Belgium’s national railway operator, SNCB, has announced that it will discontinue physical sales of international train tickets requiring reservations at nine stations beginning in October. This significant change is a response to the ongoing decline in demand for in-person ticket purchases at railway counters.
The stations affected by this decision include Aarlen, Antwerp-Berchem, Brussels-Luxembourg, Eupen, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Mechelen, Ostend, and Ottignies.
SNCB cited the decreasing trend in physical sales of international travel tickets as the primary reason for this shift. As a result, ticket sales for international services, including high-speed and night trains, will be centralized at 12 designated stations across the country.
These remaining sales points are Antwerp-Central, Bergen, Bruges, Brussels Airport-Zaventem, Brussels-Central, Brussels-North, Brussels-South, Charleroi-Central, Ghent-Saint-Peter’s, Leuven, Liège-Guillemins, and Namur.
SNCB stated that these locations are “specialised in such products and can optimally provide personal advice for this range.” The operator aims to enhance customer service at these specialized stations, ensuring that passengers receive tailored assistance when booking international journeys.
Despite the cessation of physical ticket sales at the specified stations, travelers can still purchase tickets for cross-border journeys to popular destinations such as Roosendaal, Maastricht, Luxembourg, Aachen, and Lille.
These tickets will remain available at existing counters and via ticket machines, allowing customers to continue accessing international rail services without significant disruption.
This transition reflects broader trends in the transportation sector, where digital services increasingly replace traditional in-person sales.
The SNCB’s decision comes at a time when many rail operators are adapting to changing consumer preferences and behaviors, particularly following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift towards online ticketing.
Customers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the remaining stations where international tickets will still be available for purchase.
The SNCB has assured that it will continue to provide comprehensive information and support for travelers looking to book international train journeys, both through its website and at the designated sales points.
As Belgium’s rail network continues to evolve, passengers are reminded to plan their journeys in advance and consider utilizing digital platforms for ticket purchases to ensure a smooth travel experience.
The SNCB is committed to enhancing its services and meeting the needs of its customers as the landscape of rail travel continues to change.
In conclusion, while the cessation of physical ticket sales at nine stations may pose an inconvenience to some travelers, the SNCB’s focus on optimizing service at specialized locations aims to enhance the overall experience for those seeking international rail travel.
As the railway operator implements these changes, it emphasizes the importance of adapting to the shifting dynamics of passenger preferences in the modern travel landscape.
