Europe’s railway networks are undergoing a massive digital transformation, but there is no universal consensus on the future of ticket sales. While some countries are rapidly moving toward entirely digital ecosystems, others are deliberately preserving traditional, in-person ticketing to protect passenger accessibility.
This divide reflects competing national priorities: the push for cost efficiency and staff security versus the need for inclusive, flexible customer service.
European Ticketing Strategies at a Glance
| Country | Operator | In-Train Sales Policy | Primary Driver |
| Belgium | SNCB | Abolished (2026) | Staff safety and security |
| Spain | Renfe | Hybrid (Exception-based) | Customer service and accessibility |
| Portugal | CP | Conditional | Rural access and digital inclusion |
Belgium: Security Drives the Digital Shift
In 2026, Belgium’s SNCB made the definitive choice to completely eliminate in-train ticket sales. The decision was driven almost entirely by security concerns rather than technological ambition.
The catalyst: SNCB recorded 2,602 incidents of violence against staff in 2025—an average of seven per day. Removing physical ticket sales removes a primary flashpoint for onboard conflict.
Minimal disruption: Because less than 2% of SNCB tickets were being sold onboard prior to the ban, the operator was able to prioritize the safety of conductors without severely impacting the broader passenger base.
Spain: Renfe’s High-Tech Hybrid Model
Spain’s Renfe is bucking the digital-only trend by treating onboard ticketing as a “special exception.” Conductors are empowered to sell tickets to passengers who lack digital access or boarded at stations without ticketing infrastructure.
Far from an outdated relic, Renfe has modernized this channel:
Infrastructure: All 1,700 conductors are equipped with portable ticketing terminals.
High demand: Onboard sales remain highly relevant, with 1.8 million tickets sold this way in 2025.
Payment split: Transactions are nearly evenly divided between bank cards (51%) and cash (49%).
Where it happens: The vast majority of these sales occur on regional Media Distancia trains (73%), followed by suburban Cercanías (20%) and long-distance routes (7%).
To gently push passengers toward modern channels without eliminating physical options, Renfe utilizes a tiered surcharge system: a 5.5% fee at physical ticket counters and a 3.5% fee for digital purchases.
Portugal: Preserving the Rural Lifeline
Portugal’s CP is taking a more gradual approach to digitization, keeping onboard sales as a strict fallback option. Passengers can buy a ticket on the train only if their departure station lacks both a ticket machine and an open office, and they must notify the conductor immediately upon boarding to avoid fines.
Payment limitations: Currently, onboard sales are cash-only, though card payment trials are underway as conductor equipment gets upgraded.
Declining but vital: Onboard sales dropped from 2% in 2020 to just 1.2% in 2025, but they remain a critical lifeline for passengers in remote areas with limited station infrastructure, like the Alentejo region.
Promoting regional travel: CP recently introduced a €20 “economic ticket” specifically designed to encourage mobility in these underserved areas.
The Broader Impact on European Rail Travel
The Iberian approach highlights a commitment to combating the “digital divide.” By maintaining onboard and physical sales, Spain and Portugal prevent the mobility exclusion of elderly, rural, or digitally unconnected populations.
For international travelers, this fragmented landscape means preparation is essential. Because policies regarding in-train sales and accepted payment methods now vary drastically by country and operator, passengers must verify local ticketing rules before boarding to avoid steep penalties.
