Fuel prices have risen sharply in recent months, and the outlook remains uncertain. As the cost of travel increases, people may think twice before embarking on leisure trips. However, a recent NMBS / SNCB survey reveals that many passengers are now opting for the train more often, with one in two explicitly linking their increased train use to the rising cost of fuel.
Since the start of the energy crisis, train travel has seen a steady rise in popularity. Sales of single tickets have surged, with a 10% increase in March and April 2026 compared to the same period last year. This positive trend continued into May, the NMBS / SNCB press release says.
The train is also proving to be a strong alternative for commuters. In March, the number of season tickets sold rose by 8% year-on-year, followed by a more than 9% increase in April compared to April 2025. Over a third of these season tickets are Flex subscriptions.
Highly competitive fares
In Belgium, train ticket and subscription prices are particularly affordable compared to neighbouring countries. The savings are even greater for young people, seniors, and those entitled to increased allowances, who always receive a 40% discount, regardless of distance or time of travel.
There is also a special group fare for parties of at least four people, making it ideal for day trips to the Belgian Coast, the Ardennes, or a city break.
Travelling by train is also better for the environment: trains emit roughly five times less CO₂ per kilometre than cars.
Train+ continues to grow in popularity
Train+, the discount card launched in October as part of the new ticket offering, allows passengers to travel at even more competitive prices. Since its introduction, over 1.2 million passengers have chosen Train+.
Currently, Train+ is used for about 40% of occasional train journeys and has been especially popular among seniors, young people, and those entitled to increased allowances.
Train+ is available as a monthly or annual subscription. The cost is €4 per month for young people, seniors, and those entitled to increased allowances, and €6 for adults aged 26 to 64. The annual subscription costs €32 for the first group and €48 for adults. Nearly 80% of current users have opted for the annual version.
With Train+, passengers receive a 40% discount during off-peak hours and on weekends. Adults (26–64) with Train+ never pay more than €14 for a second-class journey, while young people, seniors, and those entitled to increased allowances pay no more than €5.50 per trip.
Since the launch of the new ticket offering in October, NMBS / SNCB’s various sales channels have provided passengers with the most advantageous fare based on their profile – whether they are adults (26–64), young people (12–25), seniors (65+), or those entitled to increased allowances – and depending on whether they wish to travel during off-peak hours or at any time of day.
This makes it easy for passengers to choose the best option for their journey.
NMBS / SNCB & Infrabel related news
- NMBS / SNCB ends mandatory gender registration for online ticket purchases.
- NMBS / SNCB presents new rainbow-clad Siemens Desiro for Pride and IDAHOT.
- Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station reopens as temporary hub during premetro tunnel works.
- PHOTOS | Presenting Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station anno 2026.
- NMBS / SNCB introduces boarding zones on platforms to further improve passenger experience.
- BELGIUM | Infrabel to upgrade Antwerp-Berchem and add second track between Mol and Neerpelt, amongst other economy-boosting projects.
- Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station (re)opens on Saturday 2 May.
- BELGIUM | Infrabel launches Brussels pilot to curb dangerous track trespassing.
- BELGIUM | Train operator NMBS / SNCB to end on-board ticket sales from 1 July 2026.
- BELGIUM | Access gates to be introduced in major railway stations, reversing earlier opposition.
- Rise of international trains puts pressure on the Belgian rail network: domestic services must not disappear.
- ANTWERP | Renovation of Linkeroever station to begin during spring half-term, rail services temporarily disrupted.
- Belgian Mobility Minister wants to revive direct train service to Switzerland.
- NMBS / SNCB & CAF for MR30 / AM30 electric multiple units signed.
- 2026 | Bpost marks 100 years of NMBS / SNCB with a stamp.
- Reorganising train travel in Belgium by 2050: going for the Swiss or the Dutch model?.
- BELGIUM | More than 9.5 million travellers took the train the summer of 2025.
- Hamont – Weert on foot, because the train connection still isn’t there.
- REVIEW | ‘Belgian Railways Under Occupation: Between Collaboration and Resistance’ at Train World in Brussels.
- NMBS / SNCB to apologize for involvement in WWII deportation transports.
- Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station up for major revamp.
- PHOTOS | AM66 ‘Klassiekje’ / ‘Classique’ Farewell Ride at Antwerp-Central Railway Station.
- Farewell to Mortsel-Deurnesteenweg.
