Last checked: November 2026
Safety note: street crime is common in tourist areas and strikes can disrupt trains and city transport. Check the US advisory and the UK travel advice before you plan.
How do you get around Belgium?
The easiest way to get around Belgium is by train. The national operator, SNCB/NMBS, links nearly every city in this guide, and most routes from Brussels take about one hour or less. Use trams, metros and buses inside cities, and rent a car only for the Ardennes and rural Wallonia.
This guide covers travel inside the country. For airport arrivals and transfers, see our guide to flights to Belgium.
How long do trains take between the main cities?
| Route | Fastest direct train | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels to Ghent | 35 minutes | Medieval centre, day trip |
| Brussels to Antwerp | 41 minutes | Museums, port city |
| Brussels to Mons | 51 minutes | UNESCO heritage in Hainaut |
| Brussels to Liège | 55 minutes | Wallonia base |
| Brussels to Charleroi | 56 minutes | Industrial heritage |
| Brussels to Bruges | 1 hour 1 minute | Canal town, overnight stay |
| Brussels to Namur | 1 hour 1 minute | Meuse valley |
| Brussels to Ostend | 1 hour 17 minutes | Coast and coast tram |
These are fastest journey times listed on the SNCB/NMBS website. Leuven and Mechelen are shorter hops of roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Trips between two non-capital cities, such as Bruges to Ghent, depend on the timetable, so use the official journey planner. Our Belgium itineraries turn these times into day plans.
How do Belgian train tickets work?
- Where to buy: on the SNCB/NMBS website and app, at ticket machines and counters, and from approved sellers.
- Standard tickets: a domestic ticket is generally valid on any train on the date and route shown, so you can board the next departure.
- Weekend Ticket: SNCB/NMBS sells a discounted Weekend Ticket for weekend travel. Check the current conditions before you buy.
- Multi-journey tickets: a multi-trip ticket called Standard Multi, formerly Rail Pass, suits several journeys and can be shared by more than one person.
- Fares: SNCB/NMBS changes its fare offer from time to time, so we do not list prices here. Check the official site.
What other transport links the cities?
Trains are the main intercity option, but regional operators fill gaps. De Lijn runs most public transport other than trains in Flanders, including buses and city trams. In Wallonia, regional buses are run by TEC.
The Kusttram, or Coast Tram, is a special case. It is run by De Lijn and runs along the Belgian coast between De Panne and Knokke-Heist, passing through Ostend. It is about 67 kilometres long, and a full end-to-end ride takes roughly two hours. There is no rail line along the coast, so this tram is the simplest way to hop between seaside towns. Check the De Lijn Coast Tram page for timetables and tickets.
How does city public transport work?
In Brussels, STIB-MIVB runs the metro, trams and buses. According to the Brussels tourism site, you can pay with a contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch, and a reloadable MOBIB card is also available. Validate your ticket or tap your card every time you board a tram or bus.
Antwerp and Ghent have tram networks operated by De Lijn. Bruges is compact, and many visitors explore the old town on foot or by bike.
Can you drive in Belgium?
Yes, but a car is mainly useful for the Ardennes and rural Wallonia. Cities are easier by train, and parking in Brussels can be difficult. Key points from official sources:
- Side of the road: Belgium has right-hand traffic, according to the federal traffic rules site.
- Tolls and speed: Brussels region guidance says Belgian motorways have no tolls, and the motorway limit is 120 km/h. Other limits vary by road and region, so follow the signs.
- Priority: vehicles coming from the right often have priority at junctions, and trams have priority too.
- Low-emission zones: Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent restrict vehicles by emissions, and foreign vehicles may need to register before entering. See the official pages for Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent.
If you rent a car, ask the company if the car meets the zone rules and if registration is needed. Check which driving licence you need with the rental company or an official source before you travel.
What about taxis and ride-hailing apps?
Use licensed taxis from official ranks or book through a reputable app. Licensed Brussels taxis use a meter and carry the blue and yellow Brussels emblem. Apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in Brussels, and availability in other cities varies. Avoid people who offer a ride near stations, because unofficial drivers can overcharge.
Which option should you choose? A decision guide
- Choose the train if you want the fastest and simplest way between cities.
- Choose a multi-journey ticket or a Weekend Ticket if you want to lower train costs. Compare current offers on the official site first.
- Choose the Coast Tram if you want the most scenic ride and plan to visit several beach towns.
- Choose a car if you plan to explore the Ardennes or small villages that trains do not reach.
- Choose a taxi or app for late arrivals or short hops when public transport is disrupted.
If you are still deciding where to base yourself, read our guide to where to stay in Belgium, and see the best places to visit in Belgium for what is worth the journey.
Common mistakes
- Getting into an unofficial taxi near a station or tourist square.
- Not checking for strikes or timetable changes before a long journey. The UK government says strike action can be announced at short notice.
- Forgetting to validate a ticket or tap a card on trams and buses.
- Driving into a low-emission zone without checking whether the car needs registration.
- Expecting a train along the coast, when the Coast Tram is the connection there.
- Booking a tight connection to a flight on a day when strikes are possible.
Before You Go: transport checklist
- Check the SNCB/NMBS journey planner the day before each trip.
- Look for strike notices on the operator sites and the UK advice page.
- Carry a contactless bank card or phone for Brussels city transport.
- Check low-emission zone rules if you rent a car.
- Keep a taxi or app as a backup for late-evening journeys.
Getting around Belgium FAQs
Is it easy to travel around Belgium without a car?
Yes. Trains link the main cities, and most journeys from Brussels take about an hour or less. City centres are walkable, and trams or metros cover the larger cities. A car is mainly useful for the Ardennes and small villages, and it is not needed for a first city trip.
Can I pay for public transport in Brussels with a bank card?
Yes. The Brussels tourism site says you can pay with a contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch on STIB-MIVB services. Tap in each time you board, and use a MOBIB card if you want a reloadable option. Check the STIB-MIVB site for current fares.
Do I need to register my car for low-emission zones?
Possibly. Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent run low-emission zones, and foreign vehicles may need registration before they enter. Rules differ by city, so check each official page before you drive, and ask your rental company what applies to its cars.
Is there a train along the Belgian coast?
No. Trains reach coastal towns such as Ostend, but there is no rail line that runs along the coast. The De Lijn Coast Tram connects seaside towns between De Panne and Knokke-Heist, and a full ride takes roughly two hours.