World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
The integrated bus, overground and underground (prmtro) tram and mtro network is operated by Socit des Transports Intercommunaux Bruxellois, known as STIB (tel: (02) 515 2000; website: www.stib.irisnet.be). The system operates daily 0600–2400, and the information line is manned from Monday to Friday 0800–1900 and Saturday 0800–1600. Although efficient and extremely clean, the network is not without its problems – plans to replace the underground trams with an extended mtro system have yet to materialise. However, recent improvements include the addition of lifts for handicapped passengers – at, Maelbeek, De Brouckre and Gare-Centrale stations. STIB information points are located at Porte de Namur, Rogier and Midi mtro stations, as well as at the Anspach Shopping Centre, rue de l’Evque.

Above ground, the mtro is identified by a sign bearing a white ‘M’ on a blue background. Many stations display the works of local artists and mtro seats are soft and comfortable – the service is pleasant even during rush hour (0730–0930 and 1600–1830). Mtro lines 1A and1B form a giant ‘H’ shape. Mtro line IA runs northwest to southeast, from Roi Baudouin to Herrmann-Debroux. Line 1B runs southwest to northeast, from Bizet to Stockel. Lines 1A and 1B join in the middle, running along the same lines from Beekhant to Merode, to serve the central part of the city. The incomplete circle of line 2, from Simonis to Clemenceau, follows the inner ring road underground.

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. Brussels’ bright yellow and blue trams serve the city centre and suburbs. The trams reach their highest speeds underground – the prmtro runs south, underneath the heart of the city from Gare du Nord, stopping at Place de Brouckre and Bourse, and Bruxelles-Midi (Eurostar terminal). Some services run on to St-Gilles and Albert.

Tickets for the transport network are available for purchase at mtro stations and many newsagents. The tourist reception desk at Rue du March-aux-Herbes 63, and at the TIB at the Town Hall in Grand-Place sell day transport tickets (see below) and give out free maps of the network – also available at most mtro stations. Tickets must be stamped at the mtro ticket barrier, either prior to or upon boarding the bus or tram. Bus and overground tram tickets may also be purchased prior to or upon board the vehicle (exact change is required for the latter). Once purchased, the ticket is valid for any form of public transport, including changes. One-hour tickets (la carte d’une voyage) cost 1.40, while ten (hour-long) journey tickets (la carte de dix voyages) cost 9. A one-day pass (la carte d’un jour) costs 3.60 and is valid for two persons at weekends and holidays. A one-day group card (maximum five persons) is available for 5.95 and is valid at weekends, holidays and after 0900 on weekdays.

In addition to the STIB network, Belgian National Railways (see Getting There By Rail) local trains depart from Bruxelles-Chapelle, Bruxelles-Quartier Lopold, Bruxelles-Schuman and Bruxelles-Congrs, linking the inner city to the suburbs.

Taxis
Autolux (tel: (02) 411 1221) are the official taxis in Brussels. These are marked with a blue and yellow plaque and travel from Brussels Airport to the required destination in the city. In central Brussels, taxis are available at centrally located ranks at the major railway stations and at the Bourse, Place de Brouckre and Porte de Namur. Alternatively, radio taxi companies are available to order by telephone. These include Taxis Verts (tel: (02) 349 4949), Taxis Orange (tel: (02) 349 4343) and Taxis Bleus (tel: (02) 268 0000).

The minimum fares are 2.35 in the daytime and 4.21 at night. Trips cost 0.99 per kilometre (double at night) and there is an additional 19.83 per hour for waiting. However, no charge is made for luggage. A 1 or 2 tip is acceptable.

Limousines
Ganax, Brugstraat 24, 1930 Zaventem, (tel: (02) 720 4167; fax: (02) 720 4695), located close to the airport, offers a limousine service. Hire for one day, including a trilingual chauffeur, costs from 430.

Driving in the City
Although commuter traffic is heavy on the outskirts of Brussels during rush hour (0730–0930 and 1600–1830), the centre is relatively easy to negotiate, once the one-way system has been mastered. There is considerable ongoing work to reduce city centre traffic levels, including extensive pedestrianisation and traffic management schemes.

In addition to car parks located in the city centre, there is pay-and-display parking – accepting 0.20, 0.5, 0.10, 1 and 2 coins – in certain streets. The rules for use vary according to the time of day. There also is a large public car park under the Novotel Hotel, Rue de la Montagne. Parking rates are 12 for half a day, 2.50 for two hours and 1 for an hour. Rates apply Monday to Saturday 0900–1300 and 1430–1900, with free street parking available on Sunday and holidays.

Car Hire
Car hire is available to drivers of 23 years and over, on presentation of a passport or identity card and valid national driving licence, held for at least one year. All the major providers are present at Brussels Airport. Other locations throughout the city include Avis, Gare du Midi (tel: (02) 527 1705; website: www.avis.be), Budget Rent-a-Car, at Avenue Louise 327B (tel: (02) 753 2170; website: www.budget.com), Europcar, Bruxelles-Midi and Chausse de Waterloo 538 (tel: (02) 522 9573 or 345 9290; website: www.europcar.com), and Hertz, at Bruxelles-Midi, Boulevard Lemonnier 8 and Chausse de Vleurgat 210 (tel: (02) 524 3100 or 513 2886 or 649 0015; website: www.hertz.com).

Prices for one day of hire start at around 70 for a small car, rising to 200 for the largest vehicles. Third Party Liability insurance should be covered by the hire rates, however, those hiring a car should always check this.

Bicycle Hire
Pro Vlo, Rue de Londres 15 (tel: (02) 502 7355; fax: (02) 502 8641), offers bicycles for hire at a cost of 20 for a weekend or 12 for a day, as well as guided themed tours, costing 14 for half a day.