In Belgium, public transport is not only a convenience, but also a necessity for locals, and an important element of the tourist infrastructure. The public transport system covers the entire country and includes several types of transport: trains, buses, trams and metro. These means of transport allow you to move around both large cities and small towns, and also provide good mobility for tourists. In this section, we will briefly talk about the transport system of Belgium and its importance for people living and traveling in this wonderful country.
Trains in Belgium (SNCB)
The Belgian railway system is considered one of the most convenient ways to travel around the country. Thanks to the compact distances and well-established infrastructure, traveling from one city to another takes very little time. The main operator of the system is SNCB (in French) or NMBS (in Dutch), which serves almost all regions – from the capital Brussels to the cities of Flanders and Wallonia. Trains in Belgium are convenient for locals and tourists alike, thanks to their comfort, punctuality and wide schedule.
Features of railway transport in Belgium:
- Single national operator. Almost all passenger transportation is carried out by the state-owned company SNCB/NMBS, which simplifies travel planning.
- High route density. The railway network covers large cities and small towns, allowing easy access even to remote areas.
- Regularity of service. Trains run frequently, especially on popular routes such as Brussels-Antwerp, Bruges-Ghent, Liege- Namur.
- Comfort and cleanliness. Most trains are in good condition, with air conditioning, Wi -Fi and comfortable seats.
- Affordable tickets: Prices remain reasonable, especially when purchasing tickets in advance or using special offers such as the Weekend Ticket or Rail Pass.
- Convenient ways to buy. Tickets can be purchased on the official SNCB website, via the mobile app, and at the automatic ticket offices at the stations.
- International connections: Belgium has easy access to France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK via international trains such as Thalys and Eurostar.
- Information and support. The stations have information desks, boards and signs in several languages, making travel convenient even for those who are new to the country.
Trains in Belgium offer the perfect combination of speed, convenience and affordability. The quality rail system makes travelling around the country not only fast but also enjoyable.
Tip: On weekends you can save up to 50% on your ticket with the Weekend Ticket from SNCB.
Buses in Belgium (De Lijn, TEC, STIB)
Bus systems in Belgium are a public transport network, providing convenient and affordable ways to travel across the country. There are three main operators in Belgium, responsible for bus services in different regions: De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia) and STIB (Brussels). These companies offer a range of routes that connect major cities and more remote towns. We will tell you about each of these operators and the features of their work, as well as how to pay for travel and use transport cards.
Features of bus transport in Belgium:
- Regional division: Flanders is served by De Lijn, Wallonia by TEC and Brussels by STIB, providing a localised approach to route organisation.
- Extensive route network. Each operator operates routes that connect both major cities and remote areas, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
- Regularity and punctuality. Buses in Belgium run frequently, especially during rush hours, making them a convenient way to get around cities.
- Payment for travel. You can pay for your ticket in different ways: in cash from the driver, using cards or mobile applications. There are also cards for regular users, such as Go Pass or the MOBIB card.
- Modern buses. Belgian buses are comfortable, equipped with air conditioning and free Wi -Fi on some routes.
- Route information: All routes and schedules can be found on the official websites of each operator, as well as through mobile applications for convenient trip planning.
- Carrying luggage. Small bags and backpacks are usually allowed on buses. For larger items, please check with the operator in advance.
- Intermodality: Many bus routes provide connections to other forms of public transport, such as trains or trams, allowing you to quickly get anywhere in the country.
Buses in Belgium are a convenient and affordable way to travel around the country, with a variety of routes and high quality service. These transport systems make travelling around Belgium easy and comfortable.
Tip: To save on travel, you can use cards such as Go Pass or MOBIB, which allow you to save if you travel frequently.
Trams in Belgium (STIB and others)
Trams in Belgium play an important role in the urban transport system, especially in Brussels, where they are the main mode of transport for getting around the city. The tram system in the capital is comfortable, efficient and covers almost all areas of the city. In addition to Brussels, trams are also widely used in other cities in Belgium, such as Antwerp and Ghent. The system is well integrated with other modes of public transport, including buses and trains, making travel around the country comfortable and convenient for passengers.
Features of tram transport in Belgium:
- Wide network of routes. Trams cover not only the central areas of Brussels, but also suburban areas, making travel around the city accessible and fast.
- Comfortable and modern trams. Brussels and other major cities use modern trams equipped with air conditioning, Wi -Fi and other amenities.
- Frequent services. Trams run regularly, especially during rush hours, providing fast transportation around the city.
- Easy to pay. You can pay for your ride using various cards, mobile apps and plastic cards, making the process convenient and fast.
- Integration with other modes of transport. The Brussels tram network works closely with buses and trains, giving passengers flexibility in their choice of route.
- Special rates. For tourists and frequent users there are discounts and travel cards, such as ” Trix Ticket ” and ” Jump Card”.
- Eco-friendliness. Trams are an eco-friendly form of transport, as they do not emit carbon dioxide, reducing air pollution in cities.
Trams in Belgium are a great way to travel around cities, offering not only comfort but also convenience, eco-friendliness and time savings. The tram system in Brussels and other cities in Belgium continues to develop and improve, providing residents and tourists with modern and affordable transport.
Tip: For a more convenient journey around Brussels, download the STIB/MIVB mobile app to check tram schedules and pay for your journey.
Metro in Brussels
A trip to Brussels is rarely complete without getting to know its metro. The metro here is not just a means of transportation, but a part of the city’s culture. It connects key areas of the capital, making it easier for tourists and locals alike to get around. If you are planning to actively move around the city, the metro will be your faithful assistant.
Features of the Brussels metro:
- The Brussels metro is operated by STIB and has 4 main lines: 1, 2, 5 and 6, each covering different parts of the city.
- The lines intersect to form a convenient network with many transfer hubs.
- Stations are well signposted, with names duplicated in French and Dutch.
- The intervals between trains range from 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the time of day.
- The metro operates from early morning until around midnight, and a little longer on weekends.
- You can pay for travel using reusable MoBIB cards, which can be topped up via machines or online.
- Payment is also available via mobile applications, including the official STIB application and third-party services.
- Information screens with timetables and possible changes to routes are available at stations.
- The metro is integrated with other modes of transport: buses, trams and commuter trains.
The Brussels metro is convenient, predictable, and a quick way to get to any location. For tourists, it’s convenient, allowing them to explore the capital of Belgium without stress. And for locals, it’s simply a part of everyday life that they can rely on. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you’ll quickly appreciate the simplicity and thoughtfulness of the Brussels metro.
Bourse metro station is decorated in a modern art style and is often photographed by tourists.
Payment for travel and transport cards (MoBIB, tickets)
In Belgium, using public transport is convenient and easy, especially if you understand the payment system in advance. There are different ways to buy tickets and special cards. If you plan to travel around the country often, it is worth learning what a MoBIB card is, how to pay for travel, and what options mobile applications offer.
Features of payment for travel in Belgium:
- In Belgium, you can pay for travel using paper tickets, transport cards or mobile apps.
- Tickets can be purchased from machines at stations, kiosks, from the bus driver or via the mobile apps of STIB, De Lijn, TEC and SNCB.
- MoBIB card is a rechargeable transport card that can be used to store different types of travel cards or trips.
- MoBIB card can be used to pay for metro, tram, bus and train travel in almost all of Belgium.
- When boarding and exiting transport, you must place your card on the validator to have your trip counted.
- MoBIB allows you to store several types of tickets and season tickets on one card.
- Paying for travel through mobile apps allows you to quickly buy tickets and receive updates on schedules and routes.
- In some regions, contactless payment by bank card is available directly at the turnstile or on the bus.
- Contactless payment is especially convenient for tourists who want to avoid queues at ticket offices or machines.
- Using transport cards and electronic tickets is often cheaper than buying single tickets from the driver.
The payment system in Belgium makes travelling between cities and regions convenient. Whether you choose the MoBIB card, e-tickets or mobile apps, you can easily choose a convenient payment method and save time on your trips.
Tip: If you have a MoBIB card, you can use it on several transport companies at the same time without having to buy new tickets.
Transport for tourists in Belgium
If you are traveling to Belgium, it is worthwhile to understand in advance how public transport works. Thanks to a convenient system of buses, trams, metro and trains, traveling around Belgium is convenient. In this article, we will tell you how tourists can use transport, what special cards are available and what you should pay attention to.
Features of transport for tourists in Belgium:
- Tourists can freely use all types of public transport: buses, trams, metro and trains. Most routes connect tourist attractions well.
- Brussels has a metro, tram and bus system for tourists, operated by STIB-MIVB. Tickets are the same for all types of transport in the capital.
- For convenience, there are tourist cards such as the Brussels Card, which include unlimited travel on public transport and discounts on museums.
- In various cities, such as Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp, Belgium organises transport for tourists through regional companies De Lijn and TEC. Tickets can be purchased in advance via mobile apps.
- Travelling between cities in Belgium is best done on SNCB/NMBS trains. Special offers are available for tourists, such as the Rail Pass, which allows 10 journeys between cities for a fixed price.
- To save money, it is worth buying travel tickets for several days. Single tickets are more expensive if you travel actively.
- Tickets often need to be validated before travel, especially on trains. In the Brussels metro, the turnstiles only open if you have a ticket.
- Belgium tourist cards sometimes include not only transport, but also free entry to museums, excursions and bonuses.
Public transport in Belgium makes travelling around the country easy and enjoyable, especially if you research the available tickets in advance and choose the option for your trips. Using special cards and passes will help you save not only money, but also time, allowing you to focus on your travel experience.
Interesting fact: the Brussels metro is considered one of the most artistic in the world – its stations are decorated with works by contemporary artists and designers.
Advantages and disadvantages of public transport in Belgium
When you first encounter public transport in Belgium, you will immediately notice how convenient the system is. The country takes care of the movement of both locals and tourists. However, as in any other country, there are both advantages of public transport and certain disadvantages of Belgian transport that you should know about in advance.
Advantages of public transport in Belgium:
- Convenient public transport allows you to easily get to almost any point in the country.
- The frequency of metro, tram and bus services helps to minimize waiting times at stops.
- Good transport infrastructure connects large cities, suburbs and even small towns.
- The availability of public transport makes travel possible for a wide range of people, including students, retirees and tourists.
- A clear schedule and the ability to easily plan your route via mobile apps make getting around much easier.
Disadvantages of transport in Belgium:
- High ticket prices can come as an unpleasant surprise, especially if you travel frequently.
- In large cities such as Brussels and Antwerp, heavy traffic causes serious transport problems during rush hours.
- Sometimes there are not enough seats on trains and buses, especially in the morning and evening.
- Some destinations are served less frequently, especially in rural areas.
- In bad weather, delays and disruptions to the schedule are possible.
Public transport in Belgium can make life and travel around the country much easier. Despite some shortcomings, the convenience of public transport and the developed network of routes make it an excellent choice for both locals and visitors to the country.
Tip: Many Belgian cities offer discounts on public transport on weekends, especially for groups and families.