Brussels is a compact, walkable city, but its public transport network is essential for reaching venues like Tour & Taxis, Bozar, and Flagey during Drawing Week Brussels. With three regional operators and a single smart card system, getting around can be confusing for first-time visitors. This guide covers everything from buying tickets to navigating night buses, so you can focus on sketching and exploring.
Understanding the Operators
Brussels public transport is run by three agencies: STIB/MIVB (Brussels-Capital Region), De Lijn (Flemish Region), and TEC (Walloon Region). For most visitors, STIB is the main operator, covering the metro, trams, and buses within the city. De Lijn and TEC serve the suburbs and connect to other cities, but they accept the same contactless payment system.
- STIB/MIVB – Metro lines 1, 2, 5, 6; tram lines 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 51, 82, 92, 93, 97; and dozens of bus lines.
- De Lijn – Buses and trams serving Flanders, including routes to Brussels Airport (line 272, 620) and the NATO area.
- TEC – Buses in Wallonia, with some lines reaching the southern suburbs of Brussels.
Tickets and Fares (2025 Prices)
STIB uses a contactless smart card called MOBIB, but visitors can simply tap a contactless bank card or smartphone. Single tickets cost €2.40 (purchased from a ticket machine or via the STIB app). A 10-journey ticket (€16.00) is ideal for a week-long stay. For unlimited travel, consider the 1-day pass (€8.00) or 3-day pass (€18.00). Children under 12 ride free with a paying adult (max 4 kids).
All tickets are valid for 60 minutes on STIB (including transfers between metro, tram, and bus). On De Lijn and TEC, tickets are valid for 60 minutes as well, but you need a separate ticket if you switch operators. The Brussels City Card (€34.00 for 24h) includes free entry to 30 museums and unlimited STIB travel – a good deal if you plan to visit museums during Drawing Week.
Where to Buy Tickets
- Ticket machines – At every metro station and major tram stops. They accept coins, banknotes, and contactless cards.
- STIB app – Buy and store tickets on your phone. Requires a Belgian mobile number for initial registration, but works with foreign numbers after a workaround.
- GO vending machines – At De Lijn stops and some STIB stations.
- Newsagents – Some shops sell STIB tickets, but not all.
Metro: The Backbone
Brussels metro has four lines (1, 2, 5, 6) that cross the city. Line 1 runs east-west from Gare de l'Ouest to Stockel, passing Arts-Loi and Schuman. Line 2 and 6 form a loop around the Pentagon (city centre). Line 5 runs from Erasme (south-west) to Herrmann-Debroux (south-east).
Key stations for visitors: Gare Centrale (near Grand Place), Arts-Loi (for EU institutions), Schuman (European Parliament), Rogier (shopping district), and Beekkant (transfer hub). Most stations have clear signage in French and Dutch, plus English on digital displays.
Metro runs from 5:30 AM to midnight (until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). Frequency is every 3-5 minutes during peak hours, 7-10 minutes off-peak, and 15 minutes after 10 PM.
Trams: Scenic and Efficient
Brussels trams are a charming way to see the city. The premetro (underground tram) lines 3, 4, and 7 run through the city centre in tunnels, then emerge as surface trams. Line 3 connects Esplanade (near the Atomium) to Churchill (Uccle). Line 4 goes from Gare du Nord to Stalle (Forest). Line 7 runs from Heysel (Atomium) to Vanderkindere.
Coast tram (line 44) is a tourist favourite: it runs from Montgomery to Tervuren, passing the Royal Museum for Central Africa and the Sonien Forest – excellent for urban sketching. Trams run from 5:30 AM to midnight (later on weekends).
Buses: Covering the Gaps
STIB buses fill in where trams and metro don't reach. Key lines for visitors: bus 38 (from Gare Centrale to Haren, passing the European Quarter), bus 71 (from De Brouckère to Delta, via Luxembourg and ULB), and bus 86 (from Bockstael to Macharen, serving the Tour & Taxis area). Night buses (Noctis) run on Friday and Saturday nights from midnight to 3:00 AM on 11 lines radiating from De Brouckère.
De Lijn buses to the airport (line 272, 620) stop at Brussels Airport-Zaventem and cost €5.00 (valid for 60 min). TEC buses to Wallonia depart from Gare du Midi and Luxembourg.
Trains (SNCB/NMBS)
For longer trips, the national railway SNCB/NMBS serves Brussels' three main stations: Gare du Midi (Eurostar, Thalys, ICE), Gare Centrale (city centre), and Gare du Nord (business district). A single ticket within the Brussels region (zone 1) costs €3.00 and is valid for 60 minutes. The Brussels City Pass (€5.50 for 24h) includes unlimited train travel within the region – useful if you're staying in a suburb like Watermael-Boitsfort or Jette.
To reach Drawing Week venues like Bozar (near Gare Centrale) or Flagey (near Etterbeek station), trains are often faster than trams. Check the SNCB app for real-time departures.
Accessibility
Brussels public transport is gradually improving accessibility. All metro stations are step-free (with lifts), but some tram and bus stops are not. The STIB app includes an accessibility filter. For wheelchair users, the Access Plus service provides free assistance at stations (book 24h ahead at +32 70 220 220). Trams 8, 9, 51, 82, 92, 93, and 97 are low-floor. Most buses are low-floor as well. For detailed info, see venue accessibility.
Tips for Drawing Week Attendees
- Buy a 3-day pass if you're attending multiple days – it pays for itself after 3 single trips.
- Use the STIB app for real-time maps and journey planning. Download it before you arrive.
- Validate your ticket every time you board a new vehicle (even if transferring). Fines for fare evasion are €107.
- Beware of pickpockets on crowded metro lines, especially line 1 and 5 during rush hour. Keep your sketching supplies in a secure bag.
- Bring a paper map – the STIB network map is available at tourist offices and major stations. Digital maps can drain your battery.
- Consider walking between central venues – Grand Place to Bozar is a 10-minute walk, and many drawing spots are pedestrian-friendly. Check urban sketching basics for route ideas.
Getting to/from the Airport
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is connected by train (every 15 minutes to Gare Centrale, 17 minutes, €9.20 single) and by bus (De Lijn line 272/620 to De Brouckère, 40 minutes, €5.00). A taxi costs around €45-55. If you're staying near Schuman or Arts-Loi, the train is fastest. For Tour & Taxis, take the train to Gare du Nord then tram 3 or 4.
Charleroi Airport (CRL) is served by Flibco bus to Gare du Midi (€16.20, 1 hour). From there, metro line 2 or 6 takes you to the city centre.