If you’re planning a trip and want to explore without spending a fortune, you’re in the right place. Luckily, getting around Brussels doesn’t have to be expensive.
From hopping on the metro to enjoying a leisurely bike ride or simply strolling through its picturesque streets, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to help you make the most of your visit.
In this guide, I’ll share the best and cheapest ways to travel around Brussels, so you can focus on enjoying every moment in this beautiful city without worrying about your wallet. Let’s dive in and start your adventure!
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Table of Contents
Cultivating Savings with Travel Cards
Travel cards can help you save money while exploring Brussels. These handy passes offer discounts and perks that make getting around easier and cheaper. Let’s see what are there:
The Benefits of the Brussels Card
The Brussels Card is your ticket to savings in the city. You get free entry to over 49 museums and reductions on tours, restaurants, shops, and attractions. This can save you lots of cash if you plan to stay for several days and see many sights.
You can choose cards valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, pick the length that fits your trip. Some versions, as you can see in the table below, include free public transport too. This saves you from buying separate transit tickets.
The great thing about the Brussels Card is that it lets you skip lines at popular spots, saving you time and stress on busy days. It’s a great deal if you want to pack in lots of activities.
| Card Type | 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Without Transport Includes 49 free museums | €33 | €44 | €51 |
| With Unlimited Transport Includes 49 free museums Public Transport Types: Metro, buses, trams, and **SNCB/NMBS trains within Brussels and to nearby areas (outskirts) | €33 (extra €8.50 for transport) | €44 (extra €16 for transport) | €51 (extra €20.30 for transport) |
| Hop on Hop off Tourist Bus (Tootbus) | €27 | €32 | €36 |
- Click on the icons to see the cities and neighborhoods zone
- The Pink is the Bruspass card zone and the Blue is the Bruspass XL zone.
Making the Most of Mobib
Mobib is Brussels’ smart card for public transport. It’s a must-have for getting around cheaply. You can load different ticket types onto your Mobib card (Bruspass card and Bruspass XL).
Single rides, day passes, and multi-day passes are all options. Choose what works best for your plans. The card is easy to use – just tap it when you enter stations or buses.
Mobib works on all public transport in Brussels. This includes metros, trams, and buses. You can even use it for trains within the city or outskirts with the Bruspass XL as shown in the table below.
You can buy a Mobib card at any metro station and reload it at stations or some shops. It’s reloadable, reusable, and valid for about 5 years, so keep it for future trips to Brussels.
| Feature | MOBIB Card | Brupass | Brupass XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A rechargeable transport card. | A ticket or pass for Brussels city. | A ticket or pass for Brussels + outskirts. |
| Coverage | All transport systems (metro, tram, bus, train). | STIB/MIVB (metro, tram, bus), SNCB/NMBS trains, De Lijn, TEC (in Brussels). | STIB/MIVB, SNCB/NMBS trains, De Lijn, TEC (Brussels + outskirts). |
| Price Range | €6 (card only, tickets extra). | – €2.60 (single journey) – €9.10 (1-day pass) – €18.20 (10 journeys) – €65 (1-month pass) – €650 (12-month pass) | – €3.50 (single journey) – €24.50 (10 journeys) – €91 (1-month pass) – €910 (12-month pass) |
| Validity | Valid for 5 years (card only). | Based on the ticket or pass you load. | Based on the ticket or pass you load. |
| Ideal for | Any traveler using public transport. | Staying within Brussels. | Traveling between Brussels and its outskirts. |
Public Transport Ticket: How Much Will You Pay?
If you are not interested in buying a Brussels card or a MOBIB, you can purchase a single ticket either physically at any station or in contactless payment systems with your credit card or smartphone. Now, let’s see the approximate prices below for each type of public transport so that you can compare what suits you best for getting around Brussels on a budget.
| Ticket Type | Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket (bought at a machine) | €2.10 | Metro stations, STIB/MIVB BOOTIK, KIOSK, and GO |
| Single Ticket (bought at sales points) | €2.60 | Sales points (STIB/MIVB outlets) |
| 24-hour Travel Pass | €7.50 | Available at metro stations, STIB/MIVB BOOTIK, KIOSK, and GO |
| GO2CITY 1 Journey (from airport) | €7.00 (contactless) | Available at stations, machines, or contactless payment |
| GO2CITY 1 Journey (paper ticket) | €7.50 | Available at stations, machines, or sales points |
| Noctis Night Network (daytime rates) | Same as daytime rates | Available at metro stations, STIB/MIVB BOOTIK, KIOSK, and GO |
NOTE: In Brussels, a single ticket is for one-way travel only. So, you can get from your starting point to your destination, but it doesn’t cover the return trip. If you’re planning to go back, you’ll need to buy another single ticket or grab a 24-hour travel pass for unlimited travel all day.
NOTE: You can change lines or modes of transport (metro, tram, or bus) without needing a new ticket. Just keep in mind that it’s valid for one continuous trip from your starting point to your destination. However, if you exit the metro system or leave the network, you will need to buy a new ticket for the next leg of your journey.
Walking Tours: Exploring Brussels on a Budget
Walking tours are a great way to see Brussels without spending much money. Many popular sights, parks, and museums are close to each other, making it easy to visit Brussels on foot.
Walking tours
You have several options for budget-friendly walking tours in Brussels. Free guided tours are popular, usually lasting 2 to 3 hours. They cover major sights like the Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace. Local guides share fascinating stories about the city, and you simply tip what you feel the tour is worth at the end.
For a more organized experience, standard guided tours generally cost between €15 and €30 per person for 2-3 hours. If you prefer a private tour, prices typically range from €100 to €300, depending on the group size and duration.
Self-guided tours are another affordable option and if you take this path, you’ll find free maps and routes online or at tourist offices. This lets you explore at your own pace and focus on what interests you most.
If you are a food lover, some walking tours combine sightseeing with tastings of Belgian specialties like chocolate or waffles. These tours usually cost between €40 and €100 per person and can be a delicious way to discover the city’s culinary scene.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, even in cooler weather. Brussels is compact and easy to explore on foot, making walking tours a fun and economical way to experience the city.
Cycling in Brussels: An Affordable and Eco-Friendly Option
Riding a bike in Brussels is a great way to save money and help the environment. It’s cheap, fun, and lets you see the city up close.
Cycling in the City
Brussels is very bike-friendly. There are lots of bike lanes and paths to keep you safe. You can rent a bike easily if you don’t have your own.
Many shops and stations offer rentals for a day or longer, with prices typically ranging from €3 to €4 per hour for a traditional bike, and €8 to €10 for a full-day rental. Electric bikes tend to cost a bit more, around €5 to €6 per hour or €12 to €17 per day.
The city has several great bike-sharing systems, such as Villo, CyCloBike, Bike Square Brussels, and many more! It’s cheap and easy to use. You can pick up and drop off bikes at stations all over Brussels.
Cycling lets you visit famous spots like the Grand Place or Atomium without spending money on taxis or buses. You can also explore green areas like the Bois de la Cambre park.
Brussels is pretty flat, so it’s not too hard to bike around. Just watch out for cobblestone streets in some parts of town. They can be bumpy!
Remember to follow traffic rules and use bike lights at night. Wear a helmet to stay safe. With a bit of care, you’ll have a great time seeing Brussels by bike.
Getting around Brussels can be pricey, but taxis and rideshares offer different options. Let’s look at how they stack up cost-wise so you can pick the best choice for your wallet.
Taxi
Most taxis in Brussels use meters to figure out your fare. A typical 5km ride costs about 16.50 euros. The price depends on how far you go and how long you wait in traffic.
For a trip from the airport to the center, you might pay around 55 euros on average. Some companies offer fixed rates, which can be nice if you want to know the cost upfront.
Taxi prices can add up fast, especially for longer trips. But they’re easy to find and you don’t need an app to use them.
Uber
Uber is a popular rideshare option in Brussels. It often costs less than taxis, especially for longer rides.
You can see the price before you book, which helps avoid surprises. Uber’s rates change based on how busy it is, so you might pay more during rush hour.
Using Uber can save you money, especially if you’re traveling with friends and can split the fare. It’s also handy because you can track your ride and pay through the app.
Remember, prices can vary a lot depending on when and where you’re going. It’s smart to check both taxi and Uber rates for your specific trip to find the best deal.
Brussels has lots of great apps to help you get around cheaply. Let’s look at some useful ones for your trip.
For public transport, try the STIB/MIVB app. It shows bus and tram times and lets you buy tickets right on your phone. No need to hunt for a ticket machine!
The Visit Brussels app is a handy city guide. It lists free events and budget-friendly attractions. You can even make your own travel plan with it.
Looking for cheap eats in Brussels? Too Good To Go helps you find discounted food from restaurants and shops that would otherwise go to waste. Yummy deals and less food waste!
For getting around on two wheels, check out bike-sharing apps like Villo! or Billy Bike. Pedaling is often faster than sitting in traffic, and it’s good exercise too.
Google Maps works well in Brussels for walking directions. But CityMapper can be even better for combining walking with public transport options.
Don’t forget about ride-sharing. Uber operates in Brussels, and the local option Heetch can sometimes be cheaper for short trips.
With these apps, you’ll zip around Brussels like a local – without breaking the bank!
Final Wolds!
To conclude, if you plan to stay primarily in the center, getting around on foot or by bicycle is super affordable and quite straightforward. However, if you wish to venture a bit further and explore other beautiful neighborhoods, public transport options like trams and buses provide an affordable way to reach your destinations. Taxis can be a cost-effective choice if you share the ride with friends or fellow passengers.
Welcome to TravelOnQuest.Com! I’m Simone, and I am here to help you plan your dream European adventure without breaking the bank. Join me as we uncover hidden gems, must-see attractions, and insider tips for creating unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or with friends, let’s connect and make your budget-friendly European escapade a reality.
This is a super helpful guide for budget-conscious travelers in Brussels! A couple of questions that came to mind: For someone visiting Brussels for just one day, do you think the Brussels Card is worth it, or would single tickets and walking tours be a better choice? Also, are there any hidden fees or limitations with the bike-sharing systems like Villo that visitors should be aware of? These details could help readers make more informed decisions!
Hi Herman,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful questions! I’m glad you found the guide helpful.
For a one-day visit to Brussels, the Brussels Card could be worth it if you plan to visit multiple museums or attractions that are included in the pass. However, if you focus more on exploring the city through walking tours or just soaking in the sights, single tickets for public transport and a guided or self-guided walking tour might be a more cost-effective option. It really depends on how packed your schedule is and what kind of experience you’re looking for!
As for the Villo bike-sharing system, it’s a fantastic way to get around Brussels, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. While the first 30 minutes of each ride are usually free with a subscription, any additional time is charged incrementally, so it’s good to plan shorter trips between docking stations. Also, be sure to check if the docking stations near your destination have available slots, as they can occasionally be full. Lastly, keep an eye on the condition of the bikes before renting to avoid surprises.
I hope that helps! If you have more questions, feel free to ask—I’m happy to help!