Getting round Belgium – Lonely Planet

Typically, when guests plan to journey round Belgium, Brussels and Bruges are the primary locations that come to thoughts… however there’s a lot extra to this excellent nation that is simply ready to be found.

With its compact measurement and tight public transport networks, going from one place to the following isn’t a problem and is normally fairly inexpensive.

Whether or not you are a train enthusiast, a biking aficionado or crave the consolation of a automotive, this information will equip you with all of the necessities for getting round Belgium.

Hop on a prepare anytime

Belgium was the second nation to undertake the prepare after the UK, so it is no marvel its rail system is especially intensive.

Linking main cities and medium-sized cities collectively, the community is managed by the nationwide public firm, SNCB/NMBS. The trains are dependable (although typically late), frequent, environment friendly, and comfy.

The prepare community is closely centralized round Brussels, the nation’s capital. With the longest prepare journey from Brussels being simply 2 hours and 45 minutes (to the quaint Luxembourg provincial capital of Arlon), it is a great base for exploring the remainder of Belgium.

Touring with a motorcycle or a big pet? They’re welcome for a small further charge. Simply ensure you spot the carriage the place you may retailer your bike and put together your journey with BikeOnTrains.

How and the place to buy tickets or passes

Shopping for your prepare ticket or go is a breeze in Belgium. To start with, costs are mounted and no advance reserving is important.

In the event you really feel spontaneous and determine to journey on the final minute, simply purchase your ticket on the station’s counter, by way of automated machines, the SNCB/NMBS web site or its app (you’ll need a bank card or a Paypal account). In the event you’re underneath 26 years outdated, a youth ticket to anyplace in Belgium is a flat charge of €7.50 a method.

In the event you’re visiting a number of cities throughout your keep, SNCB/NMBS gives a transferable 10-trip go referred to as “Multi.” The Standard version prices €102, with a reduced worth of €99 if bought on the Belgian Railways app.

For vacationers underneath 26, the “Multi Youth” go quantities to €62 and €60 on the app. It is usually legitimate for group journey.

Final however not least, on weekends or public holidays, tickets are 50% off – you also needs to be careful for seasonal promotions on the Belgian Railways web site.

Metro, buses and the longest tram line on this planet

Three cities in Belgium have a community of metro/underground trams: Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi. Every of them is managed by the regional public transport corporations, respectively STIB/MIVB, De Lijn, and TEC.

These three corporations additionally function bus and tram traces in Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia, offering an ideal complement to the prepare for reaching neighborhoods far-off from the prepare station or cities with out prepare service.

In the event you plan a visit to the seaside, don’t miss the Kusttram. This 67km-long tram line is the longest on this planet, working alongside all the size of the Belgian Coast from De Panne, on the French border, to Knokke and the attractive Zwin Bird Reserve by the Dutch border.

Purchase a day pass for €7.50 and hop on and off alongside the best way. Really useful stops embrace the charming resort city of De Haan with its turn-of-the-century structure, or the bustling metropolis of Ostend the place you may comply with the footsteps of Marvin Gaye, who lived right here for nearly two years. You may also discover the Crystal Ship street art trail, one of many largest in Belgium.

Roadtripping Belgium with a automotive or a bike

If trains and buses do not fairly cowl it and it’s good to journey extensively in a short while or to extra distant places, then renting a automotive is the best choice.

All of the well-known automotive rental corporations (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and many others.) have places of work in most main Belgian cities. Nonetheless, bear in mind that it is perhaps an costly choice as costs have elevated considerably since COVID-19 and the warfare in Ukraine.

To offset gasoline costs and your carbon footprint, why not give car-sharing firm Green Mobility a strive? They supply electrical automobiles that are perfect for day journeys at a price of €65 for 10 hours.

Belgium can be infamous for its site visitors jams, particularly round Brussels and Antwerp – it is best to keep away from rush hour if attainable. Discovering free parking in a metropolis will be troublesome, so issue parking charges into your price range.

On the brilliant facet, motorways in Belgium are toll-free and lit up at evening. Legend has it that they are even seen from house, which French astronaut Thomas Pesquet confirmed with a photo from the International Space Station.

Pay attention to the signage, which is able to swap between Flemish and French relying on the area. This, mixed with metropolis names that may be fully totally different in every language (as an example, instructions to Tournai will seem as ‘Doornik’ in Flanders), could make it simple to overlook your exit. In case your rental automotive is not geared up with a sat nav, put together your route upfront.

Motorbikes are additionally fairly fashionable, particularly within the Ardennes, the place the hilly landscapes make for some epic road trips. You’ll be able to normally lease one from spring to early autumn.

Whether or not you lease a automotive or a motorcycle, you’ll need a bank card and be no less than 21 years outdated.

Discover Belgium on two wheels

In Belgium, the land of legendary biking champion Eddy Merckx, biking is a lifestyle, particularly in Flanders.

The north of the nation is comparatively flat and simple to navigate, significantly alongside its network of cycling nodes. This technique of numbered junctions guides riders alongside protected and picturesque routes, permitting them to tailor-make their journey.

You’ll be able to select what to see, the place to take breaks for a relaxation and refreshments (why not a brewery?), and the place to eat. It’s an ideal strategy to get to know Flanders.

In the event you’re extra snug with set itineraries, Go to Flanders and the provincial tourism places of work chosen nine bike itineraries price attempting. In the event you’re a historical past buff, one other nice choice is exploring World Warfare I websites on one of many 12 Flanders Fields Routes.

Brussels and Wallonia even have their very own biking nodes community, though they don’t seem to be as intensive as Flanders.

Nonetheless, Wallonia has created RAVeL, a community of car-free routes devoted to biking, strolling, horse driving, and folks with decreased mobility. Previous towpaths and disused tram and prepare traces have been transformed into easy, simple, and family-friendly trails.

In the event you’re not touring a motorcycle, renting one isn’t an issue. Blue-bike is a bike-sharing community with 124 places throughout the nation (primarily in Flanders), most of them at prepare stations.

Accessible transportation in Belgium

Belgium is welcoming to vacationers with decreased mobility. Practice journey is especially hassle-free, with Belgian Rail assisting with boarding and disembarking at over 132 stations. This free service will be booked upfront.

In the event you’re utilizing public transport in Brussels, the vast majority of metro stations have lifts and most trams and buses are wheelchair-accessible. STIB/MIVB has a handy guide for passengers with disabilities.

For these exploring Flanders, Visit Flanders are very dedicated to creating their area accessible to all and has even gained an award for his or her efforts. Leuven’s recognition on the EU Entry Metropolis Awards 2022 additionally highlights Belgium’s efforts in direction of inclusivity.

Vacationers in Wallonia and Brussels can search for the Access-i brand to establish lodges, excursions, occasions, and sights that cater to their wants.

Hold planning your journey to Belgium: