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Canal in Bruges, Belgium

© 123rf.com / Stanley Rippel

Getting around in Belgium

Air: 

As Belgium is such a small country, there are no internal flights.

Side of road: 
Right
Road classification: 

Main towns are connected by toll-free motorways.

Motorways are designated by a white 'E' on green signs, other trunk roads by the prefix 'N', and minor roads by a 'P'.

Car hire: 

Car hire: Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available. All the major car hire companies are present in Belgium.

Taxi: 

Taxis: Plentiful in all towns. The tip is included in the final meter price. If there are no taxi stands, taxi companies may be telephoned for a small extra charge.

Coach: 

Regulations: 

Regulations: The national speed limit is 120kph (75mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) on single lane roads and 50kph (31mph) in town. It is compulsory for seat belts to be worn in the front and back of vehicles. Children under 12 are not permitted to travel in the front seat of a car. A warning triangle must be displayed at the scene of a breakdown or accident. It is compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher or first aid kit in all vehicles. Trams always have priority on roads.

Breakdown service: 

Emergency breakdown service: Royal Automobile Club de Belgique (tel: (02) 287 0911; www.racb.be). The emergency assistance number is (078) 152 000

Documentation: 

Documentation: For non-EU nationals an international driving licence is recommended. EU nationals taking their own cars to Belgium should obtain a Green Card.

Getting around towns and cities: 

There is a good public transport system in all the major towns and cities, with underground, tram and bus services in Antwerp and Brussels, bus and tramways in Charleroi, Ghent and Ostend and bus systems elsewhere. There is a standard flat-fare system, with discounts for five- and 10-journey multi-ride tickets. One-day tickets and multi-mode tourist travelcards are also available.

Rail: 

NMBS/SNCB (Belgian National Railways) (tel: (02) 528 2828; www.b-rail.be) operates a comprehensive railway network with regular trains on most lines. There are more frequent trains on the main lines. Further information is available from Rail Europe (tel: 0844 848 4064, in the UK only; www.raileurope.co.uk).

Fares: First- and second-class, single and return tickets are available. However, a return ticket is double the single fare and is only valid on the day of issue. Children under 12 travel free in second class (restrictions apply).

Discount travel: Weekend return fares are available from Friday (after 1900) to Sunday for the outward journey and on Saturday and Sunday for the return journey. A 50% reduction card is also for sale for use at weekends. Go Pass 10 offers preferential tariffs for 10 second-class trips within one year to people under 26. The Rail Pass offers preferential tariffs for 10 second-class trips within one year to people over 26. People aged 65 and over benefit from special tariffs. Both are available from NMBS/SNCB (tel: (02) 528 2828; www.b-rail.be).

Rail passes: 

InterRail One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Belgium. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar (www.eurostar.com) and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).

By water: 

Belgium's waterways offer a pleasant way to enjoy the country, whether it be on a one-hour canal cruise or an extended voyage between major cities. Numerous operators offer everything from boat hire to luxury cruises - details are available from relevant tourist offices.

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