How to buy train tickets
Buying train tickets in Belgium is very easy. These are the different ways to purchase one. Keep in mind, reserving seats on NMBS/SNCB trains is not possible; You take any free seat in first or second class, depending on which ticket you bought. Fares do not vary like high-speed train fares or air fares, so there is no need to book ahead. You can travel for less money outside the rush hours with Train+, see my page on that. If you travel without a ticket, you will get a €90 fine!
The website
The best website to buy train tickets in Belgium is the site of the national railway company, NMBS/SNCB. You simply choose your departure and arrival station. Be aware, the ticket you purchase can only be used on any of the train combinations shown. If you want a stop, you have to buy multiple tickets. You can use your ticket the entire day. The ticket will be a QR code, download this on a portable device and show when asked. You can buy a supplement for a bicycle for €5 per tickets, folding bicycles are free.
The app
This is the way I usually buy my tickets. It works very similarly to the website. Enter a departure station and a destination, and show the QR code when asked. Again, the QR code is only valid on the options shown for that exact journey! You can use the ticket anytime on the specific day. If you want to add supplements, you push 'Show details' and then 'Add supplement'. You can find your tickets on the ticket page.
At the statoin
Every station, whether it's a major station with thousands of daily passengers or a small stop at the railway, has a ticket machine which prints tickets. If you are confused on how to use them, you should be able to contact customer service on it, and someone who works at the NMBS/SNCB will help you. If they are broken, don't worry. You will get a QR-code in the train and you have to pay within 14 days. Some stations have ticket offices. However, these might be closed if you travel in the evening. Scroll down this page to find a list of stations with ticket offices and when they open and close.