The 5 best ways to get around Brussels
Updated February 27, 2023 by pierre
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Given that Brussels is the capital of Belgium, it will not surprise you to hear that it is a bustling and dynamic city with lots to see and do. To enjoy all the city has to offer, it's important to know how to get around easily.
Fortunately, Brussels offers many transport options, from the most traditional like taxis, to the most modern like electric scooters. For travelers visiting Brussels, public means of transport can be the most convenient and economical option for getting around the city. The metro lines, trams and buses of the STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) serve many areas of Brussels. Travelers can also use the shared bikes offered by Villo! or self-service electric scooters to get around the city easily. For those who prefer a more personalized option, taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available in Brussels. In this article, we will explore the different transport options available in Brussels.
Once you read this article, you will have a clear view of how to get around Brussels.
Visit Brussels on foot
Getting around on foot is one of the easiest ways to discover the Belgian capital. Brussels is a compact city and easy to get around as it is not very big. Walking through it, you can admire the cobbled streets and magnificent sidewalks with an art-deco façade by the famous architect. Victor HortaMore.
Do not be afraid, the center is mostly pedestrian near the Grand-Place. The city also has an excellent signaling system for pedestrians, with crosswalks all over the place. While walking you can
- discover the different neighborhoods of the city,
- admire the historic architecture,
- discover unusual and secret places that you might not have seen otherwise.
Don't forget, also, you can prepare your visit in advance with Google Street view to see where you will go
Getting around by bike (or Villo!)
Brussels also has an excellent self-service bicycle system called Villo! There are over 360 bike stations throughout the city, making it a convenient and affordable transportation option. You can rent a bike for a day, a week or a month, depending on your needs. Villo! are very popular among the inhabitants of Brussels, and they are also an ecological and practical alternative for tourists.
Its strengths for getting around Brussels
- Rent a bike at a Villo terminal and return it to any other Villo terminal in the city.
- More than 400 stations spread across the city,
- Fast, convenient and economical.
- Eco-friendly,
- Lights for better visibility at night.
- An interesting alternative for urban commuting, especially when traffic jams and public transport are not ideal options.
Weak points for getting around Brussels
- The Villo is quite heavy, don't imagine carrying it up stairs
- If the return station is full, you will need to find another
Do not miss our article to learn more about Villo
Travel by electric scooter
The electric scooter has become an increasingly popular option for getting around Brussels. Several companies offer self-service electric scooters, such as Lime, Dr.
These scooters are very easy to use, and they are ideal for shorter trips around the city. However, it is important to note that the city has established rules for the use of electric scooters, including parking and speed, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users. Be sure to read the scooter rules… Getting around on a scooter could cost you dearly.
Getting around Brussels by taxi
Taxis are a convenient option for getting around Brussels. There are taxis that you can easily find all over the city. They are generally also waiting in a few strategic places such as the Gare du Midi, FLagey etc… They are easily recognizable as elsewhere thanks to their yellow light on the yellow roof. Note that they can be reserved in advance by telephone or online (Taxi Bleu or Taxi vert). They are available 24 hours a day and can be useful for late night journeys or trips to more distant destinations.
Its strong point, the taxi will generally be on time. While Uber can sometimes in case of lack of car take more than half an hour to come… Not ideal if you take the plane.
Traveling with STIB
STIB (Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company) is the main public transport operator in Brussels. You understood, the STIB manages trams, buses and the metro in Brussels.
This is probably the most convenient and affordable option for getting around the city. Lines serve all the districts of Brussels and the neighboring municipalities. Fares are based on a zone system, with single tickets, 10-trip tickets and season tickets. The Stib even goes as far asZaventem airport.
