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Country Guide > Europe > Belgium | |
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Travel - Internal Air As Belgium is such a small country, there are no internal flights. Bus services operate between Brussels airport to Antwerp, Ghent and Liège; see Travel – International section. Rail SNCB operates a dense railway network with regular trains on most lines. On the main lines there are more frequent trains. For more information contact Belgian Railways (tel: (2) 528 2828; fax: (2) 525 9313; website: www.b-rail.be) or Rail Europe (tel: (08708) 302 008; e-mail: reservations@raileurope.co.uk; website: www.raileurope.co.uk). Fares: First- and second-class, single and return tickets are available. However, a return ticket is double the single fare and is only valid on the day of issue. Children under 12 travel for free in second class (restrictions apply). Discount travel: Weekend return fares are available from Friday (after 1900) to Sunday for the outward journey and on Saturday and Sunday for the return journey (on long holiday weekends, these periods are extended). A 50 per cent reduction card is also for sale. It entitles the holder to buy an unlimited number of half-price single tickets. Go Pass offers preferential tariffs for 10 second-class trips within one year to people aged under 26. The Rail Pass offers preferential tariffs for 10 second-class trips within one year to people over 26. People aged 65 and over benefit from special tariffs. Road There are many different brands of petrol available, and prices vary. Traffic drives on the right. Main towns are connected by toll-free motorways. It is compulsory for seat belts to be worn in the front and back of vehicles. Children under 12 are not permitted to travel in the front seat of a car. A warning triangle must be displayed at the scene of a breakdown or accident. It is compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher or first aid kit in all vehicles. The speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways is 120kph (75mph) with a minimum speed of 70kph (45 mph), on single carriageways outside built-up areas is 90kph (55mph), and in built-up areas is 50kph (31mph). Trams always have priority on roads. Bus: Extensive regional bus services are operated by the bus companies which publish regional timetables. There are long-distance stopping services between towns. Taxi: Plentiful in all towns. The tip is included in the final meter price. If there are no taxi stands, taxi companies may be telephoned for an extra charge of about ¬2.5. Car hire: Both self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are available. The minimum age is 23 and the person must possess a valid full licence with at least one year of validity (and which will be required upon collection of the car). Documentation: A national driving licence is acceptable. EU nationals taking their own cars to Belgium must obtain a Green Card. The Green Card tops insurance cover up to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. Urban There is a good public transport system in all the major towns and cities, with underground, tram and bus services in Antwerp and Brussels, bus and tramways in Charleroi, Ghent and Ostend and bus systems elsewhere. There is a standard flat-fare system, with discounts for 5- and 10-journey multi-ride tickets. 1-day tickets and multi-mode tourist travelcards are also available. Travel times The following chart gives approximate travel times from Brussels (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Belgium and neighbouring countries.
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