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10 reasons to take the train

Travelling by train is the way to go – especially if you’re visiting (several countries in) Europe. It’s fast, easy and cost-effective, you have the possibility to stretch your legs and don’t forget about the amazing views you’ll get along the way. Forget about the hassle that can accompany travelling: if you take the train, your holiday starts on board.

10 reasons to travel by train

Why should you travel by rail?

  • Save money – Taking the train is a cost-effective way of travelling, especially if you’re going a relatively short distance. Generally speaking you can find the best ticket fares the earlier you book, so plan your train journey well in advance (up to 6 months in advance) to take advantage. 
  • Travel to the heart of town – Most train stations are located in the city centre, so once you get off the train, you’re right where you need to be to start your visit to the city. You don’t have to spend money or time on a transfer to the centre, as is often the case when you travel by plane and arrive at the airport.
  • Luggage – Unlike air travel, travelling by rail allows you to take as much luggage as you can carry without extra fees. You can easily store your baggage above your seat and in your compartment.
  • Get a sense of the country you’re travelling across – If you drive somewhere, you can hardly pay any attention to your surroundings… but if you choose to travel by train, you just have to sit, relax and admire the view from your comfortable seat.
  • Flexibility – There are multiple connections to numerous destinations in Europe every day, so you can pick the time that fits you best. If it’s a far destination you’re heading off to, you can even opt for an overnight train: sleep during the journey and wake up at your destination! Finally, thanks to the adapted ticket conditions of certain carriers, you can plan your journeys with complete peace of mind. 
  • Stay connected – Charge your phone or camera batteries, watch a movie or get some work done… it’s all possible on board the train. And what’s even better: more and more train companies are installing Wi-Fi so you can even post live updates as you journey through Europe by train.
  • Enjoy the comfort and space on board – Train seats are less cramped than plane cabins and usually a lot comfier. Need to stretch your legs? No problem, you can do so as much and as long as you like…
  • You can bring your own food and drinks – Those who want to save their budget for the destination needn’t worry: one of the many benefits of train travel is that you can take your own food, drink and liquids with you. If you fancy a hot snack, though, most international high-speed trains are fitted with a bar carriage with a varied menu. Please note that the bar car may temporarily be unavailable due to current sanitary conditions. Please refer to our dedicated page for more information.
  • Eco-friendly travel – If you take the train, you’ll lower your CO2 emissions by half compared to the plane. So if you worry about the climate impact of your trip, know that train travel is much greener than flying – or driving, for that matter. Plus, you don’t need extra transport to the city centre as you’ll arrive at the heart of the city.
  • You get to explore even the smaller, less known destinations by train. The vast rail network in Europe means accessibility has improved a lot over the years, allowing you to travel to smaller cities and travel off the beaten track.
Across Europe by rail

SNCB International's extensive range of services means that you can choose from over 1,000 destinations in Europe. Book your journeys with Thalys, Eurostar, TGV INOUI, ICE and other international trains online.

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* Unless expressly stated otherwise, all fares quoted are per person/per leg (VAT included) based on an online reservation for a 2nd class return from Brussels. Please note, terms and conditions apply. Tip: As the number of seats at the lowest fares on Thalys, Eurostar, TGV and ICE trains is limited, we recommend that you book your trip as early as possible. Most international trains allow reservations to be made from 4 months before the date of departure (or from 6 months for Eurostar and ICE).

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