The Brussels public transport company (MIVB/STIB) runs the entire network, including underground, trams and buses. Public transport in Brussels is relatively inexpensive and the network is one of the safest in Europe. The service operates from about 5 a.m. to 01 a.m. (depending on the line).
The Brussels metro consists of 6 different lines. Be very careful, in the central part of Brussels, all the lines go from one to the other, so be sure of the direction of the metro before getting on. The metro runs from 5am to 1am, after which the NOCTIS network of the STIB takes over.
Every weekend 11 bus lines cross the Brussels-Capital Region until 3 a.m. Night owls can travel on the Noctis night network with all STIB transport tickets. Brussels also has 19 tramway lines. They mainly cover the Brussels area, but some also serve the outlying municipalities.
Be aware that trams always have priority, even over pedestrians.
The STIB offers a number of options. If you use public transport infrequently or on an irregular basis, you can choose between a single ticket, a five-journey card or a ten-journey card. These can be purchased at GO terminals or at KIOSK, BOOTIK or at BOOTIK online (sales outlets). For frequent users, various season ticket options are available.
The tickets are valid to travel on the entire network for one hour from the time of stamping. The card must be validated at one of the orange machines every time you enter a bus, tram or metro. You can also pay with your credit card or your smartphone but be aware that the price is higher than if you buy regular tickets. Simply swipe your card through the reader in each terminal.
Further information on schedules, prices, routes, etc., is available on the STIB/MIVB website or by calling 070/23.20.00.
The STIB encourages its customers to use the MOBIB card, a grey smartcard with an electronic chip, which you can validate by placing it on red electronic readers. However, the MOBIB card is not exclusively for permanent customers: you can also load a 10-journey ticket. A MOBIB card costs €5 and is valid for 5 years. You can top up the card at GO vending machines in underground stations, at major tram and bus stops, in BOOTIK and KIOSK shops and on BOOTIK online, thus avoiding long queues. Children under 6 year’s old travel free.
Further information can be found at www.mobib.be.
The public transport operator in the Walloon Region. Ticket prices vary according to the distance travelled (divided into tariff zones). Some TEC lines include the Brussels region.
De Lijn is responsible for public transport in the Flemish region, this public company also covers parts of Brussels. As with TEC, ticket prices vary according to zones.
The Belgian national railway company - SNCB - operates the rail network throughout the country. Some train lines allow you to cross the capital.
PLEASE NOTE: You can get an “MTB” season ticket, which entitles you to unlimited travel overall STIB network (except the Bourget-Brussels Airport section) as well as the urban network of TEC, De Lijn and the SNCB railway network (in 2nd class) but only within the Brussels-Capital Region.
Travelling by train is in general a safe and efficient way to move around between cities in Belgium and can be used as a means of transport within Brussels. Brussels lies at the center of a dense network of national and international rail routes. Almost all cities in Belgium can be reached from the three main stations: Bruxelles-Nord, Bruxelles-Centrale and Bruxelles-Midi (South). In the European quarter, you will also find Brussels-Luxembourg and Brussels Schuman
Fast InterCity (IC) trains serve the larger cities, while slower InterRegio (IR) trains serve the smaller stations.
The Airport City Express is a shuttle train service between Brussels and Brussels Airport at Zaventem.
Services are frequent and trains depart at regular intervals.
Tickets for travel in Belgium are sold at stations or online. There are various special deals available, such as season tickets, group tickets and under-26 youth fares. Tickets are also cheaper at weekends.
The Belgian railways website www.b-rail.com has extensive information in English.
High-speed Eurostar trains depart from Brussels South Station to London St Pancras International Station. The journey takes about 2hrs. Thalys high-speed trains depart from Brussels South Station to Paris (1 hour 22 minutes), Amsterdam (2 hours) and Cologne (2 hours).
You can book your international tickets on www.b-europe.com.