First-time traveler guide
Tournai, Belgium
The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.
From Brussels Airport (BRU)
Download the SNCB/NMBS app: This is your essential tool for Belgium. It provides real-time updates on platform changes, delays, and allows you to buy tickets in English using Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. It is much more reliable than relying on station signage alone.
There are no escalators or elevators, so pack light if you can.
Toilets: There are paid toilet facilities available at the station. While some sources note a fee of around €0.50, always carry a few euro coins just in case, as card readers can be unreliable.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available at the station. Check the connection portals once you arrive to get logged in.
Tournai is well-connected by rail, making it easy to reach from major Belgian hubs.
From Brussels Airport (BRU)
From City Center
By Taxi
Welcome to Tournai, a charming and historic station that serves as a vital gateway near the French border. Navigating this station is straightforward, as it features a compact, single-level layout with only 4 platforms. Think of it as a small, efficient hub where everything is easily visible from the main hall.
Because the station is a through-station, trains pass directly through rather than terminating here. All 4 platforms are located on the same ground level, which eliminates the need to navigate between floors or upper levels. To move between the platforms, you will use the station’s underpass, which is accessed via stairs from the main platform area. Please note that this underpass currently relies on stairs, so if you are traveling with heavy luggage or require mobility assistance, it is wise to allow a little extra time to move between tracks.
Since the station is small, you do not need to worry about long distances; a walk between the most distant platforms will take only 2–3 minutes. The primary confusion for first-time visitors is often the platform numbering or sudden last-minute track changes, which are common in busy transit hubs. To stay prepared, always check the large digital departure screens located in the main station hall and at the beginning of each platform upon arrival. These screens provide real-time updates on which platform your specific train will depart from.
As you are traveling near the French border, you will likely be using these platforms for regional connections, including cross-border services to Lille. Since the station is compact, you will find it very easy to orient yourself once you enter the main hall. If you ever feel uncertain, the station is small enough that you can quickly locate a staff member or check the clearly marked signage. Just remember that the Dutch name for the city is "Doornik," which may appear on some digital displays or signage alongside "Tournai." With only 4 platforms to monitor, you will find that navigating this station is a simple and stress-free part of your journey.
Traveling through Tournai can be a breeze if you know the local ropes. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip to avoid the stress I faced!
The lockers at Brussels Airport are located on level 0 in the Arrivals Hall, near the exit towards the bus stops. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Brussels Airport offers three locker sizes. A large locker (max. L57xW35xH43) costs €8. An XL locker (max. L77xW50xH58) costs €10. An XXL locker (max. L78xW50xH88) costs €12 per item.
For oversized luggage like bicycles, golf bags, skis, or musical instruments, you must call +32 2 753 3013 or use the free intercom at the luggage lockers. The price is €10 per 24 hours for up to 3 items, with each additional item costing €2.50 per day.
No, Turin Airport is not open 24 hours. It closes nightly after the last flight and reopens at 4:30 AM. However, travellers already inside before closing can stay in the terminal overnight.
Sleeping in Turin Airport is challenging as there are no dedicated rest zones. Seating is limited to hard plastic seats with armrests. Travellers suggest you may be more comfortable on the floor with a sleeping bag or travel mat.
Turin Airport is a small, modern terminal with amenities including ten eateries, a few shops (including duty-free), a supermarket, and a book swap area. Free WiFi is available to help pass the time.
Through station serving Tournai, Belgium. First opened in 1842, the current architectural landmark was constructed between 1874 and 1879 by architect Henri Beyaert. While the station originally featured a grand glass-and-iron structure, today it provides a more functional, straightforward experience for travelers with four platforms.
If you are a first-time visitor feeling nervous about navigating a European rail hub, you can rest assured that this station is compact and easy to manage. It is not a massive, overwhelming complex; rather, it serves as a regional node connecting travelers via Intercity and local trains, including direct regional services to nearby Lille, France. The station is well-signposted, and you will find it manageable if you arrive with a small buffer of time before your departure.
As with many stations in the region, platform assignments can occasionally change. To avoid any last-minute stress, check the digital display screens in the main hall 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to confirm your platform. The station is equipped with basic facilities and remains a primary point of transit for those moving between Belgian cities and across the nearby French border.
