All About Getting Around in Brussels, Belgium! 🇧🇪
Hey everyone! I'm currently living in Brussels, Belgium – that awesome little country known as the heart of Europe, thanks to its prime location and status as the headquarters of the European Union. Belgium's world-famous for its chocolate and beer! Compared to its neighbors like France and the Netherlands, Belgium's tourism scene often gets overlooked, especially in the Vietnamese community.
With 5 years of hosting under my belt, I've noticed Brussels is often just a quick stopover on the way from France to the Netherlands. People usually stay for a night or two, which means there aren't many detailed posts about Belgium. So, today, I'm spilling the tea on how to get around Brussels and the rest of Belgium! Even though it's a small country, navigating the trains and buses can be surprisingly tricky with all the different ticket options.
Important Travel Note:
Getting to Belgium from other countries is super easy by train, FlixBus, or plane. Just a heads-up about the airports:
- Zaventem (BRU): Only a 15-minute train ride to the city center (€10.3). You can also take bus 12, which takes around 30 minutes to the North Station (€7). (Going *from* the city to Zaventem by bus is cheaper, like a regular bus ticket at just over €2!)
- Brussels South Charleroi: Don't be fooled by the name! This airport is actually 60km away from Brussels. To get to the central station, you'll need a 1-hour shuttle bus (€16.6). Double-check your ticket, because many of my guests have accidentally booked flights arriving at 7 or 8 AM, making the commute a bit of a pain.
Getting Around Brussels:
The Brussels public transport system (MIVB-STIB) – including buses, trams, and metros – is pretty straightforward compared to other major capitals. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Single Ticket: If you only need one ride, grab a single ticket for €2.60. It's valid for 60 minutes on buses, trams, and metros. You can buy them from the automatic machines near the stations.
- Contactless Payment: If you've got a European debit or credit card, just tap and go! It's only €2.10 per ride – cheaper than a paper ticket. A "day cap" of €7.50 will be temporarily blocked on your account, but you'll only be charged for the actual number of rides you take, and the difference will be refunded the next day. Paper day tickets are €8, so contactless is definitely the way to go! Just remember, everyone needs to use their own card – no paying for each other!
- Group Travel? Consider the MOBIB Basic: If you're traveling in a group and planning to take a maximum of two rides per day, grab a MOBIB Basic card for €5. Then, load it with 10 "Brupass" tickets for €16.80. The whole group can use the same card – just tap it the appropriate number of times. This card also lets you ride trains between different districts in Brussels, which can be really useful depending on where you're staying.
Venturing Beyond Brussels:
Want to explore other cities like Ghent, Bruges, or Dinant? You'll need a train ticket! Download the SNCB app to buy tickets and check schedules and platform info. Don't worry about booking in advance – train prices in Belgium are fixed and based on the day, not the time. Buy your ticket whenever you're ready to go. Prices vary depending on the distance.
Standard Tickets (26+):
- A regular ticket to Bruges costs €16 each way, and to Ghent it's €10.20 each way. Weekends are your friend! Get 50% off return tickets on Saturdays and Sundays (just make sure you select "return" when you buy your ticket). You'll also find similar discounts during major holidays.
- If you're traveling in a group of 3 or more, or planning to explore multiple cities over several days, the Railpass is your best bet. It gives you 10 rides to any destination for €96 at the station or €93 in the app.
Youth Travel Deals (Under 26):
Young travelers, listen up! Belgium has tons of discounts for you, so take advantage while you can!
- Go Pass 1: A single ticket to anywhere for only €7.10.
- Go Pass 10: 10 rides for a group for €59.
- Go Unlimited: Perfect for major holidays or summer break! Unlimited travel throughout Belgium for just €18 per week.
When you arrive in cities like Ghent and Bruges, you'll need to use the De Lijn bus system if you want to take the bus. But most people just explore on foot!
Thanks for reading this far! Just one more quick plug: I also host travelers in Brussels, so feel free to reach out if you're planning a trip! 😁