Travel Belgium by train for a leisurely voyage through a small country with an outsized role in European culture. Cruise along rivers and around historic battlefields, stopping in medieval centers and cosmopolitan cities to visit castles, world-class museums, and to feast on Belgian culinary delights.
With premium hotels and the best connections locked in by our travel team, you can sit back and savor the moments gliding from the picturesque canals of Bruges to Europe’s capital, Brussels, or from tranquil northern beaches to the storybook streets of Ghent. There is no more relaxing way to see more of a country at the center of European affairs.
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Belgium’s outsized role in European history left behind medieval cities, thousands of castles, and battlegrounds that changed history. Today, Brussels is the capital of Europe and Belgium is at the center of reshaping Europe’s future, making it a fascinating country to explore by rail.
Tuck into a tantalizing culinary scene, from Michelin-star restaurants to indulgent street foods, sampling the artisanal delights from some of the finest breweries and chocolatiers on the continent.
With three official languages and a heritage shaped by neighboring countries and long-forgotten empires, Belgium is a country of interesting and sometimes surprising contrasts. Travel Belgium by train to unpeel cultural layers at a relaxed pace, with time and opportunity to appreciate the differences that define modern Belgium.
Brussels is a major rail hub for European rail vacations, just a few hours from capitals like Paris, Amsterdam, and London, and central to exploring Belgium by train. The Belgian capital is also the European Union capital, balancing Belgian character with an international personality. The iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the starting point for contrasting Brussels’ art nouveau architecture with offbeat comic-strip murals in urban neighborhoods before diving into cozy bistro and funky bars to get a taste of Belgium’s seductive gastronomy and fine beer.
Around an hour by train, it transports rail travelers to Bruges, an enchanting jumble of canals, cobblestones, and Gothic architecture. Head to this architectural jewel to climb the emblematic Belfry Tower, shop photogenic chocolate workshops, or simply soak up the ambiance of a UNESCO-designated city steeped in medieval character.
Ghent is a charismatic city with a modern temperament and stacks of historical charm. A port city with a sizeable university, Ghent has a little bit of everything you want to see on a rail vacation in Belgium. From medieval Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to its boutique shops and canalside cafes, it’s a small city with a big personality.
The Belgian Coast in Flanders runs 40 miles between France and the Netherlands, hosting long sandy beaches backed by dunes, bustling port cities like Ostend, and quiet resort villages. Seafood restaurants abound, some serving the specialty gray shrimp caught on horseback, as do hiking trails and opportunities to get wet on outdoor activities. The world’s longest tramline snakes along the coast, making it even easier to roam between resort towns and enjoy an authentically Belgian vacation.
The train line from Liège to Namur and Dinant rolls past riverside villages and clifftop castles sprinkled along the River Meuse. Winding through the leafy Ardennes region, it’s a short but scenic ride from Liège’s medieval landmarks to Namur, where a fortress dominates the skyline and cable cars ferry visitors across the river. From Namur, the train heads into the natural beauty of the Ardennes, terminating in Dinant, a picture postcard riverside town overlooked by another clifftop citadel.
This rail journey connects some of Belgium’s most compelling cities and includes a cruise along the North Sea coastline. It’s a voyage through northern Belgium by train bursting with variety that begins in the bustling diamond trading center, Antwerp. From there, it’s onto the canals and medieval streets of Belgium’s most romantic cities, Ghent and Bruges. Then it’s time to take in sea views as you head to laidback Ostend for a distinctly Flemish beach break.
Rail romantics will relish a journey on the groundbreaking railway line 25 from Mechelen to Brussels. Opened in 1835, it is continental Europe’s first public rail line (second only to the UK). Belgium’s first steam train, Le Belge, may be long gone, yet the route is still used and represents a moment in history and the start of a European rail revolution.
A swift but view-filled ride through the Ardennes countryside from Liège on the River Meuse to chic Spa, the “Pearl of the Ardennes” famed for its mineral springs. Nestled in forests and home to a casino, quirky museums, and Formula One racetrack, Spa’s thermal springs have lured visitors for centuries, while today also attracting hikers keen to roam around Belgium’s tranquil green lung.
Regional trains in Belgium are run by NMBS/SNCB, the National Rail Operator. Download their App to help manage your journey.
There are no high-speed Belgian trains, but the high frequency of services and short distances make traveling through Belgium by train the easiest and most convenient way to get around. An increasing number of modern double-decker trains are appearing on busy lines.
High-speed trains are available for international journeys. They include Eurostar services to Paris and London, TGV inOui (French Rail) services to 33 French cities, and DB ICE trains to Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Austria. We choose these fast, premium options when arranging European rail tours via Belgium.
Many Belgian trains have first-class carriages (which we reserve on Rial Escape tours). All have toilets and luggage storage, but no catering facilities. Belgium’s busiest stations now have free Wi-Fi, but it’s not available on trains are present (except international services).
With three official languages, you will see different names for the same destination. But you’ll also find key notices in English and lots of real-time info on display to help you navigate smoothly.
See the best of Belgium with exclusive travel packages that showcase different sides of the country. Our trips feature carefully chosen destinations, scenic routes, and superior accommodations. Packages include airport transfers for complete convenience.
We unearth high-quality hotels in vibrant neighborhoods that can be easily and quickly reached from train stations. We prioritize premium accommodations with breakfast included, so you are refreshed and refueled for more Belgian rail adventures.
We book first-class seats wherever possible and comb through the timetables to find the fastest trains and smoothest connections. We want you to kick back and enjoy a seamless and relaxing journey through Belgium by train.
We provide everything you need for a smooth journey, from train schedules to electronic tickets. We can provide any assistance you need, and our travel team loves answering questions and helping travelers enjoy a trouble-free vacation.
Our team has traveled extensively across Europe and keeps its finger on the pulse of continental rail travel, so we can offer helpful insights and take care of the little details that elevate a rail vacation beyond the ordinary.
Our European travel experts can tailor your dream itinerary around Belgium by train, taking you to the sights you have always wanted to see. Inquire now to start building a vacation tailored to your travel aspirations.
Our European rail travel experts can transform a Belgian vacation into a multicountry odyssey, finding the rail connections you need to enjoy an inter-European rail adventure in one unforgettable getaway.
Our rail and hotel packages suit travelers of all ages, including families with young and older kids, couples, and senior citizens.
A Rail Escape vacation allows you to travel like locals and enjoy a more immersive experience, seeing the country through the same lens as citizens.
Trains produce less carbon than road or air travel, making them the cleaner and greener way to go further and explore more of Belgium.
Belgium is compact and benefits from an extensive rail network crisscrossing the country. Cities, villages, and destinations off the beaten path are just a few hours apart, often less, giving you time to immerse yourself in all things Belgian on an unhurried vacation.
Belgium is a thriving international rail hub. High-speed trains out of Brussels nip across Belgium’s borders to France, the Netherlands, Germany, and even under the English Channel to London via the Eurostar. If you want to explore more of Europe by rail, Belgium is a great starting point and a compelling destination for more rail adventures.
Belgian trains roll directly into city centers, and we reserve premium hotels in the most convenient locations, so you can drop your luggage and head out to discover your destination soon after arrival. It’s just as convenient when you depart, as you take your train seat minutes before departure, maximizing your time in the city and minimizing the hassle.
Book your Belgian rail package with us as early as possible. Demand increases significantly during the peak travel season in the European summer from June to August. Book online or by contacting one of our travel experts and we’ll the tickets you need as they become available, typically at least 90 days before travel.
Yes, Belgian trains are commonly used by families and discounts may be available for children. With family friendly destinations like the Atomium and mini-Europe theme park, there are plenty of reasons children will enjoy the adventure. Speak to our team for more info or to discuss your family needs.
Belgian high-speed trains provide Wi-Fi, while local trains currently don´t have Wi-Fi. However, you can use free Wi-Fi at busy stations and on most high-speed international services traveling to Belgium.
Belgium has started introducing carriages that wheelchair users can board independently.
Bear in mind that other trains may have steps. NMBS/SNCB can provide personal assistance with these services. Let us know when booking so we can discuss accessibility and arrange the support you need if you choose to travel Belgium by train.
While reserving lounges is part of the Rail Escape experience, lounges are not widely available in Belgian train stations. An exception is the Eurostar Business Premier Lounge, which we can book if you travel to Paris or London via Eurostar.
As a member of the Schengen Area, passports are not routinely checked when traveling between cities in Belgium, France, Germany, or the Netherlands. However, spot checks may occur, so keep your passport or identity documents handy.
Travel Belgium by train any time of the year! Here’s a snapshot of what makes each season unique.
Christmas markets in atmospheric public squares bring festive sparkle to December’s dark nights. Colorful light festivals and a lively carnival season add a splash of color in the coldest months. Sip Belgian hot chocolate and spicy winter beers to keep toasty. And on the rare occasions when snow settles, savor a winter wonderland vibe in Belgium’s medieval cities.
As the spring thaw commences, locals and travelers are found at open-air music festivals, strolling around the blooming flower displays at castles and the Royal Greenhouses in Laeken, or window-shopping elaborate creations as Belgium’s chocolatiers go all out for Easter.
Late-night beers in medieval centers, beach breaks and tram rides along the North Sea coastline, bike rides over the cobblestones of Bruges and Ghent, kayaking and cruises along the River Meuse, picnics in city parks and royal gardens… Just some of the activities that light up the summer months in Belgium.
Fall is a golden time to hike around the green spaces of the Ardennes and beneath the autumnal canopy of the Sonian Forest. A time to savor local tastes at a Beer Festival (Belgian Beer Weekend is in September) and dive into Belgium’s sparkling culinary milieu, warming souls with a steaming bowl of moules frites and sweet, moreish gaufres (waffles).
From Brussels’ grand architecture to the storybook charm of Bruges and Ghent, exploring Belgium by train offers is rewarding and relaxing way to uncover more of this compact yet captivating country. With effortless connections and first-class accommodations, we’ll tailor your itinerary around by Belgium by train to include the finest destinations and experiences. Speak with our team today to plan your next rail escape.
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With over 100.000 kilometers traveled distance in trains by ourselfs around the world, our packages take travelers on a journey through some of the most breathtaking and iconic destinations in the Europe.
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