Antwerp Pre-metro

The Antwerp Pre-metro is an underground tram system within the wider Antwerp tramway network, operated by De Lijn. It serves lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 15, using city-center tunnels and surface tram tracks farther out. Built as part of a larger metro plan, the system now plays a key role in public transport and local transport across the city, with 19 stations in total, 12 currently in use and 7 still out of service.

Antwerp Metro Map

Map of Antwerp Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Palma Metro map in PDF format.

Lines and Stations

The Antwerp Pre-metro is part of the city transport network and works as an underground section of the tram system. In the center, trams run through tunnels for faster travel; outside the center, they continue on surface tracks that are mostly separated from road traffic.

The system has 19 stations. Twelve are open, four are planned to open in the future, and three are not in current plans. If you are looking for a stations map or stations list, the table below gives a clear overview of all built stations and their current status.

Some stations matter more than others for transfers. Astrid and Opera were originally only partly opened, and their unused platforms came into service later. At Astrid, the level -1 platforms opened on 18 April 2015 as part of the eastern axis. Opera was later renovated and extended under the Noorderlijn project.

The current route network through the tunnels includes these tram lines:

• Line 2: Hoboken – southern branch of axis 1 – northern branch of axis 1 – Merksem
• Line 3: Zwijndrecht – eastern branch of axis 1 – northern branch of axis 1 – Merksem
• Line 5: Linkeroever – eastern branch of axis 1 – northern branch of axis 1 – Wijnegem
• Line 6: Olympiade – southern branch of axis 1 – northern branch of axis 1 – Luchtbal
• Line 8: Wommelgem – axis 2 – Astrid
• Line 9: Linkeroever – eastern branch of axis 1 – southern branch of axis 1 – Eksterlaar
• Line 10: Wijnegem – axis 2 – Hoboken
• Line 15: Linkeroever – eastern branch of axis 1 – southern branch of axis 1 – Boechout

Planned expansion includes stations in the unused tunnel under Kerk & Pothoekstraats, including Stuivenberg and Sint-Willibrordus, plus Drink and Morckhoven along Turnhoutsbaan.

Fares

The Antwerp Pre-metro uses the same fare system as the rest of De Lijn public transport. A standard ticket is valid for 60 minutes and allows unlimited transfers during that time.

A single ticket price is €3 (about $3.27). An SMS ticket costs €2 (about $2.18).

Other fare options include:

• Lijn card: €1.50 per one-hour ride (about $1.64)
• Day pass: €8 (about $8.72)
• 3-day pass: €12 (about $13.08)
• 5-day pass: €17 (about $18.53)

Longer-term pass options mentioned for the system include Buzzy Pazz, Omnipas, and Omnipas 65+. Children under 6 travel free. Free travel is also available for war veterans injured in combat and for disabled passengers.

If you are comparing fare, cost, or ticket price options, the best choice depends on how often you plan to ride. There is no fare calculator in the provided information.

Schedules

The Antwerp Pre-metro runs every day, including weekends and holidays. Opening hours start early, and the system keeps running until after midnight, so it works well for commuting and evening travel alike.

For anyone checking operating hours, opening times, working hours, or timings today, these are the stated schedule details for the system. The starting time depends on the day, and the closing time is 12:00 a.m.

Trams usually run every 10 to 15 minutes. During peak periods, frequency improves and waits can drop to around 5 minutes. Exact last train times by line are not listed here, so it is smart to check the live train schedule or schedule today before you travel, especially if you need a transfer.

Connections

The Antwerp Pre-metro is a central part of transportation in Antwerp, linking major tram routes through a small number of key underground interchanges. It connects directly with the wider tramway and bus network, making cross-city travel much easier.

The main transfer stations are Astrid and Opera, which connect different tunnel axes and several routes. Astrid and Diamant also provide access to Antwerp Central station.

• Plantin – tram lines 2, 6, 9 and 15
• Diamant – tram lines 2, 6, 9 and 15
• Astrid – tram lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10
• Elisabeth – tram lines 2, 3, 5 and 6
• Handel – tram lines 2, 3, 5 and 6
• Schijnpoort – tram lines 2, 3, 5 and 6
• Sport – tram lines 2, 3 and 6
• Zegel – tram lines 8 and 10
• Meir – tram lines 3, 5, 9 and 15
• Groenplaats – tram lines 3, 5, 9 and 15
• Van Eeden – tram lines 3, 5, 9 and 15

These connections are especially useful for moving across the city center and then continuing on surface tram routes. Some built stations are still unused or planned only for future service, so not every station can be used as part of the active route today.

The network also links indirectly with bus services. For airport access, passengers can use tram line 9 and then transfer to bus routes 51, 52, or 53.

Airport Connections

There is no direct pre-metro route to Antwerp-Deurne Airport, but getting there is straightforward. Take tram line 9 toward Eksterlaar and get off at Berchem Groenenhoek. From Meir station, the tram ride takes about 15 minutes.

From Berchem Groenenhoek, walk around 200 meters / 0.2 km / 0.12 miles to the bus stop with the same name. Then take bus 51, 52, or 53 to Deurne Luchthaven. The bus trip takes about 6 minutes, and the airport stop is about 100 meters / 0.1 km / 0.06 miles from the terminal.

For the trip back to the city, simply do the same in reverse: bus from Deurne Luchthaven to Berchem Groenenhoek, then tram line 9 into Antwerp and onward through the wider public transport network.

Regulations

The Antwerp Pre-metro follows the same rules as the rest of the De Lijn system. These regulations are there to keep stations and trams safe and orderly.

• Keep a safe distance from the yellow line before boarding.
• Do not bring flammable substances, including chemicals or pyrotechnic devices.
• Alcohol and other illegal substances are prohibited on the premises.
• Do not run in stations or on trams.
• Use headphones if you listen to music.
• Prams are allowed if folded or positioned so they do not block other passengers.
• Posting posters or leaflets requires prior authorization.
• Firearms are not allowed, except for law enforcement authorities.
• Smoking is not allowed in stations or on trams.

Remember to validate your ticket or tap your card when boarding to comply with fare rules and avoid fines.

History

Construction of the Antwerp Pre-metro began on 5 January 1970. The original plan was a fully underground network, similar to the Brussels Metro or German Stadtbahn systems, with 15 km / 9.3 miles of route and 22 stations. Financial problems later ended the full metro conversion, and only part of the planned system was completed.

The first 1.3 km / 0.8 miles section opened on 25 March 1975 between Opera and Groenplaats, including Meir station. The line then extended to Diamant and Plantin in 1980, and to Van Eeden in 1990 through the Brabotunnel under the River Scheldt.

In 1996, a north-eastern branch opened with Sport, Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth, and Astrid, linking back to the existing line between Opera and Diamant. A second axis had also been planned from the south-western suburbs through Opera and Astrid toward Deurne in the east, but work under Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout stopped in the 1980s because of funding shortages.

That tunnel was mostly built, but stations still needed finishing and track had not yet been laid. Under the Pegasus plan approved in 2004, it was decided to bring this unused tunnel into service. To reduce costs, only Zegel was included in the initial opening. Carnot, Drink, College, and Morckhoven were not opened as passenger stations and were fitted as emergency exits instead. This axis partially opened in 2015, and a second entrance from Deurne Turnhoutsebaan to the Reuzenpijp tunnel opened in September 2017. Foorplein remains unused.

Opera and Astrid were originally only partly opened, with some platforms inaccessible to passengers. At Astrid, the level -1 platforms entered service on 18 April 2015 as part of the eastern axis. From 2016, Opera was renovated and extended as part of the Noorderlijn project, and its unused platforms were later brought into use.

In September 2021, funding was earmarked to open the unused tunnel under Kerk & Pothoekstraats. Plans include stations at Stuivenberg and Willibrod, plus openings at Drink and Morckhoven along Turnhoutsbaan. A tunnel linking Schijnpoort on the first axis with Carnot on the second is planned for 2027.

Future Extensions

The Antwerp Pre-metro still has several expansion projects and longer-term studies, though some are much further along than others. The clearest plans focus on finishing already built infrastructure rather than creating entirely new routes.

Planned openings and renewals

Work is planned to complete the unused Kerkstraat-Pothoekstraat tunnel and its stations, with opening expected in 2027. Willibrordus and Stuivenberg are part of that project. In the Reuzenpijp, Drink and Morckhoven are also expected to be completed for future use, with Morckhoven needing more work and therefore opening later than Drink.

Another confirmed future link is the tunnel between Schijnpoort and Carnot, also planned for 2027. Based on the available information, Foorplein remains unused.

Service changes and maintenance

Major maintenance is planned for the oldest parts of the system in 2026 and 2027. These works are expected to affect service on several axes and may require line interruptions. A wider tram network reorganization, including possible line renumbering with an M prefix, has also been discussed but postponed until at least 2027.

Longer-term studies

Within Route Plan 2030, several studies are looking at possible new links. These include a connection under the city center, an extension under the narrower part of Turnhoutsebaan in Deurne Noord, a route toward a new P+R at Bisschoppenhoflaan, an extension toward Berchem Station, and a possible pre-metro route under Deurne Zuid toward Ruggeveldlaan. These projects are still under study and have not been finalized.

Nearby Attractions

The Antwerp Pre-metro is handy for reaching major sights, shopping streets, and leisure spots, especially in the center. Because it runs underground beneath some of the busiest areas, it can save time when moving around the city.

• Meir – One of Antwerp’s main shopping streets, close to shops, restaurants, and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Antwerpen-Centraal – Antwerp’s central station, often called the Railway Cathedral. Antwerp Zoo and the diamond district are also nearby.
• Plantin-Moretus Museum – Reachable from Groenplaats station, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the city’s top cultural attractions.
• Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) – Reachable from Van Eeden station, with a focus on Antwerp’s port history, art, and historical objects.
• Sint-Annastrand – From Linkeroever, you can reach this riverside park on the left bank of the Scheldt with broad city views.
• Sportpaleis – A major venue for concerts, sports events, festivals, and fairs, served through the wider tram system.

For sightseeing, Meir, Groenplaats, and Van Eeden are especially useful stations. They place you close to some of Antwerp’s busiest cultural, shopping, and leisure areas.