Are you heading to the capital city of Belgium and unsure what to expect from local transportation? Don’t worry; with information from us, you’ll handle it with ease. We’ll advise you on getting from the airport, navigating the Brussels metro, and where to buy tickets. Additionally, we know how to fit in all the must-see places in Brussels within a few days.
How to navigate the Brussels metro?
The Brussels metro consists of four lines, designated by numbers 1, 2, 5, and 6. Additionally, there are two more lines labeled 3 and 4, which are known as premetros, or underground trams. Lines 1 and 5 connect the eastern and western parts of the city, while lines 2 and 6 form circular routes, and lines 3 and 4 operate between the southern and northern parts of Brussels.
The Brussels metro operates from 5:30 am to midnight on weekdays, starting from 6 am on weekends and holidays. During peak hours, trains run every 6 to 10 minutes, otherwise, you may wait up to 20 minutes.
How to get to the center of Brussels?
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the metro from Brussels Airport because it doesn’t exist. However, trains or buses are available for traveling to the center.
Taking the train to the center is the fastest option, taking approximately 10 to 20 minutes. You can use any train stopping at the airport, including long-distance trains. The bus journey time depends on the specific route but generally takes longer, around 30 to 50 minutes. However, the bus fare is usually cheaper.
Both trains and buses operate until shortly after midnight. So, if you arrive later, you’ll need to choose a night bus route.
How to find stops and departures of Brussels public transport?
You can find the departures of metro, trams, and buses of Brussels public transport on the official STIB website. Here, you’ll find the current timetable for each line and a list of stops. For navigating Brussels transport, we also recommend using Google Maps, which will show you the routes of the lines and departure times. Additionally, it can guide you to the correct metro entrance if needed.
Where to buy tickets in Brussels?
You can use the same ticket for all types of Brussels public transport. Tickets can be purchased at metro stops and stations from a machine and at some newsstands. You can also pay for transportation in Brussels by tapping your contactless payment card, smartphone, or watch on the validator.
For those spending at least three days in Brussels, you’ll also find the Brussels transport card handy, giving you completely free transportation. Additionally, you’ll get free entry to museums and other attractions, as well as many other discounts. Thanks to the Brussels transport card, you can explore all the interesting places in Brussels within a few days. You can purchase it in a 24, 48, or 72-hour variant.
