Fare conditions Belgium and Luxembourg

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 ticket or homeprint ticket

A mobile or homeprint ticket is a digital ticket. In your booking confirmation, you'll find the Load your tickets in the app button to load the ticket into the NS International App. The ticket will be stored under ‘My bookings’. Using the Print tickets button, you can print the ticket (again) yourself. The ticket must be printed unchanged on blank/white A4 paper before the start of the journey. Double-sided printing is allowed, as long as the square barcode remains clearly readable.

The following applies to these tickets:

• The ticket is personal and non-transferable.
• You show the ticket via the NS International App. Use the latest version of the app.
• Once the square barcode or PDF has been saved in the NS International App, the ticket can always be retrieved, even without an internet connection.
• To pass through ticket gates and during ticket inspection, use the barcode from the mobile ticket on your smartphone.
• Specific homeprint rules can be found in the terms of use on the homeprint ticket.
• Ticket inspection may include ID verification. Carry a valid photo ID (passport or ID card), as the train manager/conductor may request it.
• Travel is only allowed on the booked date and/or train, unless stated otherwise in the fare conditions.
• The usual fare conditions apply for changes and cancellations (see the tables). If you request a change to a new travel date, this new date must fall within the booking window of the carrier.
• If a refund is requested within 2 days after the ticket's start date, the refund will be processed via the original payment method. After 2 days, processing may be delayed due to pending inspection data.
• For tickets purchased at the NS International desk in the Service Shop, a refund request can be submitted at the desk before departure or after the specified period. You can also contact NS International Customer Service to request a refund.

Travel with Club Eurostar

You can book your Eurostar journey via NSInternational.com, NS International Customer Service, the NS International desk at the Service Shop, or through your travel agency. When traveling with Club Eurostar, the following additional conditions apply:

• The journey is personal and non-transferable.
• You must present your digital Club Eurostar card for inspection onboard.
• With Club Eurostar, you do not need to check in or out. Use the barcode on your ticket to pass through ticket gates.
• Ticket inspection may include ID verification. Carry a valid photo ID (passport or ID card), as the train manager may request it.
• Travel is only allowed on the specific date/train combination, unless stated otherwise in the fare conditions. The usual fare conditions apply for changes and cancellations (see the tables).

More information about Club Eurostar

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

A partial refund request can be submitted up to 2 months after the ticket's start date.

Partial refunds are not available for mobile or homeprint tickets. For other ticket types, send your request to: NS International Customer Service PO Box 2552 3500 GN Utrecht The ticket must be validated by authorized railway staff or accompanied by supporting documents, such as proof of alternative transportation. Minimum processing fee: €15 per ticket.

Bring your bicycle

The price of a bike ticket depends on the route and is set by the carrier. For some trains, a bike reservation is required in addition to a bike ticket. This mandatory bike reservation is free when you purchase your bike ticket.

On Eurocity Direct, a maximum of 12 bikes per train is allowed. On EuroCity, a maximum of 2 bikes per train is allowed. Bike spaces on these trains cannot be reserved.

On Eurostar, bikes are only allowed if both wheels are removed and the bike is packed in a special bike bag (max. 135 x 85 x 30 cm). Foldable bikes are allowed if they are folded and packed.

More information about travelling with a bicycle

You can also call NS International Customer Service at +31 30 230 00 23 or visit the NS International desk in the Service Shop at 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

EuroCity

Regional, cross-border trains

Eurostar to Belgium/France

* 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.