Train World Brussels: the railway museum guide
Is Train World in Brussels worth visiting?
Yes, especially for families and railway enthusiasts — Train World in Schaerbeek is one of Europe's best-staged railway museums, with beautifully restored historic Belgian locomotives presented atmospherically (you can climb into some), set in a lovely heritage station. Allow about 2 hours; it's a short train or tram ride from the centre.
One of Europe’s great railway museums
Belgium ran the first railway on continental Europe (1835), so it’s fitting that Brussels has one of the continent’s best railway museums. Train World, in the beautifully restored historic Schaerbeek station, is no dusty shed of engines — it’s a genuinely atmospheric, theatrically-staged experience that wins over even people who don’t think they care about trains. For families and enthusiasts alike, it’s a standout. See it among the best museums.
What makes it special
- Beautifully restored locomotives — from pioneering 19th-century steam engines (including Le Belge, a replica of one of the earliest) to grand express locomotives and modern stock.
- Immersive staging — dramatic lighting, soundscapes, projections, day-to-night effects and recreated scenes that bring the machines and the railway age to life. This staging is what sets Train World apart from ordinary transport museums.
- Climb aboard — you can enter cabs and carriages of several exhibits, a thrill for children.
- The heritage station — the lovingly preserved Schaarbeek station building itself is part of the visit.
- A large model railway and interactive elements for younger visitors.
Allow about 2 hours.
Practical info
- Where: Schaerbeek station, north-east of the centre. Reach it by train (a few minutes from the central stations) or tram/bus (getting around).
- Tickets: moderately priced, with family/child rates; book online in busy periods.
- Closed Mondays (typical); check current hours.
- Indoors and weatherproof — a great rainy-day plan.
Best for families and enthusiasts
Train World is squarely a family and rail-fan highlight (Brussels with kids, family things to do). Kids love the scale, the cabs and the model railway; enthusiasts appreciate the quality of the restoration and the depth of Belgian railway history. It’s a little out from the centre, so it suits a dedicated half-day rather than a quick drop-in — pair it with a wander around Schaerbeek’s Art Nouveau streets (hidden Art Nouveau gems) if you have time.
The verdict
Worth it, particularly with children or if you have any love of railways. The standout staging makes it far more engaging than the typical transport museum, and the historic station setting is a bonus. If you’re choosing among Brussels’ museums and have kids in tow, Train World is one of the safest bets in the city. For an all-museum plan, see our best museums in Brussels guide.
Frequently asked questions — Train World Brussels: the railway museum guide
Where is Train World in Brussels?
In Schaerbeek, at the historic Schaarbeek railway station, north-east of the centre — easily reached by train (a few minutes from the central stations) or by tram/bus. The heritage station building is part of the experience.Is Train World good for kids?
Very — children love the immersive staging, climbing into cabs, the model railway, and the sheer scale of the locomotives. It's one of the most family-friendly museums in Brussels, and weatherproof, making it a great rainy-day option.
