Belgium captivates visitors with its medieval cities, world-class chocolates, and rich artistic heritage. From the grand canals of Bruges to the vibrant Art Nouveau architecture of Brussels, this compact country offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and historic charm.
- Public
- Belgium has one of Western Europe's best public transport networks. The national rail operator NMBS/SNCB connects all major cities with frequent, affordable trains. Brussels has a metro, tram, and bus network run by STIB/MIVB. Antwerp and Ghent have extensive De Lijn tram and bus services. In Wallonia, TEC operates regional buses.
- Taxi
- Taxis are metered and reliable in Belgium. Hailing on the street or at taxi ranks is common. App-based services Uber and Bolt are widely available in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis.
- Rental
- Car rental is useful for exploring the Ardennes, smaller towns, and the countryside, but is unnecessary for city exploration. All major rental agencies are at Brussels Airport. No highway tolls, but city parking is expensive and limited.
- Walking
- Belgium's historic city centres — Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp — are highly walkable with compact historic cores. Bruges in particular is best explored entirely on foot or by bike. Cobblestone streets can be uneven.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Train to Brussels-Central — €10.40, approximately 17 minutes, every 10-15 minutes from Brussels Airport (BRU/Zaventem)
- Taxi Info
- Direct train from Brussels Airport underground station to Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi, and Brussels-Nord. Tickets available at station machines or online via NMBS app. Airport supplement applies.
- Shuttle
- Taxi from Brussels Airport to city centre — €40-50, 25-40 minutes depending on traffic
- Shuttle Info
- Official airport taxis queue outside arrivals. Fixed-rate zones apply. Bolt and Uber are typically €30-45. Always use metered or app taxis to avoid overcharging.
- Bus
- De Lijn Airport Line buses 12 and 21 — €7, 30-40 minutes to various destinations in Brussels and surrounding areas
- Bus Info
- De Lijn buses serve Brussels Airport and connect to nearby communes and Park & Ride facilities. Less convenient than the train for the city centre but useful for specific destinations.
- Private
- Pre-booked private transfer from Brussels Airport to city centre — €50-80
- Private Info
- Multiple transfer companies offer fixed-rate door-to-door service. Book in advance online. Useful for groups or when arriving with heavy luggage. Hotels often arrange transfers on request.
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Brussels is served by STIB/MIVB with metro (4 lines), trams, and buses covering the city comprehensively. A single ticket costs €2.50 (€3 on board), a 10-journey card €17, and a 24-hour pass €8. Antwerp and Ghent are served by De Lijn trams and buses. Validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
Alternatives
Brussels metro runs four lines (1, 2, 5, 6) operating 05:30-00:30 daily. Trams are the most convenient for city-centre travel in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Villo! bike-share in Brussels (day pass €1.60 + €0.50 per 30 min), Blue-bike in other cities. Rideshare: Uber and Bolt available in major cities, typically 10-20% cheaper than taxis.
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Brussels taxis charge €2.40 flag fall plus €1.80/km during the day. Evening and weekend rates are higher. Meters are mandatory by law. Tipping is not expected but 10% is appreciated for good service.
- Apps
- Uber, Bolt, Hailing at taxi ranks
- App Names
- Uber, Bolt, Taxis Verts (Brussels), Antwerp Taxi
- Typical Fare
- Airport to Brussels city centre €40-50; cross-city Brussels €10-20; short ride in Bruges or Ghent €8-15
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Flixbus and Eurolines serve international routes (Brussels-Paris from €15, Brussels-Amsterdam from €20). De Lijn and TEC operate regional buses within Flanders and Wallonia respectively. Generally cheaper but slower than trains.
Shared
BlaBlaCar is used for longer journeys within Belgium and cross-border. Carpooling is popular for routes not well-served by public transport.
Flights
Domestic flights are not practical in Belgium due to the country's small size. All major cities are within 1 hour by train. Brussels Airport serves international routes; Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) handles low-cost carriers.
Private
Private transfers between cities available from €80-150. Useful for groups or corporate travel. Several operators serve Brussels-Bruges, Brussels-Ghent, and Brussels-Antwerp corridors.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Brussels Airport (Zaventem)
From centre: 12 km northeast of Brussels
Options: Train to Brussels Central - €10.80, 23 minutes, every 10 minutes; Taxi to city center - €45-60, 25-40 minutes depending on traffic; Airport Line bus 12/21 - €7, 30-40 minutes to various destinations; Private transfer - €50-80 pre-booked; Uber/Bolt - €35-50
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
From centre: 46 km south of Brussels
Options: Brussels City Shuttle bus - €18-24 one way, 60 minutes to Brussels Midi; Flibco shuttle bus - €16-22, connects to Brussels and other cities; Taxi to Brussels - €100-130; Train from Charleroi-Sud station (5 km from airport) - requires bus connection
Antwerp Airport
From centre: 4 km southeast of Antwerp
Options: Bus 52 to Antwerp Central - €3, 20 minutes; Taxi - €25-35, 15 minutes; Car rental available on-site
Ostend-Bruges International Airport
From centre: 25 km from Bruges
Options: Shuttle bus to Bruges - €15, 35 minutes; Train from Ostend station - €5, 15 minutes to station then train; Taxi to Bruges - €60-80
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
NMBS/SNCB
Official Belgian Railways app for buying train tickets, checking schedules, and real-time train information. Essential for intercity travel. Available in Dutch, French, and English.
Uber
Available in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. UberX is the standard option. Typically 10-20% cheaper than traditional taxis. Useful for late-night journeys when public transport is limited.
Bolt
Ride-hailing app operating in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Often competitive pricing with Uber. Good coverage in city centres and near major attractions.
De Lijn
Official app for De Lijn bus and tram services covering Flanders (Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and surroundings). Buy e-tickets, plan journeys, and track buses in real time.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
The NMBS/SNCB Go Pass 1 offers 10 single journeys for €59 (under 26) — excellent value if you plan to travel between cities multiple times.
Weekend return tickets on Belgian trains are 50% discounted after 19:00 Friday, making day trips to Bruges, Ghent, or Antwerp very affordable.
In Brussels, always validate your STIB/MIVB ticket before boarding metro, tram, or bus — inspectors check frequently and fines are €75+.
Bruges' historic centre has very limited parking and many pedestrianised zones; arrive by train and explore entirely on foot or by rental bike.
The NMBS app allows you to buy train tickets on your phone and shows real-time departure information for all Belgian stations.
Avoid driving into Brussels city centre — traffic is dense, parking expensive (€2-5/hour), and public transport is superior for getting around.