Read real reviews from real users
If you want to know more about the journey from Ieper to Calais by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Ieper to Calais by train is 3 hours 54 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 2 hours 28 minutes. Around 14 trains per day travel the 45 miles (73 km) between these two destinations. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way to Calais. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with SNCF or SNCB, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Book train tickets from Ieper to Calais in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Ieper to Calais in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).
TER (Transport Express Régional) trains are the regional service from SNCF that allow you to make trips to nearby towns and villages located within the same region. With 20 regions in France, TER trains are ideal for travelling to destinations not covered by high-speed services, although ticket prices vary between each region. TER trains have dedicated spaces for bicycles and allow animals on board. Not all TER trains include a First Class carriage.
If you're travelling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of luggage storage and power sockets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfier seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
Most TER trains don't have First or Second Class so the services offered on board are the same for all passengers. Please note that WiFi is not available on TER trains at the moment.
When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
There are no size limits for the luggage you take on board TER trains, so you can travel your way. However, you must be able to carry any luggage you bring unassisted, and it must fit into the dedicated luggage storage spaces on the train.
TER trains do not have any onboard catering facilities, so don't forget to pick up a snack at the station before you leave!
TER trains do not currently have WiFi available.
All children under 12 years old get 50% off the price of a TER ticket - input the age of your child when searching your journey and the discount will be applied automatically. Children under the age of 4 travel for free if they're sat on your lap throughout the journey.
On TER trains, it's free to take your bicycle on board. You can hang it up or store it in a dedicated bicycle area. There are a fixed number of spaces available on each train - they're first come, first served and can't be reserved.
Animals weighing less than 6kg must travel in an appropriate carrier (no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm), stored at your feet or on your lap. Tickets for small animals cost 7€. Animals weighing more than 6kg must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead at all times. Tickets for larger animals cost 50% of the price of a second class ticket. Up to 2 animals or 2 carriers allowed per passenger. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on board all SNCF trains.
If you are disabled or have reduced mobility, you can reserve special assistance through 'Accès TER'. Someone can meet you at the station and accompany you to your train or TER bus, helping you to get around more easily.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Ieper to Calais by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.