Transportation

Transportation in Belgium

Belgium has a dense, well-connected transportation network reflecting its compact geography. Most destinations are reachable within 2 hours by train, and public transit covers urban areas effectively.

Train Network (SNCB/NMBS)

Belgium's national railway connects all major cities efficiently:

Key Routes:

• Brussels-Antwerp: 35-45 minutes
• Brussels-Ghent: 30-35 minutes
• Brussels-Bruges: 55-65 minutes
• Brussels-Liège: 60-70 minutes
• Brussels-Leuven: 25 minutes

International connections:

• Thalys/Eurostar to Paris (1h22), London (2h), Amsterdam (1h50)
• ICE to Cologne (2h), Frankfurt (3h)
• Excellent European connectivity

Costs (2026):

• Standard ticket: Based on distance (e.g., Brussels-Antwerp ~€11)
• Weekend ticket: 50% discount on return journeys
• Go Pass 10: 10 journeys for anyone 26+ (~€88)
• Youth (under 26): Significant discounts available
• Railpass: Multiple journey passes available

Brussels Public Transit (STIB/MIVB)

Network:

• 4 metro lines
• 17 tram lines
• 50+ bus lines
• Noctis night buses (weekends)

Tickets (2026):

• Single journey: €2.60
• Brupass day pass: €9.10 (includes STIB + De Lijn + TEC + SNCB within Brussels)
• Monthly subscription (STIB): ~€49
• Annual subscription: ~€499

Payment: MOBIB card, contactless bank card, or Floya app

Regional Transit

Flanders: De Lijn operates buses and trams across Flemish cities

Wallonia: TEC operates buses throughout Wallonia

Brupass/Brupass XL: Integrated tickets covering multiple operators in and around Brussels

Cycling

Flanders: Excellent cycling infrastructure with dedicated paths. Flat terrain makes cycling practical for daily commuting. Many Flemish cities are highly bike-friendly.

Brussels: Cycling infrastructure is improving with dedicated lanes expanding. Villo! bike-sharing system available (€36/year). Hilly terrain in some areas. Billy Bike e-bike sharing also available.

Getting a bike:

• New city bikes: €300-700
• Second-hand: €50-200 (2ememain.be, Facebook Marketplace)
• Villo! subscription: €36/year + €0.50/30min (first 30 min free)
• Swapfiets: ~€17/month subscription

Driving

License: EU licenses valid. Non-EU licenses valid for limited period, then must exchange or take Belgian driving test.

Costs:

• Fuel: ~€1.70-2.00/liter
• Parking: €2-5/hour in city centers
• Road tax (taxe de circulation): €150-500+/year
• Insurance: €50-120/month
• Toll-free motorways (except Liefkenshoektunnel)

Belgium's driving reputation: Belgian roads and drivers have a mixed reputation. Traffic congestion is significant, especially around Brussels and Antwerp during rush hours. Belgium consistently ranks among Europe's most congested countries.

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