels is a highlight of Belgian rail travel, connecting two historic hubs on the continent’s first public railway line. The railway was opened in 1835 and was a milestone in European transportation. Today, a variety of local and InterCity trains run between the two cities multiple times per day.
The best time to travel from Tervuren to Brussels is during off-peak hours, when ticket prices are lower. To save even more, purchase your tickets in advance online. Also, consider traveling during weekdays instead of weekends to avoid the peak rush hour.
You can take advantage of discounted child rates and senior fares when booking your trip to Belgium from Tervuren. Just select these options when you make your reservation and check the price details before completing your payment. In most cases, cheaper train tickets aren’t refundable or changeable.
For a quick and easy way to plan your trip from Tervuren to Brussels, use Virail’s powerful search engine. Enter your preferred dates and choose whether you want a direct or connecting journey. Our system will automatically compare the available routes and show you all the options, making it easier to choose your ideal journey.
Using the search engine is free, and once you’ve found your perfect route, our system will transfer you to your chosen provider’s website. From there, you can complete your booking and start packing for your Belgium adventure!
With a little planning, you’ll find it very easy to explore the Benelux by train. Belgium is a small country, and most of its major cities are well-connected by rail. If you’re looking for a stress-free and rewarding holiday, we highly recommend travelling around by train. With the rise of ‘flygskam’ and ‘tagskryt’, train travel is back in fashion for people who want to minimise their carbon footprint and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. We hope you’ll join us and discover some of the most rewarding journeys in Belgium! By the end of your trip, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for this wonderful corner of Europe. Happy travels!
