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Getting around Brussels

Public transport: 

The integrated public transport network in Brussels is operated by Société des Transports Intercommunaux Bruxellois - STIB (tel: 0900 10310; www.stib.be).

Many metro stations display the works of local artists. With comfortable seats, the service is pleasant even during rush hour. The underground prémétro is a fast way to travel between Gare du Nord, Place de Brouckère, Bourse and the Bruxelles-Midi Eurostar terminal

Tram and bus stops are indicated by red and white signs respectively. The route number and destination are displayed on the front of the vehicle and all stops are request stops. Passengers get on at the front of buses and off at the rear. Brussels' bright yellow and blue trams serve the city centre and suburbs.

JUMP tickets (available for one, five or 10 trips lasting up to an hour including changes, a same-day return trip, or unlimited travel for one or three days) and MOBIB smart cards (which allow you to travel at a discount) are valid on all STIB public transport in Brussels. You can buy JUMP tickets and charge up MOBIB cards at metro stations, bus and tram stops, or at metro station kiosks, BOOTIK agencies, supermarkets and newsagents. JUMP tickets can also be bought on buses and overground trams at a slightly higher price. MOBIB cards can be topped up online at www.stib.be.

The Brussels Card (www.brusselscard.be), which gives you unlimited travel plus other discounts for 24, 48 or 72 hours, is sold at BOOTIK agencies, tourist information offices, hotels and museums. A one-day Group Ticket gives unlimited travel for a party of up to five travelling together. Brussels Cards and Group Tickets are not valid on the NATO-Airport route.

In addition to the STIB network, Belgian National Railways' local trains depart from Bruxelles-Chapelle, Bruxelles-Quartier Léopold, Bruxelles-Schuman and Bruxelles-Congrès, linking the inner city to the suburbs.

Taxis: 

Official Brussels taxis have a taxi light with a blue and yellow plaque on the roof, and can be hailed in the street or picked up at a rank; in the city centre, there are ranks at the major railway stations and at the Bourse, Place de Brouckère and Porte de Namur. Taxis can also be pre-booked by phone from Taxis Autolux (tel: 02 411 4142), Taxis Bleus (tel: 02 268 0000) or Taxis Verts (tel: 02 349 4949). Fares are metered and include service; a €1 or €2 tip is optional.

Driving: 

Although commuter traffic is heavy on the outskirts of Brussels during rush hour, the centre is relatively easy to negotiate, once the one-way system has been mastered. In addition to car parks located in the city centre, there is pay-and-display parking in certain streets. There is also a large public car park under the Novotel Hotel, Rue de la Montagne. Free street parking is available on Sundays and holidays.

Car hire: 

Car hire in Brussels is available to drivers aged 23 years and over, on presentation of a passport or identity card and valid national driving licence, held for at least one year. Always check that third-party liability insurance is covered by the hire rates. Major providers, with desks at Brussels Airport and Bruxelles-Midi railway station, include Avis (tel: 02 527 1705; www.avis.be), Europcar (tel: 02 522 9573; www.europcar.com) and Hertz (tel: 070 695 695; www.hertz.be).

Bicycle hire: 

Pro Vélo, Rue de Londres 15 (tel: 02 502 7355; www.provelo.org), offers bicycles for hire as well as guided themed tours.

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