Welcome to Antwerp!
Public transport and moving around
On this page, you will find the following information:
Bus, trams, subway and train
Airports
Taxis
Bicycles
Shared electric scooters
Cars
Contact
Student Support
Public transport
Bus, tram, subway and train
Public transport in Antwerp is operated by De Lijn, the Flemish public transport company, which runs the city’s buses, trams, and metro. The National Railway Company of Belgium (Dutch: Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen, NMBS) is the national railway company of Belgium.
Bus, tram and subway
Timetables, routes and fares are available on the De Lijn website and in the app (iOS and Android), where you can also purchase your ticket. Tickets cannot be bought from the driver.
There is also a De Lijn office at Central Station.
Trains
The railway stations of Antwerp and Berchem are easy to reach by train from every location in Belgium.
Central Station (international railway station)
🏠︎ Koningin Astridplein
Berchem Station
🏠︎ Uitbreidingstraat
Zuid Station
🏠︎ Desguinlei - Jan Denucéstraat
Schedules, fares and reservations can be found on the NMBS website and in the app (iOS and Android).
Getting to Linkeroever (left bank)
There are several ways to reach Linkeroever (left bank), where Sint-Anna beach is located.
Tram: Lines 3, 5, 9 or 15 with departure at Groenplaats (underground)
Pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt, entrance at Sint-Jansvliet (near Oever and Hoogstraat)
Bicycle tunnel under the Scheldt, entrance at Sint-Jansvliet or Ledeganckkaai
Ferry: A free ferry runs every thirty minutes from pontoon near Steenplein to the jetty at Frederik Van Eedenplein
Airports
The international airport of Brussels in Zaventem is 40 km away from Antwerp. There are many options to reach Antwerp.
Other airports are Antwerp International Airport in Deurne-Antwerpen and Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Gosselies-Charleroi.
Airport Express
The Airport Express shuttle bus drives to the centre of Antwerp (Rooseveltplaats platform B5) every two hours on every day (also on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays). Travel time is approx. 45 minutes.
Cost: € 10
Train from Zaventem to Antwerp
The Diabolo train runs between the airport and Antwerp Central Station. On working days, there are two trains every hour, during the weekend only one. Travel time is approx. 35 minutes.
Cost: € 13 (one way)
Airport taxi
If you would like to be picked up from or driven to Brussels Airport, Student Support can arrange an airport taxi for you at your own expense. For more details, please contact Student Support.
Fares from Brussels Airport to Antwerp start at around €90.
See the section below for more information on taxis.
Taxis
Taxis are very expensive. Tips are included in the fare. Taxis are located at certain places in the city, e.g., near Central Station and Groenplaats.
Bicycles
Anyone may ride a bicycle in Belgium.
Second-hand bikes
You can buy second-hand bicycles at several shops in the city.
Fietsen Den Aap
🏠︎ Kronenburgstraat 5, 2000 Antwerp
☎ +32(0)3 237 29 34
https://www.fietsendenaap.be/
Bikedeals
🏠︎ Klapdorp 58, 2000 Antwerp
☎ +32(0)3 337 07 34
http://www.bikedeals.be/
De Wielredders
🏠︎ Paardenmarkt 24, 2000 Antwerp
☎ +32(0)3 435 26 01
https://en.dewielredders.be/
Some shops may offer to buy back your bike for up to half the purchase price.
Important: Bicycle theft is a serious issue in Antwerp. Always lock your bike securely. A U-shaped lock is considered the safest option.
Bikes that are found in the city and remain unclaimed by their owners are resold after three months. Check availability at https://www.dewielredders.be/#aanbod
Sharing or renting a bike
Velo
Velo is Antwerp’s city-wide bike-sharing system for short trips. With a Velo subscription and an activated card (register via the website), you can pick up a bike at any Velo station and return it to another. Each ride is limited to 30 minutes.
You can choose between day, week, or year passes:
Day and week pass users receive a code to use at the terminal (not a physical card).
Year passes can be purchased online or at the Velo office (payment by debit card). Please note that there may be a waiting list.
Velo stations are spread throughout Antwerp and its districts, making it a quick and affordable way to get around the city.
Velo Office
🏠︎ Vosseschijnstraat 16-20, 2030 Antwerpen
By appointment only
☎ +32 (0)3 206 50 30
https://www.velo-antwerpen.be/en
Renting a bike
Swapfiets Antwerp
🏠︎ Mechelseplein 10, 2000 Antwerp
https://swapfiets.be/
Repair included
Donkey Republic Antwerp
https://www.donkey.bike/
Shared electric scooters
In Antwerp, you will also find shared e-scooters that can be rented through mobile apps. They are a convenient way to get around the city quickly, but it is important to follow the rules. Riding on the pavement is not allowed, and it is forbidden to ride with two people on one e-scooter. After use, you must park the e-scooter in a designated drop zone within the “Leien” area; leaving them elsewhere may result in a fine.
Although shared e-scooters are popular, they can be dangerous if not used carefully. Every year, a large number of accidents occur, often because of excessive speed or careless riding. Always wear extra protection if possible, pay attention to traffic, and use them with caution.
E-scooter providers
Cars
Renting a car
To drive a car in Belgium, you must hold a Belgian or European driving licence. The minimum age is 18 years. Car insurance with unlimited third-party liability is mandatory.
Speed limits in Flanders (unless otherwise indicated):
120 km/h on motorways
70 km/h on other roads
50 km/h in built-up areas
30 km/h near schools
Renting a car in Belgium is very expensive. Always check the leasing contract carefully, along with the required documents. In the event of an accident, you are covered by the leasing company’s insurance, but you remain responsible for the franchise (deductible), which must be paid by you.
Buying a car
Buying a new car in Belgium is very expensive, so many people choose to buy a used (second-hand) car as an alternative.
Every vehicle must be registered with the Vehicle Registration Authority (Direction Immatriculation des Véhicules, DIV) before it can legally be driven on the road. Registration must also be updated whenever the ownership of the vehicle changes.
At least third-party vehicle insurance is mandatory. It is the car owner’s responsibility to obtain this insurance.
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