Getting around Belgium

Public transport

The Belgian National Railways offers discounts for adults under 26. Children under six ride free (up to four per adult), those aged six to eleven ride at half-price. Other discounts and passes are available, such as the Railpass, which is good for ten trips within Belgium over one year, and the Benelux pass, which allows unlimited travel on any five days within one month of purchase in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Attention: the Eurail Benelux Pass is valid only for non-European residents; the Interrail Benelux Pass is valid only for European residents.

TEC is the regional bus service for Wallonia and De Lijn is the regional bus service for Flanders; both offer service to, from and in Brussels. De Lijn also operates trams, including the Kusttram which operates along the Belgian coast. For public transport in Brussels (metro, bus and tram), consult STIB-MIVB as well as information on the Brussels public transport system’s MOBIB electronic card, which can also be loaded with ticketing for Belgian rail, TEC or De Lijn.

Passengers must indicate they intend to board approaching buses and trams by signalling the driver with a simple raise of the hand, otherwise they mightmay not stop.

By taxi

All major towns have taxi services, but they are quite expensive. They can rarely be hailed from the roadside; taxi stands are located at strategic locations, such as central squares and train stations. They can also be booked by phone and online. Drivers often do not have detailed knowledge, so passengers should be prepared to explain. As fares include service, tipping is not necessary, though rounding up is a frequent practice.

Brussels taxi companies

Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve

Uber is also available in Belgium.

By bicycle

Overall, Belgium takes cycling seriously and is continually adding lanes and paths. Cyclists must know the rules of the road (see our sister university KULeuven’s helpful guide) and be particularly aware that traffic approaching from the right has right of way. Equipment can be rented in most towns and/or train stations for a reasonable price. Automated bike sharing networks include the Blue Bike nationwide network, Villo! in Brussels, La Bia Velo in Namur and Velo Antwerpen in Antwerp. Cyclists can even bring their bikes on trains or rent bikes as part of the train ticket price.