Practical Information

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Arrival

Airplane: Belgium has several international airports, the largest being Brussels Airport in the center of the country. From Brussels, all destinations can be reached quickly by train or rental car.

Train: Belgium boasts the densest railway network in Europe. Trains run frequently to all corners of the country, with moderate ticket prices. The international connections are equally excellent, with the main train station being Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid. In addition to regional and national trains, high-speed trains like Thalys, Eurostar, TGV, and ICE operate here. Travel times to Brussels are 2 hours from Amsterdam, 1:50 hours from Cologne, 3:15 hours from Luxembourg, 1:20 hours from Paris, and 2:20 hours from London.

Bus: Belgium is regularly and frequently served by many travel companies.

Car: Belgium has one of Europe’s densest motorway networks, and there are no tolls. Driving times to Brussels are 2 hours from Amsterdam, 2 hours from Cologne, 2:30 hours from Luxembourg, 3:30 hours from Paris, and 5:30 hours from London. Note: Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent have environmental zones (LEZ) that require free online registration.

Ferries: There is a ferry connection between the United Kingdom and Belgium, from Kingston upon Hull to Zeebrugge. The French city of Calais, with its Eurotunnel and ferry port to Dover (UK), is only 50 kilometers from the Belgian border. The distance from Calais to Dover is just 40 kilometers. There are also ferry connections to Dunkirk, which is only 15 kilometers from the Belgian border.

Public Transport

Belgium’s cities have very well-developed public transport systems, including commuter trains, metros, trams, and buses. In some cities, also cable cars.

Taxis are widely available, can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked by phone. Additionally, various car rental companies offer app-based booking options.

Tourist Information

Visiting the official tourist information office in each city is highly recommended. They provide staff assistance, brochures, and often discounted combination tickets for public transport, museums, and other attractions.

Safety

Belgium’s safety level is comparable to other Western European countries, including a diffuse risk of gang crime and terrorist attacks. In larger cities, petty crime like pickpocketing is common, particularly at train stations and in crowded areas. Be cautious or avoid known problem areas in Brussels, Antwerp, Charleroi, and Liège. Elsewhere, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, Belgium is generally very peaceful.

Emergency Contacts:
Police: 101
Card Stop: +32 78 170 170
Ambulance and Fire Brigade: 112
On-call Doctor: 1733
Pharmacies: pharmacie.be

Opening Hours

Shops in Belgium are generally open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some extending their hours (especially in pedestrian zones and shopping centers). On Sundays, owner-operated shops in tourist areas may open from midday to the afternoon, while chains remain closed. Some larger supermarkets are open on Sunday.

Restaurants and bars have variable opening hours and are often closed or operate with reduced hours on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Museums usually open from 10 AM to 5 PM (last entry). Most museums are closed on Mondays, with some closing on Tuesdays instead.

Currency and Payment

The currency in Belgium is the Euro. Foreign currencies are typically not accepted. EC and credit cards are widely accepted but confirm in advance.

Tipping

In restaurants, a 10% service charge is always included in the bill. Otherwise, a tip of around 10% is customary.

Time Zone

In Belgium the standard time is Central European Time (UTC+01:00). Belgium observes Summer Time from the last Sunday in March (02:00 CET) to the last Sunday in October (03:00 CEST).