Rail passenger rights in Belgium (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Regulation (EU) 2021/782 applies, with minimum compensation of 25 % of the ticket price from 60 minutes and 50 % from 120 minutes. The FPS Mobility and Transport is the national enforcement body.

RuleWhat applies
Legal basisDelayed or cancelled train journeyRegulation (EU) 2021/782 applies to domestic and international rail journeys. It has applied since 7 June 2023. A Belgian law of 15 May 2014 on rail passengers' rights and obligations also applies. [1]
Refund or re-routing from a delay ofDelayed or cancelled train journey60 minutes of delay [2]
Compensation for a delay of 60 to 119 minutesDelayed or cancelled train journey25 % of ticket price [2]
Compensation for a delay of 120 minutes or moreDelayed or cancelled train journey50 % of ticket price [2]
Enforcement bodyDelayed or cancelled train journeyFPS Mobility and Transport (FOD Mobiliteit en Vervoer / SPF Mobilité et Transports), Passenger Complaints Unit [3]

Notes

  • The Commission's table of national exemptions (situation on 9 July 2026) lists no exemption of urban, suburban, regional or long-distance domestic services for Belgium.
  • Where a delay of 60 minutes or more is expected at the final destination, the railway undertaking must offer a choice between reimbursement and continuation or re-routing (Article 18).
  • The percentages are the minimum under the Regulation. For delays in Belgium SNCB/NMBS states a more generous rule: 100 % of the ticket price for a delay of at least 60 minutes, payable in cash on request (FPS page, 7 November 2025).
  • Passengers must first complain to the railway company; the FPS handles infringement reports after that. Ombudsrail is the independent mediation service.

Sources

  1. FPS Mobility and Transport: Passenger rights - Introduction (rail) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Union (Publications Office): Regulation (EU) 2021/782 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on rail passengers' rights and obligations (recast) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. European Commission, DG MOVE: National Enforcement Bodies under Regulation (EU) 2021/782 on rail passengers' rights and obligations (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.