From 1 May 2023 you will only be able to pay electronically on board the train.
Train passengers who want to buy a ticket on board the train will only be able to pay electronically from now on. The train conductors are no longer allowed to receive cash. Cash payments will continue to be possible at counters and vending machines in and around the stations. The intention is that train passengers purchase a ticket before boarding the train. This can be done at the counter, a vending machine or via the website or app. If you buy a ticket on board the train, you pay a surcharge of nine euros.
Only tickets of less than or equal to €50 can be purchased on the train. From May 1, you can only pay with Bancontact, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
According to SNCB spokesperson Bart Crols, the measure is “in line with the social trend towards digitization and electronic payments”, writes Belga. Other transport companies, including De Lijn and STIB, have had the rule regarding electronic payments for some time now. The measure should contribute to the safety of train conductors, who will no longer carry cash in their pocket from now on.
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All domestic train tickets are calculated on a flat rate basis according to the distance travelled. There is no need to buy your ticket far in advance as there is no seat reservation. Your ticket is valid for a one-way journey (or round trip if indicated) at any time of the day specified on your ticket and in your chosen class. Buy one class increase for a more comfortable journey. Children under 12 years old travel for free accompanied by a paying traveler. If you buy your train ticket online, print the PDF document or show it on your smartphone.
