Public Transport in Brussels

Means of transport in Brussels

On this page we have summarised the most important information about public transport in Brussels, all of which is operated by the Brussels Public Transport Company (STIB):

Metro

Brussels metro network is one of the most modern metros in Europe. Its construction began in 1970 and it consists of 4 different lines. Lines 1 and 5 cross Brussels from east to west. They are useful to reach the Brussels Park and the Cinquantenaire Palace. Lines 2 and 6 are ring lines. Line 6 goes to Bruparck, where the Atomium and the Mini-Europe park are located. The Brussels Metro is open from 5:30 am to midnight. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it is open from 6am. Metro trains run every 6-10 minutes. Between 11pm and 6am, trains run at a minimum frequency of 20 minutes. On the official website of STIB you can see the timetables for all lines.

Premetro

The three fast underground tram lines 3, 4 and 7 are called Pre-Metro. All of them cross Brussel from north to south. Lines 3 and 4 reach Gare du Midi, the center of the city. These lines are active from 5 am.

Trams

The Brussels tram network is one of the largest in the world. It comprises 17 lines. The following lines are of tourist importance:Lines 92 and 94 cross the upper part of the city. They stop near the Brussels Park, the Royal Palace, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Notre Dame du Sablon, the Palace of Justice and Avenue Louise. Lines 32 and 33 do not operate until 20:00 and follow a route similar to lines 3 and 4 from the Premetro. They connect the Gare du Midi station with the city center, via Boulevard Anspach, where the Grand Place, the Stock Exchange, and other landmarks are located. Line 51: Reaches Bruparck and offers a good alternative to metro line 6. The tram schedule is very similar to the metro. Generally, the trams operate from 6:00 am to midnight.

Buses

The bus network includes more than 50 lines that move within the city and towards the suburbs. During the day, the metro, Premetro and tram offer the best alternative to explore Bruxelles. At peak times, buses are slower or almost immobile. At night, however, night buses (Noctis) are the best way to get around the city. They operate in the city from Friday to Saturday until 3am. All Noctis lines depart from Place de la Bourse and reach different parts of the city.

Tickets & Prices

Compared to other European capitals, ticket prices are not overly expensive. The daily season tickets are quite cheap.The tickets listed below are valid for metro as well as city buses, premetro and trams. These tickets are valid for one hour from the time of validation. During this period you can change between the different lines or means of transport.

Single ticket

• Standard fare: €2.10 (if the ticket is purchased before boarding) or €2.50 (if the ticket is purchased on board).
• 5 single tickets: 8 €.
• 10 single tickets: 14 €.
• Return ticket: €4.20 (return must be within 24 hours).

Important: Tickets must be validated in the metro stations, on the buses or in the tram cars.

Season tickets

This allows you unlimited use of public transport during its validity. One-day season tickets cost €7.50.

Sales points / Where can I get tickets?

Tickets can be bought at train stations as well as at kiosks. Drivers sell tickets on the bus, but in this case you have to pay a small fee.