Getting around · Antwerp · Belgium
Getting around Antwerp
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Klaus Graf, CC BY 2.5
Quick answer
Antwerp's centre is compact and walkable from Central Station to the river in about 25 minutes. De Lijn trams and premetro lines cover the city, Velo shared bikes are everywhere, and trains link it to the rest of Belgium and the Netherlands. No.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Walking
- Airports
- BRU, ANR, CRL
- Need a car?
- No
- Travel pass
- Antwerp City Card
Ways to get around
Walking
The Meir links Central Station to the old town; the Grote Markt, cathedral, Plantin-Moretus, Het Steen and the fashion district are all within 10–15 minutes of each other.
Tram
De Lijn trams, some running underground as the premetro, connect the station, old town, Het Zuid, Eilandje, Berchem and the left bank.
Buy tickets in the De Lijn app, by text message or at machines before boarding; they are not sold on board.
Cycling
Velo Antwerpen bike-share has many stations across the city, and the centre has an extensive cycle network.
Day and week Velo passes are available online for visitors.
Train
Antwerp Central has fast trains to Brussels, Ghent, Bruges and Mechelen and international trains to Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Car
The city has a low-emission zone and limited, costly parking; most visitors do not need a car.
Tickets and passes
Antwerp City Card
A 24-, 48- or 72-hour card with free entry to many museums and attractions; check whether public transport is included in the version you buy.
From the airport
Brussels Airport is about 40 km south; direct trains reach Antwerp Central in about 35–40 minutes. Antwerp's small airport (ANR) is a short bus or taxi ride from the centre. Brussels South Charleroi is about two hours away by coach or train via Brussels.
Do you need a car?
No. Walking, trams, Velo bikes and trains cover the city and day trips, and the low-emission zone and parking costs make driving in the centre a burden.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | About 40–50 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central |
| Ghent | About 50 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central or Berchem |
| Bruges | About 1 hour 20 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central, sometimes with a change in Ghent |
| Mechelen | About 15–20 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central or Berchem |
| Lier | About 15 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central |
| Rotterdam | About 1 hour by train | Direct train from Antwerp Central |
| Leuven | About 45–60 minutes by train | Train from Antwerp Central, often via Mechelen |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Antwerp?
No. Walking, trams, Velo bikes and trains cover the city and day trips, and the low-emission zone and parking costs make driving in the centre a burden.
+How do you get from the airport to Antwerp?
Brussels Airport is about 40 km south; direct trains reach Antwerp Central in about 35–40 minutes. Antwerp's small airport (ANR) is a short bus or taxi ride from the centre. Brussels South Charleroi is about two hours away by coach or train via Brussels.
+What is the best way to get around Antwerp?
Walking: The Meir links Central Station to the old town; the Grote Markt, cathedral, Plantin-Moretus, Het Steen and the fashion district are all within 10–15 minutes of each other.