What is the best way to travel in Belgium?

Tram and metro are the ideal means to get around in the city. They encounter little or no hindrance from other forms of traffic and bring you safely and quickly to numerous destinations in the city. You can travel by tram in the cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Charleroi.



The absolute best way to travel in Belgium is by utilizing its extensive and world-class rail network, managed by SNCB/NMBS. Because Belgium is a small, densely populated country, you can travel between major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges in under an hour. Trains run frequently—often every 15 to 30 minutes—and the stations are usually located right in the heart of the historic centers. In 2026, the "SNCB App" is essential for purchasing tickets on the go and tracking live departures. For those traveling on weekends, the "Weekend Ticket" offers a 50% discount on return journeys. Within the cities themselves, walking is the most rewarding way to see the sights, though Brussels and Antwerp have excellent tram and metro systems. Cycling is also highly recommended, especially in Flanders, where the terrain is flat and the bike lanes are superior. While renting a car is possible, it is generally discouraged due to heavy traffic congestion in Brussels and the difficulty of finding parking in medieval city centers where most "tourist" zones are pedestrianized.

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As a minimum, we recommend 3-4 days in Belgium. With 3 days, you can briefly visit the most beautiful cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. If you have 4 days, you can also visit some of the famous Belgian war sites.

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Invest in a rail pass to visit multiple cities Thankfully, rail travel in Belgium is both efficient and economical. There are stations in the heart of most major cities, and the SNCB rail system costs €8.40 ($8.75) per journey, no matter where you're headed; transferable 10-trip passes are also available for €87 ($91).

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How much money will you need for your trip to Belgium? You should plan to spend around €142 ($150) per day on your vacation in Belgium, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €42 ($45) on meals for one day and €17 ($18) on local transportation.

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To cover your living expenses in Belgium you will need around €950 to €1,350 per month. This estimate includes study materials, housing costs (rent, heating, water, electricity, etc.), food, clothing, laundry, medical & insurance costs, and other expenses — e.g. leisure, groceries, transport, etc.

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Regional buses serve every area of Belgium, from whichever is the nearest city or large town. In general, the only part of the country where it makes sense to plan on going by bus instead of by train is the Ardennes, which has few rail lines. Fares and schedules are available from STIB (tel.

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You can pay for your trip using your contactless bank card (debit or credit), smartphone or smartwatch. Every STIB bus, tram and metro station is equipped with a specific contactless payment device.

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Many shops and restaurants in Brussels accept credit cards, but not all. It is, therefore, recommended that you either ask before you order or ensure you have enough in cash to cover the bill.

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