The Brussels Metro generally operates from 5:30 AM to midnight. On weekends and public holidays, trains might start slightly later, around 6:00 AM.
On Sundays, the metro services start at 6:00 AM and run until midnight. Service frequency is slightly reduced compared to weekdays.
The Brussels Metro uses a flat fare system. A contactless EMV payment costs €2.10 for 1 hour of travel with unlimited transfers. A paper ticket bought at a machine costs €2.60.
You can easily use the route planner above to find the fastest path between stations. Since STIB uses a flat fare, your basic metro journey will always cost €2.10 (contactless).
There are 4 heavy metro lines in Brussels: M1, M2, M5, and M6. There are also several Premetro lines (trams running underground) like T3, T4, and T7.
Line 5 (M5) is the longest line, stretching from Érasme / Erasmus in the west to Herrmann-Debroux in the southeast.
The major interchanges connecting the East-West and North-South/Circle lines are Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet, Beekkant, and Gare de l'Ouest / Weststation.
Yes, STIB/MIVB offers a monthly or annual subscription loaded onto a MOBIB card, allowing unlimited travel across the network.
The MOBIB card is a smart, rechargeable electronic card used for all public transport networks in Belgium (STIB, De Lijn, TEC, and SNCB).
Using a MOBIB card or contactless bank card is significantly cheaper (€2.10) than buying single paper tickets (€2.60) every time.
You can buy tickets at GO vending machines in all metro stations, at KIOSK points, BOOTIK centers, or just tap your contactless credit/debit card directly at the gates.
Yes, you can recharge your personalized MOBIB card online via the STIB/MIVB website or through their official mobile app.
Yes! Every metro gate is equipped with a terminal allowing you to tap your contactless bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly.
If you have loaded multiple 1-journey tickets on a basic MOBIB card, you can validate the card twice (once for each person). However, personal subscriptions cannot be shared.
The Brupass is a unified ticket allowing you to travel on STIB/MIVB, De Lijn (buses), TEC (buses), and SNCB (trains) within the Brussels-Capital Region.
STIB ticket inspectors frequently patrol the network. Traveling without a valid ticket or failing to validate can result in heavy administrative fines.
Yes, luggage is permitted for free, provided it does not block pathways or cause a nuisance to other passengers.
Yes, small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs on a leash also travel free but must not occupy a seat and must be kept away from escalators for their safety.
Bicycles are allowed on the metro for free, but only during off-peak hours, weekends, and holidays to avoid overcrowding.
No, eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the metro stations and onboard the trains to maintain cleanliness.
The Heysel / Heizel metro station on Line 6 (M6) drops you just a few minutes' walk from the Atomium, Mini-Europe, and Brussels Expo.
Get off at Gare Centrale / Centraal Station or De Brouckère (M1, M5). The Grand Place is a short 5-minute walk from either station.
The Gare du Midi / Zuidstation on Line 2 (M2) and Line 6 (M6) connects directly to the international Eurostar/Thalys terminal.
The Gare Centrale / Centraal Station is served by Line 1 (M1) and Line 5 (M5).
Gare du Nord is mainly served by the Premetro (trams 3 & 4). For the heavy metro, Rogier (M2, M6) is the closest station.
No, there is no direct metro. You must take an SNCB train from major railway stations or use the Airport Line Bus 12 (which connects to the metro at Schuman or Trône).
The Maelbeek / Maalbeek, Schuman (M1, M5), and Trône / Troon (M2, M6) stations serve the European Quarter.
Get off at Parc / Park (M1, M5) or Trône / Troon (M2, M6) for a short walk to the Royal Palace.
Merode or Schuman (M1, M5) are located right next to the Cinquantenaire Park and its famous arch.
No, the Brussels Metro does not have women-only carriages.
Yes, STIB operates several Park & Ride (P+R) facilities on the outskirts of the city, such as at Kraainem, Delta, and Ceria/Coovi.
Only a few major interchange stations and railway hubs have public washrooms. It is recommended to use facilities before entering the metro.
Most Brussels Metro stations are equipped with elevators and ramps for wheelchair access. The dynamic STIB app can show exactly which stations are fully accessible.
Yes, free Wi-Fi (Wifi.brussels) is progressively available across many underground metro stations in Brussels.
Amateur photography without a flash or tripod is generally allowed. Commercial shoots require explicit permission from STIB/MIVB.
No, the metro closes around midnight. However, during weekends, STIB operates the Noctis night bus network which covers many metro routes.
If you lose an item, you can fill out an online form on the STIB website or visit their Lost & Found office usually handled in partnership with the police or customer service.