Any Belgium nationals./experts can help with a rail question?

[debsjc]

We will need to buy return train tickets from Brussels Zantentem airport to Gent. I have looked on the Belgium rail website, and it is just a standard return tickets we need. I have a couple of questions....

If we buy online, there seems no need to select the exact train before buying, so are they valid on any service that day (it's just a standard ticket) .... including direct trains, and ones that involve a change in Brussels Zuid/Midi?

Also is there any advantage about buying online in advance, against buying on the day at the station?

[sddsddean]

Can't help you directly, but Mark's website https://www.seat61.com/ is the best site I know for info on European rail travel. Have a look at the Belgium section and you may well find your answers.

 

Simon

[Bob++]

I am neither local, nor an expert, but I have some experience with the timetables on European trains.

 

As far as I can see, the fare of 16 Euros applies to in advance and on-the-day tickets and is the same by any train, whether or not you have to change. The "Diabolo Fee" of 5.3 Euros already included

[debsjc]

Thank you both :):)

[rubens]

Hi,

greetings from Belgium

 

If you buy your ticket online in advance it will be valid for the day you selected for any train (direct or with connections) between the two cities that day.

 

If you are senior 65+ you might be better to buy a senior return ticket (without using the return) that will cost you € 6.50 + € 5.34 airport surcharge but check some departure time restrictions.

 

If you're not sure which you can get all tickets at same price at the airport station.

 

Enjoy Belgium