Getting Around Brussels: A Practical Guide
Brussels offers visitors multiple ways to navigate the city, from an extensive public transport network to taxis and bicycles. The city is relatively car-dependent compared to other northern European cities and is known for heavy traffic, so most visitors will find public transport more convenient than renting a car.
Public Transport Overview
Brussels' public transport system is operated by STIB/MIVB and includes metro, trams, and buses. All three modes are integrated and accept the same tickets and passes, making it straightforward to combine different transport types on a single journey. Railway services are operated separately by SNCB/NMBS.
The Metro
The Brussels Metro comprises four lines serving the city with both underground and surface stations. The metro connects major transport hubs, city districts, and key attractions. Line 1 runs from the west to the east of the city, Line 2 loops around the city centre, Line 5 connects the west to the south-east via the centre, and Line 6 connects the north-west (including the King Baudouin Stadium) to the city centre with a loop around the centre similar to Line 2. The metro is clean, reliable, and one of the fastest ways to move across Brussels.
Trams
Trams have been operating in Brussels since 1869 and remain an important part of the transport network. The tram system was significantly reduced in the late 20th century but has been extended in recent years. Trams are particularly useful for travelling between neighbourhoods and are an atmospheric way to see the city.
Buses
The STIB/MIVB bus network covers all 19 municipalities of Brussels. Buses complement metro and tram services, especially for routes not served by other modes. Additionally, buses operated by Flemish (De Lijn) and Walloon (TEC) regional transport companies serve Brussels, connecting the capital to surrounding areas. Most visitors will use the STIB/MIVB buses within the city.
Buying Tickets and Passes
Tickets for STIB/MIVB services (metro, tram, and bus) can be purchased from vending machines at metro stations and on trams and buses. A MOBIB card can be purchased for €6 at vending machines and allows you to buy contactless tickets. Individual journey tickets are available, as are multi-day passes that provide unlimited travel across the entire network. This makes planning day trips or exploring the city more economical than buying single tickets for each journey.
Railway Services
Brussels has eight railway lines with 29 stations throughout the city, offering connections to Belgium and Europe. All SNCB/NMBS railway stations in Brussels connect with at least one STIB/MIVB bus, tram, or metro line, ensuring smooth transfers between rail and city transport. Brussels-South station is a major hub on Europe's high-speed rail network, served by TGV, Thalys, Eurostar, and ICE trains, making it convenient for international travel.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis operate throughout Brussels and can be hailed on the street or booked by phone. Ride-hailing services and car-sharing systems are available in the city, including a car-sharing partnership between STIB/MIVB and local companies. When using taxis, confirm the fare before getting in if you're concerned about accuracy.
Walking and Cycling
Brussels is a walkable city, particularly in central areas like the Grand-Place and surrounding neighbourhoods. Many attractions and metro stations are within walking distance of each other. Cycling is less common in Brussels than in other northern European cities, but a bicycle-sharing system called Villo! has been available to the public since 2009, offering a convenient option for exploring the city on two wheels.
Getting from Brussels Airport to the City
Brussels Airport (Main Airport)
Brussels Airport, located in the nearby Flemish municipality of Zaventem approximately 12 km east of the city centre, is the primary gateway for most visitors. Several transport options connect the airport to central Brussels:
- Train: The easiest option for most visitors. Trains depart every 10-20 minutes from the airport train station (Level -1) to Brussels' three main train stations, with the journey to Central Station taking 15-20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines (coins or PIN cards) or the ticket office (notes accepted). A Brussels Airport Supplement ticket is normally included in your fare. Doors on trains require you to push a green button to open them. Alternatively, walk to nearby Zaventem Dorp station for a much cheaper ticket (roughly three times less expensive) with no airport supplement; frequent local trains serve all Brussels stations in roughly the same time.
- STIB/MIVB Bus 12: Runs every 10-40 minutes to Schuman metro station and Trône metro station, taking about 30 minutes. The special "Go2City" ticket (€7.90 by contactless card, €8.40 for paper) is valid for 60 minutes across trains, metro, buses, and trams from validation. Buses depart from airport Level 0.
- De Lijn buses: Bus R26 runs every 15-30 minutes to Brussels North Station (2 km north of Grand-Place), Bus R59 goes to Roodebeek metro station every 15-30 minutes, and night bus N62 serves Rogier metro station (30 minutes, 1 km north-east of Grand-Place). Tickets cost €3 on board or by SMS text, but are only valid on De Lijn services, not on other Brussels transport.
- Taxis: Available outside the terminal. Expect to pay around €60 to the city centre, though prices vary by company. Confirm the fare before entering, and be aware that some companies may charge additional waiting fees if your flight is delayed and you pre-ordered.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Budget Airline Hub)
Located approximately 50 km south-west of Brussels, this airport serves budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair. Options for reaching the city include:
- Flibco shuttle bus: Operates every 20 minutes to Brussels Midi/Zuid station (1 hour journey, though traffic may extend this during peak times). It's cheaper to buy online. The bus stops on Rue de France/Frankrijkstraat, to the west of the station; head left when entering the station toward the metro and Eurostar connections.
- TEC bus to train combination: Bus A (€6) connects the airport to Charleroi South train station in 20 minutes, where you can take an intercity train (€9.90) to Brussels (1 hour). A combined ticket costs €15.90. Trains depart every 30-60 minutes.
- Taxis: Fixed price of €90 to the city centre. Return trips from Brussels are more expensive (€120 fixed or €170+ by meter).
Alternative Airports
Consider flying into Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam Schiphol airports if connections align better with your journey. Both have direct high-speed train connections to Brussels-Midi station (approximately 1.5 hours), which can sometimes be faster and cheaper than flying directly to Brussels.