Brussels Bruxelles - Amsterdam Bruges and Brussels - page 383

Getting Around Brussels
Most of central Brussels' sights are walkable. But public transport
is handy for connecting the train stations, climbing to the Upper
Town (bus #95 from the Bourse), or visiting sights outside the
central core. To reach these outlying sights, such as the European
Parliament, take the Métro or jump on a hop-on, hop-off tour bus
from Central Station (described under “Tours,” next page; check
tour bus route map to make sure it covers the sights you want to
see). On summer weekends, a charming old-time trolley goes out
to the Royal Museum of Central Africa (see page 396).
By Métro, Bus, Tram, and Train: A single €1.50 ticket is
good for one hour on all public transportation—Métro, buses,
trams, and even trains shuttling between Brussels' three train
stations (notice the time when you first stamp it, stamp it again
if you transfer lines, buy single tickets on buses or at Métro sta-
tions). Deals are available at the TI at Rue de Marché-aux-Herbes
63 and at Métro stations: an all-day pass for €4.20 (cheaper than
three single tickets; on Sat-Sun and holidays, this pass covers
two people); or a 10-ride card for €11. The free Métro Tram Bus
Plan is excellent; pick it up at either TI or any Métro station. In
2009, the Mobib swipe-card system will be introduced (similar
to London's Oyster card), allowing you to use a “refillable” plastic
card to pay for public transit (transit info: tel. [phone], www
.mivb.be).
Brussels' Métro has three lines that run mostly east-west: 1A
(Roi Baudouin-Debroux), 1B (Erasmus-Stokkel), and the circular
2 (Simonis-Clemenceau). A series of tram lines run north-south
through the city center, connecting the Métro lines and the Nord,
Central, and Midi train stations. Whether you're on a Métro train,
bus, or tram, validate your ticket when you enter, feeding it into
the breadbox-size orange machines.
Near the Grand Place are two transportation hubs: Central
Station and the Bourse. Those staying in hotels northwest of the
Grand Place have good access to the Métro system at the De
Brouckère and Ste. Catherine stops.
B y Ta x i : Drivers in big-city Brussels are happy to take you
for a ride; find out the approximate cost to your destination before
you head out. Cabbies charge a €2.40 drop fee, as well as €1.35 per
additional kilometer. After 22:00, you'll be hit with a €2 surcharge.
You'll pay about €10 to ride from the center to the European
Parliament. Convenient taxi stands are at the Bourse (near Grand
Place) and at Place du Grand Sablon (in the Upper Town). To call
a cab, try Taxi Bleu (tel. [phone]).