Belgium (BE)
Belgium is a small but densely populated federal kingdom at the crossroads of Western Europe, split across three linguistic regions — Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels — and famed for its medieval cities, world-class beer and chocolate, and its role as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Getting Around
Transport options for living in Belgium.
Public Transport Overview
Belgium has a comprehensive multi-operator public transport network. NMBS/SNCB operates the national rail network connecting all major cities. Urban transport is managed by STIB/MIVB (Brussels), De Lijn (Flanders), and TEC (Wallonia). Brussels has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network. Major cities are well-connected by rail; rural areas are more dependent on buses. Belgium is a founding country of the European Thalys/Eurostar network connecting Brussels to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
🎫 Transit Passes
Universal travel card for NMBS/SNCB, STIB/MIVB, De Lijn, and TEC — one card for all operators
Unlimited travel on all STIB/MIVB metro, tram, and bus lines in Brussels-Capital Region
Unlimited travel on all De Lijn buses and trams in Flanders
Unlimited rail travel between two specific stations, valid Mon–Fri. Available for 1 or 3 months.
Unlimited national NMBS/SNCB rail travel on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Taxi & Rideshare
Taxis are available in all major cities. Brussels taxis are metered and regulated by the Brussels Taxi service. Typical starting rate: €2.40 flag fall + €1.90–2.80/km depending on time of day. Book via apps: Wheely, Taxi Verts (Brussels), or regional providers. Uber operates in Brussels and Antwerp.
Rideshare (Long-distance)
BlaBlaCar is widely used for intercity travel. Cambio and Zen Car operate carsharing schemes in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège. Poppy offers electric scooter and car-sharing in Brussels and Antwerp. Corporate carpool incentives (carpoolvergoeding) are tax-favoured.
Cycling
Belgium has an extensive cycling network particularly in Flanders, which has one of the densest cycling infrastructure networks in the world. The "Fietssnelwegen" (cycling highways) connect major Flemish cities. Brussels cycling infrastructure is improving but can feel unsafe for new cyclists. Villo! (Brussels city bikes) and Blue-Bike (intermodal with NMBS) offer shared bike services. Cycling to work is encouraged by law via a tax-free cycling allowance of up to €0.35/km.
Intercity Trains
NMBS/SNCB connects all Belgian cities efficiently. Brussels–Ghent: 35 min; Brussels–Bruges: 65 min; Brussels–Antwerp: 45 min; Brussels–Liège: 65 min; Brussels–Namur: 60 min. Intercity trains are comfortable and frequent (usually every 30 min on main lines). Advance booking not required; use the NMBS app.
Driving
Belgium drives on the right. Belgian roads are generally good; Brussels has significant traffic congestion. Belgium has a priority-to-the-right rule (priorité de droite / voorrang van rechts) at unmarked intersections — a uniquely strict rule; take care especially in residential areas. Low Emission Zones (LEZ) operate in Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Mechelen with varying emission standards. Speed limits: 30 km/h in residential zones and most Brussels streets since 2021, 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on regional roads, 120 km/h on motorways.
Airports
Brussels Airport (BRU) — Zaventem, 15 km from city centre. Direct train link to Brussels Central, Brussels Midi (South), and Brussels Nord stations every 20 min; 15–20 min journey; €12–14 single. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) — 60 km south of Brussels; served by low-cost carriers (Ryanair). Bus connections to Brussels Gare du Midi: TEC line takes ~1 hour. Liège Airport (LGG) serves cargo and some charter/low-cost routes. Antwerp Airport is currently inactive for commercial flights (2026).