BRUSSELS - GETTING AROUND
Brussels` has an excellent, fully integrated transit system made up of the metro (underground trains), buses and trams that criss-cross the city. All are run by STIB and therefore share the same ticketing system. Public transport runs from about 6am-midnight, after which a limited NOCTIS night-bus takes over until 3am. Intercity trains are operated by a separate company SNCB but all the railway stations are connected to metro stations, tram stops and bus stops.
Tickets and PassesTickets are available at STIB/MIVB kiosks, newsstands, and on buses and trams. Tickets are valid for one hour after initial validation. Fares for a JUMPticket (single-ride) run about €2.10 when purchased onboard and €2.00 before boarding. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time when riding the Metro trains; you may purchase bus and tram tickets onboard. A JUMP booklet of single/five/ten tickets are available and currently cost €2.10/8/14, this includes transfers. Unlimited one-day passes are also available for around €7.00.
Note: The airport transportation is excluded from above information; special tickets for travel on the airport line are purchased separately.
MetroThe Metro covers many of the important center-city locations, as well as suburbs, the Bruparck recreation park, and the Heysel congress center. Metro stations are all marked with a white `M` on a blue background. Trains run about every 10-15 minutes. Metro stations are decorated with specially commissioned installations, paintings, and artwork created by contemporary local artists.
Tram and BusThe vast network of tram and bus transport provides the ideal way to get around the city. Both the trams and buses are painted in gray and brown colors. Their stops are all marked with red and white signs and often have a covered stand. Note: you must extend your arm to stop an approaching tram or bus; if you don`t signal, the bus or tram won`t stop.
By TrainThere are three main railway train stations in Brussels: Bruxelles-Nord, rue du Progrès; Bruxelles-Central, Carrefour de l`Europe; Bruxelles-Midi, this is the main station for international connections (the Eurostar, Thalys, TGV and ICE terminal). All three stations are served by Metro, tram, or bus lines and have taxi stands outside. Each station has trains that depart to other cities in Belgium and to other cities in Europe. Information booths at all three stations open early morning and stay open into late evening. For more train information visit www.sncb.be
By TaxiTaxis cannot be hailed on the street, but there are many taxi stands throughout the city. All taxis are metered and fares start around €2.40 between 6am and 10pm and around €4.40 between 10pm and 6am, with a tariff both inside and outside the city center. Tip and taxes are included on the meter price so you do not need to tip. If you are not close to a main road or taxi stand it will be easier to call for a taxi to arrive at your pick-up point.
Note: There is no distinctive taxi look and many services operating around the city, some even unlicensed. Due to the unpredictability, the availability, price and person who drive can be of all sorts. It is always recommended to hop a taxi only at the designated taxi areas and/or call ahead.
WalkingWalking is a great way to explore the historical center of the city, especially the many tiny streets around Grand-Place. It`s also an enjoyable walk uptown through the Mont des Arts to place Royale. There are some areas that city traffic can be hectic and less enjoyable for walkers. You will also need to use caution when crossing at black-and-white pedestrian crossings that do not have signals; pedestrians do not have legal right-away over cars at these crossing.
By CarOur best advice on driving in Brussels would be: don`t. Brussels streets are a chaotic mess with many aggressive drivers behind the steering wheel. Driving is fast, except at rush hour (which lasts about 2 hours morning and night), it is almost impossible to move on main roads inside the city and on the Ro outer righ road (beltway).
Parking is available at the many parking garages or at your hotel, if your hotel allows parking. Parking charges are about €15.00 per day. If you are planning on taking any day trips or touring other Belgium cities then we suggest you pick up your rental car as you depart the city to avoid excessive rental/parking expenses. Alternatively, you may consider renting the car in a town in the area where you will be visiting and then traveling there by train and picking up the car once you arrive.