•• TRANSPORT ••
Transport in Belgium
GENT De Lijn (Oost-Vlaandaren) | 070 22 0200 www.delijn.be
Belgium has an excellent public transport network, which is both cheap and efficient. One of its strengths is its integrated train, tram, metro, and bus system, which makes it easy to make connections between the different forms of transport. Three regional operators manage the network: De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia) and STIB (Brussels). On the coast, a tram route runs the entire length of the coast from the French and Dutch borders. ANTWERP The public transport system in Antwerp is managed by De Lijn and is based on trams and buses, with an underground tramline running through the city and under the river Schelde. Multiple-ride or season tickets can be bought at De Lijn booths, in some kiosks and banks, and at railway stations. Single tickets can also be bought from the driver, though this is the most expensive way of travelling. De Lijn Antwerpen | 070 22 0200 | www.delijn.be BRUSSELS The Brussels city public transport is run by STIB/ MIVB, whilst bus transport outside the centre is run by De Lijn in Flanders and TEC in Wallonia. It is worth noting that tickets are not interchangeable between the companies. In Brussels centre, you can buy multiple-ride or season tickets from STIB/ MIVB tickets offices at metro stations or from special booths around the city. Single tickets can only be bought from bus or tram drivers. Multipleride tickets cover five or ten journeys and, like single-journey tickets, must be time stamped in the orange boxes. Once stamped, you can travel anywhere within an hour, on bus, tram, or metro, but you must stamp your ticket at each change. STIB/MVIB | 070 23 2000 | www.stib.irisnet.be De Lijn | 070 22 0200 | www.delijn.be TEC | 04 361 9444 | www.infotec.be
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LIège TEC Liège | 04 361 9444 www.infotec.be
Trains DOMESTIC TRAINS The dense train network in Belgium is stateowned and operated by SNCB/NMBS. For the most part it is efficient and inexpensive. Booking is best done before boarding; it is possible to buy a ticket from the guard, but these are sold at full price and it may be possible to find a cheaper ticket. Be aware that ticket offices are often busy so allow yourself plenty of time. You can also print your own ticket from the company’s website. Make sure you get all the details correct as tickets are not transferable and must be supported by showing your ID to the guard. There are various ways of reducing costs such as with a B-rail pass. Additionally, return travel at the weekend is much cheaper. Children under the age of six travel for free on SNCB trains when accompanied by an adult, while youngsters up to the age of 12 can also travel without charge on weekdays after 9:00. Interestingly, if you are a journalist you can also travel free of charge in second class carriages. SNCB/NMBS Domestic | 02 528 2828 www.b-rail.be INTERNATIONAL TRAINS Belgium is truly the railway crossroads of Europe, with trains entering Brussels from all over the continent. Brussels Gare du Midi is the terminus for several international trains, including Eurostar coming from London and Lille, TGV trains from France and the joint Belgian-Dutch-owned Thalys, connecting France, the Netherlands and Germany. Alternatively, you can take the conventional EuroCity trains to most European cities. Bookings for the high-speed train services can be made online at the Belgian railway website.
BELGIUM EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM
5/12/12 07:43