The Belgium public transport network is quite extensive, making it easy to travel through Belgium on train, tram or bus. At first our public transport system might sound a bit confusing for foreigners, since it’s nearly as divided as our local governments. Luckily it’s far much easier to explain and rather convenient to use, once you get a hang of it and know the tricks.
In this guide I will try to explain everything you need to know about getting around in Belgium using the public transport network, how all the different ticket systems work and what kind of tickets you should buy to get the cheapest rate.
Belgium’s Four Transport Operators
Four separate companies operate Belgium’s public transport. They connect seamlessly with each other:
- SNCB/NMBS operates the national railway services.
- MIVB/STIB operates bus, tram and metro lines in Brussels
- De Lijn operates tram and bus lines in Flanders
- TEC operates tram and bus lines in Wallonie
The Mobib Travel Card
All transport companies use the shared MOBIB chipcard system. A MOBIB card lets you load tickets from any of the four operators onto a single card, which you tap at validators when boarding.
- Cost: The MOBIB card costs €6 when purchased with a first season ticket, or you can request one independently.
- Is it required? Not for most occasional travel — all operators now support digital tickets via their apps, and STIB/MIVB also accepts contactless bank card payments on buses, trams, and metro gates.
- Is it useful? Yes, if you’re using season tickets or need to combine multiple operators. For short trips, the apps work just as well.
Tip: If you only plan to use public transport in one city for a few days, downloading the relevant operator’s app is typically the easiest option.
Types of public transport in Belgium
Trains (SNCB/NMBS)
Belgium’s extensive rail network connects all major cities and many smaller towns. Trains are the backbone of long-distance travel and are operated by SNCB/NMBS (also known as Belgian Railways).
Major overhaul in October 2025: SNCB/NMBS completely reformed its ticketing system on 15 October 2025. The old Youth Ticket, Senior Ticket, Standard Multi (Rail Pass 10), and Youth Multi (Go Pass 10) have been discontinued. The new system uses distance-based pricing with automatic best-fare selection.
Buses
Buses complement the train network and are the primary transport for shorter, local journeys or destinations not served by train. Each region has its own operator: STIB/MIVB in Brussels, De Lijn in Flanders, and TEC in Wallonia. Buses are affordable, frequent, and connect well with train stations.
Trams
Several of Belgium’s largest cities have extensive tram networks. Trams share the same ticketing system as buses within their region. Cities with trams include Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and Charleroi. Along the coast, the famous Kusttram (“Coast Tram”) runs 67 km connecting all Belgian seaside resorts — the longest tram line in the world.
Metro
Brussels is currently the only Belgian city with a full metro system, operated by STIB/MIVB. Antwerp has pre-metro tunnels used by tram lines. A large-scale expansion of the Brussels metro (the North-South extension and new Line 3) is under active construction and will add significant new capacity in the coming years.
Traveling by Train in Belgium – SNCB/NMBS
The Belgian rail network serves over 550 stations. Intercity trains connect major cities every 30 minutes, and some routes run every 15 minutes during peak hours.
New Fare System (from October 2025)
The new SNCB/NMBS fare system introduced in October 2025 makes pricing simpler and generally cheaper, especially for longer journeys:
- Distance-based pricing: All fares are calculated per kilometre. The system automatically offers you the cheapest available fare at the time of purchase.
- Anytime (Standard) fare: The default fare. Long-distance journeys are up to 20% cheaper than before. The maximum fare is €20.90 in 2nd class.
- Weekend fare: 30% discount on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Also applies to single journeys (return tickets have been discontinued).
- Children under 12: Always travel free when accompanied by a paying adult (maximum 4 children per adult).
- Minimum fare: €2.50 per journey in 2nd class, regardless of distance.
Train+ Subscription Card
The new Train+ subscription card (introduced October 2025) gives significant additional discounts on top of the standard fare:
- Off-peak discount: 40% off during off-peak hours (Mon–Fri before 6:00, 9:00–16:00, and after 18:00; all day on weekends and public holidays).
- Weekend with Train+: An additional 40% on top of the weekend fare — maximum €8.80 in 2nd class.
- Price cap with Train+: €14 max per journey in 2nd class at any time; €5.50 max for youth/seniors.
- Cost: €6/month or €48/year for adults (26–64). €4/month or €32/year for youth (under 26), seniors (65+), and preferential reimbursement holders.
Note: The old Youth Ticket, Senior Ticket, Standard Multi (Rail Pass 10), and Go Pass 10 have all been discontinued. Anyone who purchased them before the cutoff can continue using them until expiry.
Sample Train Fares (2026)
Below are approximate standard (Anytime) 2nd class fares for popular routes. Actual fares depend on distance — always check the current price on the official SNCB/NMBS website or app before travelling.
| From | To | Approx. Standard Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels (Central) | Antwerp (Central) | ~€10.50 |
| Brussels (Central) | Ghent (St-Pieters) | ~€12.00 |
| Brussels (Central) | Bruges | ~€18.50 |
| Bruges | Ghent (St-Pieters) | ~€9.00 |
| Bruges | Antwerp (Central) | ~€19.00 |
| Ghent (St-Pieters) | Antwerp (Central) | ~€12.50 |
Prices are approximate and subject to annual indexation. Always verify current fares at belgiantrain.be. Weekend fares are 30% cheaper. With Train+, off-peak and weekend fares are discounted a further 40%.
Brussels Airport Train Supplement (Diabolo Fee)
Brussels-Zaventem Airport has an underground train station with direct connections to all major Belgian cities. A Brussels Airport Supplement (the “Diabolo fee”) is charged on top of your regular train ticket.
- Current fee: €6.90 per single journey in 1st or 2nd class.
- When is it included? The supplement is automatically included in standard single tickets to/from the airport. However, certain ticket types (such as multi-journey cards and some season tickets) require you to purchase it separately.
- Train+ discount does NOT apply to the Diabolo supplement — it stays the same regardless of your subscription.
- Children: Children under 12 travelling free with a paying adult do not pay the Diabolo fee. Children with their own Kids Ticket have it included.
More information: belgiantrain.be – Brussels Airport Supplement
Public Transport in Brussels – STIB/MIVB
The Brussels public transport system (STIB/MIVB) operates an extensive network of metro, tram, and bus lines across the capital. It uses the unified Brupass ticketing system, which also covers regional operators within and around Brussels.
Brupass Zones Explained
- Brupass: Covers the entire Brussels-Capital Region on STIB/MIVB, plus De Lijn, TEC, and SNCB/NMBS stops within the Brussels zone.
- Brupass XL: Extends coverage to an 11.5 km ring beyond Brussels city centre, including select stops in Flemish Brabant served by SNCB/NMBS, TEC, and De Lijn.
Updated Tickets & Fares (2025–2026)
| Ticket Type | Brupass | Brupass XL |
|---|---|---|
| Single Journey | €2.70 | €3.60 |
| 10-Journey Pass | €18.90 | €25.20 |
| Contactless Bank Card (per journey) | €2.40 | n/a |
| Daily Cap (contactless) | €8.50 | n/a |
Pro Tip: If you plan to make 4 or more journeys in a day using contactless payment, you automatically hit the €8.50 daily cap — making it as cheap as a dedicated day pass.
Where to Buy Your Tickets
- STIB/MIVB App: The easiest option. Download it for iOS or Android, create a free account, and purchase Brupass or Brupass XL tickets instantly. Activate on your phone when you board.
- Contactless bank card: Tap-to-pay on validators in buses/trams and metro gates. One journey = €2.40, daily cap €8.50.
- MOBIB card: Load tickets at BOOTIK, KIOSK, or GO vending machines in stations.
- Paper tickets: Available at vending machines but more expensive than digital options.
STIB/MIVB App: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Public Transport in Flanders – De Lijn
Bus and tram services in Flanders are operated by De Lijn. The network is comprehensive, connecting cities, towns, and villages across the region. The De Lijn app is the most convenient way to plan routes and buy tickets.
Updated Tickets & Fares (from February 2026)
De Lijn increased fares by an average of 4.2% on 1 February 2026. Single tickets and day passes are unchanged; 10-journey cards increased by €1.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Ticket (app or contactless) | €2.50 |
| 10-Journey Card (Lijnkaart) | €22.00 |
| Day Pass | €7.50 |
| Annual Season Ticket (12 months) | €499 |
| Buzzy Pazz (18–24, annual) | €165 |
All single and day tickets are valid for 60 minutes from activation. During that time you can transfer between De Lijn bus and tram lines without buying a new ticket. After 60 minutes, you can still continue toward your destination — but the next transfer requires a new ticket. Children under 6 travel free (must be accompanied by a passenger aged 12+).
How to Buy De Lijn Tickets
- De Lijn App (recommended): Buy and activate digital tickets. Works as a route planner too, with real-time departure information and stop notifications.
- Contactless bank card: Tap the white validator terminal when boarding a bus or tram.
- SMS: Text “DL” to 4884. Note: your mobile provider may charge a small extra fee.
- Lijnwinkels & ticket vending points: Find locations at delijn.be/en/storelocator
Route planner: delijn.be/en/routeplanner
Public Transport in Wallonia – TEC
Buses (and trams in Charleroi and Liège) in Wallonia are operated by TEC. The network underwent a major simplification in February 2026: the old zone-based fare system was abolished in favour of a single flat fare on all classic lines.
Updated Tickets & Fares (from February 2026)
As of 1 February 2026, TEC replaced its multi-zone “Next” and “Horizon” tickets with a single “Classic” ticket valid on the entire TEC network (excluding Express lines) for 90 minutes.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Single Ticket (entire network, 90 min) | €2.80 |
| Express Line Single Ticket | €5.50 |
| Annual Season Ticket (Classic network) | €420 |
| Annual Season Ticket (Express network) | €710 |
| Youth/Senior Annual Pass (18–24, 65+) | €12 |
The 90-minute validity means you can transfer between TEC bus, tram, and metro lines within that window without paying again. On-board tickets remain more expensive — always buy in advance via the app or official sales points.
How to Buy TEC Tickets
- TEC App: Buy and activate Classic tickets at the best available rate.
- MOBIB Card: Load tickets at TEC vending machines, ticket offices, and the TEC E-Shop.
- On-board (paper tickets): Available but more expensive. Buying in advance is always recommended.
- Contactless bank card: Currently not available on TEC — expected to be introduced around 2027 as part of TEC’s ongoing ticketing modernisation.
TEC route planner & tickets: letec.be
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