Schaarbeek station forecourt with trams 83 and 3 waiting to depart

Schaarbeek Railway Station

Schaarbeek Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Complete Travel Guide in Brussels

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Schaarbeek Railway Station, located in the Schaerbeek municipality of Brussels, Belgium, is a striking symbol of the nation’s pioneering railway history. Established on the Brussels–Mechelen line—the first public railway on the European continent—the station has evolved from an industrial powerhouse into a preserved architectural landmark that now houses Train World, Belgium’s national railway museum. Renowned for its neo-Flemish Renaissance design and cultural significance, Schaarbeek not only serves as a key operational hub in the Belgian rail network but also offers visitors an immersive experience into the development and impact of rail travel in Belgium.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: station and museum history, architectural highlights, ticketing and visiting hours, accessibility, guided tours, travel tips, and nearby Brussels attractions. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, history lover, or traveler exploring Brussels’ heritage, Schaarbeek Railway Station is an essential destination.

Avenue Colonel Picquart in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium showing street view with trees and buildings

View of Avenue Princesse Élisabeth in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium showing residential buildings and parked cars

Avenue Émile Zola street view in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium lined with buildings and trees

Introduction
Origins and Historical Development
Architectural Significance
Station’s Role in Belgian Railways
Wartime and Preservation
Train World: Belgium’s National Railway Museum
- Highlights and Exhibits
- Visitor Experience
Practical Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions & Amenities
FAQs
Ongoing and Future Developments
Summary & Final Recommendations
References

Origins and Historical Development

Schaarbeek Railway Station is situated along the Brussels–Mechelen line, inaugurated in 1835, marking Belgium as the first European country with a public railway (CheeseWeb). The station’s original role was pivotal in connecting Brussels with northern Belgium, spurring economic growth and facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.

The current station building, completed in stages from 1890 to 1913, was designed by architect Franz Seulen in the neo-Flemish Renaissance style. This period coincided with significant expansion of Belgium’s railway network, reflecting the nation’s industrial ambitions and growing urbanization (Inside Brussels).

Architectural Significance

Schaarbeek is celebrated as Brussels’ most beautiful and best-preserved railway station, protected as a historic monument since 1994 (Focus on Belgium). The station’s architecture features:

Red brick and blue stone construction
Ornate gables, turrets, and loggias
Decorative ironwork and period furnishings
A symmetrical layout with four original sections: administrative offices, waiting rooms, technical spaces, and the station master’s residence

The restoration efforts have preserved both the façade and interior spaces, offering visitors a glimpse into the golden age of railway travel (Wikipedia).

Station’s Role in Belgian Railways

Schaarbeek has played a central role in Belgium’s railway system. As an intersection for major lines—including Line 25 (Brussels–Antwerp), Line 26, and Line 161—the station facilitates suburban, regional, and occasional long-distance services (Belgian Railways). Its extensive marshalling yards supported freight movement for over a century, while today, Schaarbeek is a vital part of the Brussels S-train (RER/GEN) network, connecting commuters and travelers to the city and beyond (Emma’s Roadmap).

Wartime and Preservation

During World War II, Schaarbeek was a strategic site, heavily bombed and used for military logistics. Postwar adaptation saw the station maintain its relevance despite the decline of freight services. Its designation as a protected monument in 1994 paved the way for comprehensive restoration and adaptive reuse as a museum (Focus on Belgium).

Train World: Belgium’s National Railway Museum

Highlights and Exhibits

Opened in 2015 after a €20.5 million investment, Train World occupies both the historic station and a modern extension designed by François Schuiten (Train World). The museum’s highlights include:

22 iconic locomotives, including the “Pays de Waes” (1845), the oldest preserved steam engine in continental Europe
Royal carriages and TEE (Trans Europ Express) cars
Historic railway bridge and signaling equipment
Immersive galleries divided by theme: origins of Belgian railways, technological innovation, and the human side of rail travel
Interactive installations: climb aboard vintage trains, operate a railway simulator, and access hands-on displays for children

The museum’s design blends the original neo-Renaissance architecture with contemporary exhibition spaces, creating a dialogue between past and present (Train World).

Visitor Experience

Audio guides available in multiple languages
Guided tours for deeper exploration
Onsite café and gift shop
Family-friendly activities and educational programs

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Train World Museum: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed Mondays and certain public holidays (Train World)
Railway station: Operational for train services daily; building access for non-travelers limited to museum hours

Tickets & Pricing

Adults: €15
Children (6–17): €11
Under 4: Free
Discounts: Available for seniors, students, families, and groups
Where to buy: Online at Train World or at the museum entrance

Train tickets for Schaarbeek services are sold separately via Belgian Railways.

How to Get There

Train: Direct connections from Brussels North, Central, and other major stations
Tram and Bus: Served by multiple lines at Place Princesse Elisabeth
Car: Paid parking nearby, but public transport is recommended due to limited spaces

Accessibility

Wheelchair access throughout the museum and station
Step-free routes, elevators, and accessible restrooms
Assistance available for disabled visitors upon request

Guided Tours & Special Events

Guided tours available for individuals and groups (advance booking recommended)
Special exhibitions and educational workshops scheduled throughout the year (Inside Brussels)

Travel Tips

Plan for 2–3 hours to fully explore Train World
Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience
Combine your visit with other Brussels attractions for a full day out

Nearby Attractions & Amenities

Atomium: Iconic Brussels landmark, easily accessible by public transport
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken: Historic gardens and glasshouses
Museum of Natural Sciences: Family-friendly museum with extensive collections
Schaarbeek district: Art Nouveau architecture, local cafés, and markets
Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses ranging from €129–€215 per night (Holidify)
Dining: Onsite café, as well as Belgian brasseries and bakeries nearby

FAQs

Q: What are the visiting hours of Schaarbeek Railway Station and Train World?
A: Train World is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays. The station operates daily for train services.

Q: How much are tickets for Train World?
A: Adults €15, children (6–17) €11, under 4 free. Discounts and group rates available.

Q: Is Schaarbeek Station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the station and museum are fully accessible.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: Buy online via the official Train World website or at the museum entrance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, book in advance via the website for groups or special interests.

Q: What public transport serves Schaarbeek Station?
A: Trains, trams, and buses connect the station with central Brussels and surrounding areas.

Ongoing and Future Developments

Schaarbeek continues to adapt and modernize, with recent upgrades to passenger facilities and integration with the Brussels S-train network. Future projects focus on sustainability, accessibility, and expanded cultural programming to ensure the station’s continued relevance (Train World).

Summary & Final Recommendations

Schaarbeek Railway Station is a living testament to Belgium’s railway heritage, offering a unique blend of architectural beauty, immersive museum experiences, and essential connectivity within Brussels’ rail network. Visitors can enjoy:

A journey through Belgian rail history in a magnificently restored neo-Flemish Renaissance station
Extensive, interactive exhibits at Train World, suitable for all ages
Easy planning with clear information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and nearby attractions

For real-time updates, ticketing, and event schedules, consult the official Train World website and Belgian Railways.

Download the Audiala app for audio guides, interactive maps, and travel tips, and explore related articles on Brussels’ historical sites for a comprehensive city experience.