Tickets / Terms and conditions / Terms and conditions Belgium and Luxembourg

Fare conditions Belgium and Luxembourg

Fare conditions

Belgium and Luxembourg

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Fare conditions for international train tickets

Because we want to provide you with the best possible information about your international train tickets, we have made a list of the various fare types and the respective fare conditions for you.

There are two types of international train tickets: those for trains that require a reservation, and those that do not.

High-speed trains, such as Eurostar and TGV, generally require that passengers reserve a seat, and the tickets are only valid for the specific train, date and class booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.

International tickets for trains that do not require a reservation, such as the Intercity and local trains, are limited to a specific route, but not to a specific departure time or train, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions. These international train tickets are valid for a maximum of one day and the validity period is specified on the ticket.

Reserved seats

If you have reserved a seat, we ask that you be seated in your reserved seat within 15 minutes of boarding the train. If you do not do so, the Train Manager may give your seat to another passenger.

Mobile or homeprint Ticket

A Mobile Ticket is a ticket that you can save in the NS International App and display on the screen of your smartphone. If you book a Mobile Ticket for a journey starting at your departure station, then you do not need to check in and out. If you need to pass through access gates or show your ticket, simply use the Mobile Ticket barcode on your smartphone screen. You will receive an e-mail confirmation with a link to the Mobile Subject to alterations Ticket. Opening this link on your smartphone will automatically download and save the Mobile Ticket in the NS International App under ‘My Bookings’. Mobile Tickets are subject to the standard fare conditions.

Homeprint tickets must be printed on A4 paper before you begin your journey. You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your homeprint booking, which also includes a button that lets you print your homeprint ticket.

The following rules apply:

  • Mobile/homeprint Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
  • To show the Mobile Ticket, you must have installed the NS International App. Use the most recent version of the app.
  • You must download the Mobile Ticket in the NS International App before starting your journey. Homeprint tickets must be printed on A4 paper.
  • See the homeprint ticket for the rules that apply specifically to this type of ticket.
  • Your ticket will be checked based on a valid photo ID. Remember to bring along a valid photo ID (passport or identity card), as the Train Manager/Conductor may ask you to show it.
  • Travellers are only permitted to travel on the date and/or train booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.
  • The normal fare conditions apply for exchanges and cancellations (see tables). When changing the travel date for your ticket, the new date must fall within the carrier’s booking period.
  • If a refund is requested within two days after the start date specified on the ticket, the refund will be made via the original payment method after these two days, due to the need to retrieve the necessary authentication data.
  • For Mobile/homeprint Tickets purchased via the NS International service desk in the service shop, you can request a refund at the NS International desk prior to the start of the journey, or after the period stated above. You can also request a refund via NS International Customer Service.

Travel with Club Eurostar

You can book your Eurostar ticketless journey via NSInternational.com, NS International Customer Service, the NS International service desk in the service shop, or via your travel agent. The following supplemental terms and conditions apply to ticketless travel with Club Eurostar:

  • Journeys are named and non-transferable.
  • You must show your when prompted to do so by the Train Manager.
  • To pass through access gates, simply scan the barcode on your ticket.
  • Your ticket will be checked based on a valid photo ID. Remember to bring along a valid photo ID (passport or identity card), as the Train Manager may ask you to show it. You may only travel on the specific date/train combination booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.
  • Travellers are only permitted to travel on the date and/or train booked, unless otherwise stated in the fare conditions.

Refunds for unused tickets

If you have purchased a ticket, but were prevented from travelling shortly before the departure time, you may be able to request a refund via your original sales point under certain conditions. You can find out which conditions apply to your ticket in the fare tables on this page.

Refunds for partially unused tickets

Refunds for partially unused tickets doesn't apply to Mobile/homeprint Tickets. Other tickets may be sent to the NS International Customer Service, P.O. Box 2552, 3500 GN Utrecht, up to two months after the start date on the ticket. The ticket must be stamped by authorised railway personnel or accompanied by documents, such as proof of alternative travel. Cost: €15 minimum per ticket.

Travel tips

Bring your bicycle

There are no fixed ticket prices for bikes. The price depends on the route and is determined by the carrier. For some routes, the price os therefore be lower, for others higher. Besides a bicycle ticket, a bicycle reservation is compulsory for some trains. This compulsory bike reservation is free when you purchase your bike ticket.

For the Intercity Brussels, a maximum limit of 4 bicycles per train applies (bicycle spots cannot be reserved).

Bicycles may only be brought aboard Eurostar trains if both wheels have been removed and if the bicycle is transported in a special bicycle cover (max. 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Folding bicycles are permitted if they are folded up and transported in a cover.
More information about travelling with a bicycle

You can also call the NS International Customer Service on 030 – 230 00 23 or visit the NS International service desk in the service shop at most major stations.

Travel insurance

It is always a good idea to take out a travel insurance policy when you travel. Travel insurance provides you with security in the event that you need medical assistance, are involved in an accident or lose your luggage.

Cancellation insurance

Certain types of fares are subject to high cancellation fees. It is therefore recommended that you purchase cancellation insurance in advance.

Luggage

Each train type has different facilities for transporting luggage. Travellers are required to label their luggage with their first and last name when they are travelling by train to France.
More information about travelling with luggage

Pets

Passengers may bring their pet with them in the train when travelling to certain European countries, subject to strict conditions. Your veterinarian can inform you about the documents necessary for travelling with your pet.
More information about travelling with pets

Compensation for delays

Under certain circumstances, travellers may be eligible for compensation in the event that their international train experiences a delay. One of these conditions is that the delay must involve a cross-border route. The compensation is calculated based on the price of a single ticket, including surcharges, but excluding booking fees or transaction fees. Compensation is usually paid out in the form of a debit to the traveller’s bank account. Compensation requests can be sent to the railway company from which you purchased your ticket, or one of the carriers involved in your international journey.If you purchased your ticket from NS International, you must submit a compensation request within three months of your journey.
More information about compensation for delays

Would you like to know more?

You can find travel tips, advice before you leave,up-to-the-minute information, information about planned works, the international Travel Planner and information about discount fares. For more information, please contact us in our online chat, call the NS International Customer Service on 030 – 230 00 23 or visit the NS International service desk in the service shop at most major stations.

Terms and Conditions

The transport contracts between the traveller and the carrier(s) are subject to the relevant carrier’s general and special terms and conditions. Several carriers may be part to the transport contracts referred to in the previous section, and your journey may consist of several separate transport contracts, even if you are using a single ticket. Please refer to NSinternational.nl/en/terms-andconditions or the point of sale for more information. A copy of the terms and conditions can be provided at no extra charge upon request. Transport contracts entered into with the carriers NS International B.V. or HSA Beheer N.V. (which trade under the brand name NS International) are solely applicable to transport using high-speed trains or cross-border trains. In the event of a transfer to or from said trains, a contract with another carrier may go into effect. The following regulations and conditions apply to the transport contracts referred to in the previous section: EU Directive on Travellers’ Rights, the General Terms and Conditions of NS International, the applicable Train Type Conditions, and the specific Fare Conditions.

Terms and Conditions Belgium and Luxembourg

Eurocity Direct until 14 December 2024

Fare types Fare conditions Exchange Refund Header
Flex fare (including children) You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Please visit this page to find out more about the terms & conditions.
  • The ticket can be changed free of charge, up to and including 1 day before departure.
  • After that, exchange is no longer possible.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled free of charge.
  • After this day , cancellation is not possible.
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Early Bird High
  • Can be booked up to 3 days before departure.
  • For the Intercity Brussels, you are tied to the chosen train and date.
  • Can only be combined with NS and NMBS subcribtions entitling you to a 100% reduction. If you travel in combination with your NS subscription, international off-peak hours apply. Please visit this page to find out more about the terms & conditions.
  • Only valid when travelling with Intercity Brussels via Hazeldonk border
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed at a €5 fee.
  • From the day of departure, change is no longer possible.
  • For the new travel date with the Early Bird High fare, a pre-booking period of 3 days also applies.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled at a €5 fee.
  • From the day of departure, cancellation is no longer possible."
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Early Bird Low
  • Can be booked up to 5 days before departure.
  • For the Intercity Brussels, you are tied to the chosen train and date.
  • Can only be combined with NS and NMBS subcribtions entitling you to a 100% reduction. If you travel in combination with your NS subscription, international off-peak hours apply. Please visit this page to find out more about the terms & conditions.
  • Only valid when travelling with Intercity Brussels via Hazeldonk border
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed at a €5 fee
  • From the day of departure, change is no longer possible.
  • For the new travel date with the Early Bird Low fare, a pre-booking period of 5 days also applies.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled at a € 5 fee.
  • From the day of departure, cancellation is no longer possible.
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Eurocity Direct from 15 December 2024

Fare types Fare conditions Exchange Refund Header
Flex rate (all ages) You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Check this page for the conditions. You can change the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure, free of charge. You can cancel the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure. Content
Saver rate (all ages) The ticket is only valid on the chosen train and travel day. You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Check this page for the conditions. You can change the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure, free of charge. You can cancel the ticket up to and including 1 day before departureat, a € 5 fee. Content

EuroCity from 15 December 2024

Fare types Fare conditions Exchange Refund Header
Flex rate (all ages) You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Check this page for the conditions. You can change the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure, free of charge. You can cancel the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure. Content
Saver rate (all ages) The ticket is only valid on the chosen train and travel day. You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Check this page for the conditions. You can change the ticket up to and including 1 day before departure, free of charge. You can cancel the ticket up to and including 1 day before departureat, a € 5 fee. Content

Regional, cross-border trains

Fare types Fare conditions Exchange Refund Header
Flex rate You can combine this fare with your NS subscription. Different discounts and off-peak hours apply to this. Please visit this page to find out more about the terms & conditions.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed free of charge.
  • After this day, changes are no longer possible
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled free of charge.
  • After this day , cancellation is not possible.
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Youth For travellers aged 12 to 25 on the day of travel, in 2nd class only. Between a Dutch station/border point and a Benelux station/border point via Roosendaal/Visé Border, not via Hazeldonk border
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed free of charge.
  • After this day, changes are no longer possible
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled free of charge.
  • After this day , cancellation is not possible.
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Senior For travellers aged 65 and over on the day of travel. Between a Dutch station/border point and a Benelux station/border point via Roosendaal/Visé Border, not via Hazeldonk border.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed free of charge.
  • After this day, changes are no longer possible
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled free of charge.
  • After this day , cancellation is not possible.
Connect ESN (Every Station Netherlands)
  • Only valid in combination with a connecting ticket for Eurostar or TGV
  • Valid on route ESN to Brussels South/Midi
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed at a € 5 fee.
  • From the day of departure no changing is possible.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled at a € 5 fee.
  • From the day of departure onwards, cancellation is no longer possible.
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Connect ESN (Every Station Netherlands) child
  • Only valid in combination with a connecting ticket for Eurostar or TGV
  • Valid on route ESN to Brussels South/Midi
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be changed at a € 5 fee.
  • From the day of departure no changing is possible.
  • Up to and including 1 day before departure, the ticket can be cancelled at a € 5 fee.
  • From the day of departure onwards, cancellation is no longer possible.
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Eurostar to Belgium/France

Fare types Fare conditions Exchange** Refund Header
Eurostar Premier Access to NS International Lounges and Eurostar Lounges.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
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Eurostar Premier Deal No special terms and conditions
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
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Eurostar Plus The Eurostar Plus fare only gives access to NS International Lounges, not Eurostar Lounges.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Eurostar Plus, Eurostar Standard Deal, Eurostar Youth Deal No special terms and conditions
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Eurostar Standard No special terms and conditions
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Eurostar Senior Premier For travellers aged 60 or over.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
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Eurostar Senior Plus / Eurostar Senior Standard For travellers aged 60 or over.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Eurostar Youth Premier For travellers aged 12 to 25 (on travel day).
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
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Eurostar Youth Plus / Eurostar Youth standard For travellers aged 12 to 25 (on travel day).
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Kid Eurostar Plus
  • For children aged 4 to 11 years accompanied by an adult.
  • For children under 4 years old with their own seat.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Kid Eurostar Standard
  • For children aged 4 to 11 years accompanied by an adult.
  • For children under 4 years old with their own seat.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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(Rail) Pass Standard / Plus
  • The passenger must have a valid Eurail or Interrail Pass for at least the country of departure and arrival.
  • If part of the Eurostar journey takes place in the Interrail Pass holder's country of residence, the fare also applies. Available in Comfort (1st class) and Standard (2nd class).
  • Only 1st class pass holders may travel in 1st class (Comfort). There is no Pass fare on Eurostar Sun and Eurostar Snow.
  • Allowed free of charge until departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
 No refund Content

Frequent Pass / Premium Pass

Standard / Plus / Premier
  • For Frequent Pass season ticket holders: This fare is also valid on 1 train before and 1 train after the booked train (without seat and catering guarantee).
  • For Premium Pass subscription holders: This fare is also valid on all Eurostar trains to Belgium/France on the same day and in the same direction as the booked train (without seat catering guarantee).
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 48 hours after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After this time, no refund.
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Companion
  • For the companion of a traveller in a wheelchair.
  • The traveller with disability must hold an companion card or medical certificate.
  • A guide or assistance dog travels free of charge and without a ticket.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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Wheelchair For wheelchair passengers.
  • Allowed free of charge up to 1 hour after scheduled departure of train.*
  • After that time no changes possible
  • Allowed until 7 days before departure of the train with a fee of € 25,- per person per one-way.
  • After that time, no refund.
  • If original ticket is changed within 7 days before departure then no refund possible for new ticket.
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* Plus additional payment of any price difference with best available, new fare.
If the new ticket costs less than the original ticket, the price difference will not be refunded.
** Changing means changing the travel date and/or departure time.
Changing passenger name, seat, route or class means cancellation according to fare conditions and booking a new ticket.

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