Editorial update 19 October 2026 · Region: Western Europe · Current passholder train restrictions should be checked with the operator.
Why explore Belgium by rail?
Belgium pairs art cities, medieval centres and an easy-to-understand domestic rail network. Brussels is the main interchange, while Bruges and Ghent make appealing additions.
With an Interrail Global Pass you can combine Belgium with other participating countries without buying a new country-specific pass, where the trains are included. The challenge is designing a route around actual connections, required reservations and realistic sightseeing time.
Best destinations in Belgium for a rail holiday
Brussels: Grand-Place
Begin with Grand-Place, then allow time for Royal Museums and European Quarter. Choose between Midi, Central and North to avoid unnecessary station transfers. See the full Brussels rail guide.
Bruges: Markt and Belfry
Begin with Markt and Belfry, then allow time for Burg Square and canal-side streets. The medieval centre is a walk or local bus journey from Brugge station. See the full Bruges rail guide.
Ghent: Gravensteen Castle
Begin with Gravensteen Castle, then allow time for St Bavo's Cathedral and Graslei quays. The historic core is not adjacent to Sint-Pieters station; allow tram time. See the full Ghent rail guide.
How to travel around Belgium with Interrail
SNCB/NMBS links most principal cities; use the named Brussels stations carefully, as Brussels-Midi, Central and North are distinct stops.
Choose a realistic number of nights in each destination. Before activating a travel day, confirm whether the specific service is run by a participating operator and whether it requires a supplement or reservation. A pass does not automatically include local buses, city metro, airport links, summit railways or ferries.
Pass and seat reservation considerations
Eurostar and certain international high-speed services require advance reservations and supplements; ordinary Belgian domestic trains typically do not.
Arriving by train and reaching the sights
Brussels is a useful starting point, with key arrival stations including Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid. For Ghent, consider Gent-Sint-Pieters. Always confirm your station and the last-mile walk, bus or tram before paying for a hotel.
Check station names and allow walking time into historic centres.
A practical rail itinerary idea
For a short introduction, begin in Brussels and continue to Bruges. If time permits, include Ghent for a contrasting stop. This is a suggested sequence of places, not a claim of a daily direct service; check actual connections in the Rail Planner app and at the operator.
Practical tips for your Belgium train trip
- Check timetables for the exact day: frequency and border connections can change.
- Confirm pass acceptance and book any compulsory seats before finalising accommodation.
- Compare the total pass cost plus reservations against point-to-point tickets.
- Reserve separate local transport or attraction tickets where required.
Explore our Belgium city guides
Tours and experiences in Belgium
Use the location-specific Viator search to compare sightseeing, cultural tours and day activities. Provider prices and availability are separate from the Interrail Global Pass.
If the external activities widget does not load, your browser may be blocking it. Booking help.
Travel to Belgium with the Global Rail Pass?
Check live pass options and compare the total including any compulsory reservations.
Independent editorial update: . Check the issuer and operator sources for current rules and dated train services. Local travel, admission and reservations can cost extra.