Transportation in Brussels
On this page we have summarized the most important information about public transport in Brussels, all of which are operated by the Brussels transport company STIB:
Subway (Metro)
The Brussels metro network is one of the most modern in Europe. It was put into operation in 1970 and consists of four lines:
- Line 1: This line connects the West Station (Gare de l'Ouest/Weststation) with Stockel. It crosses the city center and connects important areas such as the European Quarter and the business district around De Brouckère station.
- Line 2: It runs in a loop through the city and connects Simonis (Elisabeth) and Simonis (Leopold II) stations. This line provides access to important sights such as the Atomium and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
- Line 5: This line shares most of its route with line 1 and runs from the Erasme/Erasme stop in the southwest to the Herrmann-Debroux stop. It also serves the city center and the European Quarter.
- Line 6: Line 6 also shares part of its route with line 2 and runs between the Roi Baudouin/Koning Boudewijn and Simonis (Elisabeth) stops. This line offers a direct connection to the Heysel Plateau, where the Atomium and Brussels Expo are located.
Premetro
The Premetro is a special feature of the Brussels transport system and refers to 4 streetcar lines (lines 3, 4, 7 and 9) that run underground like a metro for part of their route.
Tramway
The Brussels streetcar network is one of the largest in the world. It comprises 17 lines. The following lines are of touristic importance:
- Lines 92 and 94 cross the upper part of the city. They stop near 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 only operate from 20:00 and follow a route similar to that of lines 3 and 4 of the Premetro. They connect Gare du Midi station with the city center, via Boulevard Anspach, where the Grand Place, the Stock Exchange and other sights are located.
- Line 51: Reaches Bruparck and offers a good alternative to metro line 6. The streetcar timetable is very similar to that of the metro. As a rule, the streetcars operate from 6:00 to 24:00.
Buses
Buses in Brussels are operated by STIB/MIVB and serve a variety of routes covering both the city center and the outskirts. Buses are often the best solution for areas not served by metro or streetcar and offer more frequent stops.
Commuter rail (RER/GEN): The commuter rail system, known as RER (Réseau Express Régional) or GEN (Gewestelijk ExpresNet), connects Brussels with the surrounding suburbs and cities. These trains are ideal for commuters or travelers who want to reach destinations outside the city limits.
Tickets & Prices
Compared to other European capitals, ticket prices are not overly expensive. The tickets listed below are valid for the metro as well as for the city buses, the Premetro and streetcars. 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 transportation.
One-way ticket
- Standard fare: €2.10 (if the ticket is purchased before boarding) or €2.50 (if the ticket is purchased on board).
- 5 one-way tickets: €8.
- 10 one-way tickets: 14 €.
- Return journey: €4.20 (return must be within 24 hours).
Important: Tickets must be validated in the metro stations, on the buses or in the streetcar cars.
Subscriptions (season tickets)
This allows you unlimited use of public transport during its validity. A one-day season ticket costs €7.50.
Points of sale / Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at stations as well as at kiosks. Drivers sell tickets on the bus, but in this case you will have to pay a small fee.