If you’ve been dreaming of a festive trip to a Christmas market or you’re looking for a seasonal day away as a Christmas gift, Belgian rail company SNCB just made your life a little bit cheaper and easier.
For a month over the holiday season, between 10 December and 8 January (inclusive), SNCB are offering half price tickets for any same day return trip between two Belgian stations.
Wherever you’re looking to go, from Bruges to Brussels, Gent to Leuven, Knokke to Antwerp, or anywhere else within the country and back, the Winter Promo Ticket allows you a half price opportunity to visit friends and family, or indulge that deep longing for twinkling lights and gluhwein.
You can even treat yourself to travel in style, because the deal is valid for both first and second class tickets. And with no restrictions for weekends, you can choose to travel on any day of the week.
SNCB were quick to point out the benefits of rail travel. “In short, [the offer is] the ideal opportunity to just hop on the train, reach your destination easily and not waste time looking for a parking space,” said the company in a press release on Wednesday. Of course, being able to raise a glass with loved ones without having to worry about the risks of drink-driving is another advantage.
✨ La #SNCB lance le Winter Promo Ticket : 50% de réduction sur un billet aller-retour
— SNCB (@SNCB) December 7, 2022
🛍 Profitez-en entre le 10/12/22 et le 8/01/23 pour vos sorties.
🧒 Pour rappel, les enfants de moins de 12 ans voyagent toujours gratuitement s’ils sont accompagnés d’un adulte. pic.twitter.com/NUrjAf8gr3
Tickets can be bought on the SNCB app, online, at ticket machines or in person over the counter.
For families it’s important to note that children up to 12 years old already travel free if they are accompanied by an adult. For unaccompanied children, the Kids ticket is a better option as it allows travel on different days. And for travellers under 26 other offers apply that may be more advantageous especially for longer journeys.
Belgium’s Vision 2040 strategy aims to increase the number of people choosing to travel by rail with operational solutions, such as at least two trains per hour from all stations.
SNCB is looking to attract new travellers and meet its target of 30% growth in rail passengers by 2032. Family train discounts, currently available to those with three or more children will be made available to families of all sizes from 2024.
