Brussels Metro Information
The Brussels light rail system provides fast and comfortable transport in a large part of the city. It serves a total of 69 metro and premetro stations, on four metro lines and three premetro lines. The first two metro lines were opened to the public on 17 December 1969. The metro system is managed by the STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles). In 2012, it was reported that the metro had already been used for 132.4 million journeys. The metro is also connected to various bus and tram stops managed by STIB and is connected to the National Railway Company of Belgium via six stations. In 2013, the annual number of passengers using the Brussels metro was 138.3 million.
Today, the Brussels Metro, known simply as the ‘Métro’, extends over a total system length of 40 kilometres, organised into four distinct lines. Hidden beneath the surface of the city, the system’s 59 stations remain hidden from the world above ground. The Métro’s fare system is unique in its dynamic nature, adjusting according to the time a passenger spends on the system. For an hour’s use, a single ticket sets passengers back €2.10 (about $2.52 USD).
Although the Métro does not operate 24 hours a day, you can catch trains from early morning, around 5.30am, until midnight. However, the timetable varies from weekday to weekend and even from line to line. The Métro therefore urges passengers to check the timetable for each line.
Other details about the Métro include the lack of air conditioning and driverless trains, and the fact that passengers can walk between platforms on Line 1. The Métro also has no screen doors on the platforms. As for the speed of the trains, they can reach a maximum speed of 72 km/h, with an average speed of 29.4 km/h.
Brussels Metro Map
Map of Brussels Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Brussels Metro map in PDF format.
Metros in Belgium: Brussels
The Brussels Metro, known locally as the Métro de Bruxelles in French and the Brusselse metro in Dutch, is an impressive part of the city’s transport system. Stretching 40 kilometres beneath the city, this robust metro network was inaugurated on 17 December 1969. Interestingly, the original conception of the project dates back almost 80 years to around 1892.
Throughout the construction of the metro system, considerable thought was given to its potential environmental impact. The aim was to create a mode of transport that would significantly reduce surface emissions by providing an efficient alternative to road travel, thereby reducing traffic congestion in the city.
In its early stages, the Brussels Metro began as a modest 6-station pre-metro line. This was part of what is now known as Line 1, which ran from the east to the west of the city. Today, the system consists of four metro lines: two linear lines leading to different points of the compass, a circular line (Line 2) that loops around the city centre, and Line 6, which is a combination of both linear and circular lines.
The rolling stock of the Brussels metro comes from a variety of manufacturers, including Spain’s CAF, and features a ‘boa-like’ design concept for the trains, which are up to 94 metres long. The system is operated by STIB/MIVB, the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company. A government-owned company, STIB/MIVB helps to facilitate the transport of around 150 million commuters a year.
Here are some key facts about the Brussels Metro:
- Known as: Brussels Metro (Métro de Bruxelles / Brusselse metro)
- System length: 40 km
- Track gauge: 1435 mm
- Number of stations: 59
- Maximum operating speed: 72 km/h
- Operated by: STIB/MIVB
- Daily ridership: approximately 415,000 people (150 million per year)
- Number of lines: 4
- Inaugurated: December 17th, 1969.
Overview of the History
Launched in May 1869, the first large-scale public transport system in Brussels was a horse-drawn tramway that connected the Porte de Namur to the Bois de la Cambre, crossing some of the city’s main avenues. This system evolved and expanded over time, incorporating advanced technologies as they became available. By the 1960s, an efficient electric tram system was in operation, supported by an extensive bus network. The construction of the pre-metro began at the same time, linking the east and west of the city via six stations from Brouckère to Schuman, which eventually became part of Line 1 of the modern metro.
The first line of the metro was officially inaugurated on 20 September 1976. Stretching 11 km from Brouckère to Merode, it bridged the city from east to west. Later that year, work began on the north-south corridor, which was confirmed in October. This extension formed Line 2, inaugurated in 1988, together with several extensions to Line 1.
Outline of the Lines and Stations
The Brussels metro system consists of four lines, three of which follow the cardinal points and the fourth of which loops around the city centre. These lines serve a total of 59 stations. These metro lines are complemented by the Premetro, a semi-surface tram network built to metro standards, which extends the service to other parts of the city and some suburban areas further away from the centre.
All stations on the network have platforms that allow quick and easy boarding. Platforms are typically 3-5 metres wide. Some stations have a single central platform serving both lines, while others have three platforms: a central platform for boarding passengers and two external platforms for alighting passengers.
Stations located in popular tourist areas or busy financial or commercial districts have larger platforms. Beekkant, Gare du Nord and Gare de L’Ouest stations, for example, have platforms that are 6 metres wide and up to 170 metres long to accommodate peak demand.
Overview of Line 1
Line 1, the pioneer line of the system, was originally a pre-metro line before being converted to metro standards in 1976. It follows an east-west route, sharing parts of its extension with Lines 2 and 6, and a more significant section with Line 5 (with a total of 12 stations shared between Lines 1 and 5). Line 1, marked in purple, is 12.5 km long with a total of 21 stations, and terminates at Gare de L’Ouest and Stockel.
Overview of Line 2
Line 2, one of the circular lines of the network, circles a series of boulevards that encircle the historic centre of Brussels. Although labelled ‘circular’, it does not allow for a complete loop, as trains departing from Simonis (Leopold II) station have to reach Simonis (Elisabeth) station and return. With a total of 19 stations along its 10.3 km route, line 2 is identified by the colour orange.
Overview of line 5
Line 5 shares a substantial part of its route with Line 1 (from Merode to Gare de L’Ouest), extending 9 stations to the west and 7 stations to the east. The longest line in the system, it has a total track length of 17.3 km and serves 28 stations from its terminals at Erasmus to Herrmann-Debroux. Line 5 is identified by the colour yellow.
Introduction to line 6
Line 6, marked in blue, follows more or less the same route as line 2, completing its circuit. It also extends towards the northern part of the city, adding seven stations along the way. With a total of 26 stops along its 15.5 km route, line 6 runs from Simonis (Elisabeth) to Koning Boudewijn.
Interplay with Other Systems
Since Brussels, the capital of Belgium, covers an area of 160 square kilometres and has a population of around 2.7 million in its urban area, the city’s transport needs exceed the capacity of the metro system. As a result, Brussels has one of the most extensive tramway networks in Europe, with approximately 139 km of surface track and 17 lines, three of which are classified as premetro.
The premetro, a tramway network adapted to the strict standards of the metro, covers 23.7 km and serves 15 stations. All premetro lines, namely lines 3 and 4 (running from north to south) and line 7 (linking the centre of Brussels with some suburbs), are integrated into the metro. The other tram lines cross the city and connect several suburbs.
In addition to these rail networks, the STIB/MIVB, which also operates the metro and trams, manages an efficient bus network that complements the city’s public transport. This network consists of 52 bus lines and 11 night lines, known as Noctis, which, together with the other systems, provide comprehensive transport solutions.
Airport Connectivity
Brussels-National Airport, located in the neighbouring municipality of Zaventem, is Belgium’s main airport and the main hub of Brussels Airlines, a major European airline. This international airport handles approximately 23 million passengers per year.
Given its importance as a transport hub, it is vital for Brussels Airport to maintain efficient connections with the city’s public transport systems. However, as of the beginning of 2018, there is no direct connection between the airport and the tram and metro networks. The STIB/MIVB manages direct bus lines that connect the airport to the main bus stations and tram lines. Line 12 operates from Monday to Friday until 20:00, while line 21 operates at night and at weekends. Both lines serve the same stations and passengers can reach Shuman station on metro lines 1 and 5 in less than 30 minutes.
Operating Hours and Frequencies
Each line of the Brussels metro has different operating hours, depending on the day of the week. In general, service runs from around 5am to midnight, with slight variations of around 30 minutes depending on the line and whether it is a regular weekday, weekend or public holiday. Premetro lines operate for shorter periods of time, usually ending service around 11pm.
Train frequencies range from every 5-10 minutes during peak hours to every 10-20 minutes on weekends and holidays.
Fares, Tickets, and Cards
The Brussels public transport network, operated by STIB/MIVB since 1954, has a single fare structure. This structure simplifies ticketing and a single ticket purchased is valid on the metro, premetro, tram and all bus lines.
Ticket prices depend on the period of validity and the number of journeys covered by the ticket.
Single tickets cost €2.10 (approximately $2.52 USD) when purchased at stations or other authorised sales points. Roundtrip tickets cost €4.20 (about $5.05) and require a return trip within 24 hours of purchase.
There are cost-effective alternatives for frequent travellers. For example, the 5-ticket pack offers five individual tickets for €8.00 (about $9.63), while a 10-ticket pack costs €14.00 ($16.86). A Day Pass, which allows unlimited travel on all systems for up to 24 hours, costs €7.50 ($9.03 USD) and is a popular choice for short-term visitors.
Children under the age of 6 travel free, provided there are no more than four children per adult. Additional children require paid tickets. Pets are permitted on the transport systems, but must remain close to their owners and not cause discomfort to other passengers.
Special offers are available for certain groups of travellers. In particular, the School Package, available to students between the ages of 12 and 24, costs €50.00 (approx. $60.21 USD) per year, with discounts offered for multiple subscriptions within the same family. These special tickets and passes require a MOBIB card, available for €5.00.
Future Developments
The Brussels metro is constantly evolving through renovations and extensions to meet demand and improve the user experience. This has recently included a major reconfiguration of the lines, an extension of the north-south axis and the introduction of new rolling stock, with the latest units coming from Spanish manufacturer CAF.
But improvements go beyond rolling stock. In 2007, an ambitious project was launched to add new stations to the system and modernise all existing stations by 2020. These improvements include accessibility features such as lifts and separate systems for the elderly and disabled, making it easier for them to use the metro.
The aim is to fully automate lines 1 and 5 for autonomous operation by 2020. Since 2013, automatic machines have been purchased and tested to achieve this goal, with the wider aim of improving service quality and user experience.
The biggest project is the adaptation and construction of Line 3. Currently in its pre-metro state, it is prepared for the transition, but some sections remain above ground. The tunnels need to be completed before the line can be fully underground. Line 3 will greatly extend the north-south axis, running from Gare du Nord to Bordet in the neighbouring commune of Evere, and linking more suburbs directly to the city centre.
This expansion is expected to significantly increase passenger flow and system capacity. It will add at least 18 stations and at least 10.3 km of track, allowing passengers to travel from one end of the city to the other in about 20 minutes. The project will particularly benefit the northern part of the city, which is expected to experience significant growth and development over the next 20 to 30 years, requiring robust and reliable public transport.
Line 3 is expected to be completed in 2025 and represents a significant challenge. The ultimate goal is to create an efficient system with impressive frequency, significantly reducing current headways while increasing operating speeds, thereby increasing capacity by at least four times.
Guidance
- For tourists and visitors unfamiliar with the Brussels metro, navigating the extensive system and its connections to the large tram network can be a challenge. It’s a good idea to carry a map and plan your journeys in advance.
- Signs and information on the metro system are in French and Dutch. Users unfamiliar with these languages may need to rely on a translation device or dictionary.
- It is advisable to buy tickets from station TVMs (Ticket Vending Machines) or kiosks, as there is an extra charge for buying tickets directly from drivers.
- All tickets must be validated before entry. Most entrances are not monitored as passengers are expected to behave responsibly. Violations may result in fines or other penalties.
- Although Brussels is generally safe, it’s advisable to take care of your personal belongings, especially when using large public transport systems such as the metro. Keep items close and visible, ideally in front of you.
Interesting Facts
The first plans for a metro in Brussels were made as early as 1892, but it took almost a hundred years for the system to become fully operational.
The Brussels metro is considered the city’s largest museum, with many stations hosting art exhibitions of various genres and artists, including Pierre Alechinsky, Christian Dotremont, Jacques Bage and Elisabeth Barmarin.
The Metro Line 5 has a station called ‘Eddy Merckx’ in honour of the five-time Tour de France winner. The station displays his bicycle and other personal items.
Tourism and Sightseeing
As the capital of Belgium and a key European city, Brussels attracts many visitors drawn by its cultural, architectural and culinary treasures. The city offers a vibrant mix of intense diplomatic and financial activity, tranquil parks and green spaces, a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of entertainment. The metro provides convenient access to several notable attractions, including
The Atomium: Comparable in its iconic status to the Eiffel Tower, this 102-metre-high metal structure was designed by André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It represents an iron crystal structure magnified 165 billion times. Now a museum, each of its spheres houses exhibitions from the fair. The Atomium is located near Heysel station on metro line 6.
Cathedral of Brussels: Also known as the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, this is an important monument in the city. Built in the 15th century, it has a striking Gothic architecture. In spite of historical instances of plundering, it houses numerous valuable artistic and religious relics. To visit this cathedral, take line 1 at Gare Central or line 5 at Parc.
Manneken Pis: This famous statue of a boy urinating in a fountain is a must-see attraction. The surrounding area is full of quality chocolate and beer shops, and delicious Belgian waffles and chips are readily available. The statue can be reached by getting off at Bourse station on line 5.