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                   What you need to know before setting off ...
              (SEASON: FROM 1ST APRIL 2009 TO 31ST MARCH 2010)


B-EXCURSIONS: AN ADVANTAGEOUS ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE

The well-known B-Excursions formula includes a return 2nd class train journey, admission to the attractions included in the programme and even transport by bus, tram or metro. You only have to pay once and everything is taken care of for you. The excursions are easily accessible via public transfer.

Discover ou B-Excursions for individual travellers and groups (detailed offer only available in French or Dutch).

Also available, a specific B-Excursion programme for School groups (detailed offer only available in French or Dutch).

Trains, visits, attractions, connections. Compare prices and you'll notice that the "B-Excursions" combined ticket is often the most advantageous package for your outings.

You'll find permanent B-Excursions formulas for both individuals and groups , the special Train + Cycle hire package, and entry tickets only for passengers who already have their travel document.

There are also B-Excursions for school groups and a wide choice of temporary B-Excursion tickets, special packages for fairs, events, exhibits and more.

B-EXCURSIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS

The cost of your B-Excursion will vary depending on your age and the distance between the departure and arrival stations of the B-Excursion you choose. There are 3 different price zones. You can calculate the price of your B-Excursion using our calculation form.

N.B. The prices of B–Excursion tickets cannot be combined with other special offers or reductions. (*)

Where and when can I purchase my B-Excursion ticket?

B-Excursion tickets are on sale in every Belgian station from 31 days before the departure date until just before the train leaves, unless a reservation time limit applies. This is indicated in the programme.

If a reservation is required, it should be made in the train station during opening hours.

However, groups must reserve their tickets at the domestic group travel kiosk (see below).


New

From this season on, several B-Excursions are available through our website. They are marked with the SNCB Ticket online logo.

Which train should you take?

Depending on the package you have chosen, you can decide which train you prefer to take (does not apply to groups – see below). Station personnel, posters in the station, the printed timetable and the ARIdisc or our website will help you choose.

N.B. A stipulated time of arrival applies to some B-Excursions. For B-Excursions with a fixed programme and finishing time, we advise passengers to enquire about the departure time of the last train that enables you to return to your home station.

Why not travel first class?

B-Excursion train tickets are valid in 2nd class.

Fancy travelling 1st class? Your wish can be granted with the special B-Excursion "1st class supplement". You can enjoy this extra comfort for a supplement of 4,00** EUR (Zone A) – 8,00 EUR** (Zone B), and 14,00 EUR** (Zone C).  

You can purchase a first-class ticket together with your B-Excursion ticket in the station. The ticket is valid for return trips.
Groups do not qualify for this supplement.

Age category

The rates for "children below 12 years” apply to a maximum of four children per paying passenger over 12 years of age with an individual B-Excursion ticket. Children under the age of 12 holding a B-Excursion ticket may travel on any day, without specific timetable conditions.

If you’re 65 or over, special Senior tickets are available during specific periods. Sometimes it may turn out cheaper to buy the entry ticket separately at the station or locally and to combine it with a separate train ticket. Please enquire in advance. The telephone numbers of the service providers are listed for each B-Excursion!

Mobility impaired passengers

A special brochure is available free of charge at all our stations, or it can also be consulted on our website. And the telephone numbers of each of our B-Excursion partners are given so that you can obtain full information on local facilities.

Do you need more information?

Our sales staff and our information centres will be happy to assist you. (You can also consult the phone directory under the "Chemins de fer" (railways) section.) For more information, dial 02 528 28 28 (CINTEV NATIONAL phone information) or visit our website.

What to do if you cannot travel?

If you are not going to use your B-Excursion, you can have the ticket refunded at the ticket office of the station where it was bought. If you notify us before the day of travel, we will give you a full refund. There will a processing charge of 4,80 EUR** per ticket if you notify us on the day of travel. We cannot offer a refund if you notify us after the date of travel.

B-EXCURSIONS TRAIN + BIKE HIRE

For cyclists and nature lovers, we have bicycles available at several stations and Biking Points. We have a special hire arrangement for mountain bikers with our partner, the bike hire firm Léonard in Vielsalm.

"Train + Cycle hire" B-Excursion and “Cycle hire” tickets are available for individuals and groups.

B-EXCURSIONS FOR GROUPS

Groups can also travel with "B-Excursion" packages. A very attractive price has been arranged for a great variety of B-Excursions. The minimum number of travellers (children, juveniles, adults and seniors) is indicated for each B-Excursion.

Groups are required to make reservations at the domestic group travel kiosk.

N.B. A number of trains are not accessible to (school) groups due to the high seat occupancy rates. If that is the case, the domestic group travel unit will suggest an alternative to you.

What to do if you cannot travel?

You must inform us at the station at least 5 working days before the departure date (or for tickets paid for by bank transfer that have not yet been delivered, you must inform the domestic group travel kiosk). If you do so, we can refund the tickets, minus processing charges of 4,80 EUR** per paying B-Excursion (i.e. per paying passenger).

If you inform us less than 5 working days before your departure date, we will not be able to offer any refund.

Partially used tickets cannot be refunded.

B-EXCURSIONS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS

(detailed offer only available in French or Dutch)

Make sure that your group has the required number of paying students, is accompanied by a person in charge, and that the trip will take place during school hours (from Monday to Friday, excluding school holidays).
All students, including those below 12, will pay the B-Excursion rate for school groups. As a group, they will benefit from seat reservations.
The number of free tickets for the accompanying adults is based on the number of paying students in the school group, and varies according to the B-Excursion. Free tickets are only granted to accompanying adults. If there are more accompanying adults than free tickets, they must pay the B-Excursion group rate or special rate for escorts.  If there are fewer accompanying adults than free tickets, the excess free tickets will be lost (*).

What to do if you cannot travel?

You must request a refund from our station sales personnel at least 5 working days before your departure date (at the domestic group travel kiosk if the tickets have not been delivered yet). If the tickets have already been delivered, we will refund your tickets, minus processing charges of 4,80 EUR** per paying passenger.

We are unable to offer any refund if you inform us less than 5 working days before your departure date, unless a valid medical certificate is presented and minus processing charges of 4,80 EUR** per paying customer. If  you have a certificate, you must inform our customer services department (SNCB Mobility, Service Central Clientèle, B-VN.062 – section 13/6, Avenue de la Porte de Hal 40, 1060 Bruxelles) and we will refund your tickets minus processing charges of 4,80 EUR** per paying customer.

Partially used tickets cannot be refunded.

SALE OF ENTRANCE TICKETS

Bearers of valid travel documents can purchase entry tickets (without the train ticket) for different attractions (detail and prices only available in French or Dutch).

TEMPORARY B-EXCURSIONS

Throughout the year, several combined tickets are created for fairs, exhibits, concerts and other events.
These tickets are presented to the public through our quarterly "Temporary B-Excursions" brochures available in stations. Posters, brochures and participant websites include our B-Excursions logo. You can also find detailed information on our website (detailed offer only available in French or Dutch).

* The "Terms and Conditions for Transport", Clause 2.3.2.6. on the B-Excursions are applicable  - extract from clause 2.3.2.6. only available in French or Dutch). These Terms and Conditions for Transport can also be examined in a station.

* Prices valid from 1 April 2009


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