Great Transport System (Transports in Brussels)

Member Name: Catmantes

Product:	Transports in Brussels
Date:	15/02/02 (652 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Clean , Efficient, Safe

Disadvantages: Disabled access lacking

I have just returned from Brussles from a four day trip and the transport system really left me very impressed.
To start, get a one day ticket, which cost me Euro 2,40, and once validated at the (open) ticket gate, one was free to roam around Brussels on train, tram, bus, metro.
At first, being new in any city, I felt safer and more confident in taking the metro. Easy to use, to understand and less likely to get lost I thought. But then the metro only really crosses town to connect up with railway stations and major transport hubs and you don't get to see anything of the city.
The Tram system is fantastic. First of all ask for a Plan at the tram/metro station. Each stop is named, so you can follow your progress or journey very easily.
There are tramlines all over and you get from the centre to anywhere fast, and better still, it's simple to jump on a tram and going around the city, by-passing the centre, to get from place to place.
I found the transport system, quick, cheap, clean and above all safe. Catching a bus in England is a threatening experience some times, but being on a tram in Brussels wasn't at all.

Changing between trams and modes of transport is simple. For example at Montgomery (big transport hub in East Brussels) you get off the metro and follow the tram sign and number and you appear above ground right by the tram stop. A few minutes and your tram appears. Really well organised and thought out.

Here are a few recommendations for trips around Brussels:

Tram 44 - goes from Montgomery (east Brussels, change from metro or other trams) to Trevuren. Beautiful tram ride through exclusive eastern suburbs of Brussels, lots of embassies and mansions, and official residences tucked behind bushes, trees, hedges and lawns. Tram continues past Parc de Woluwe. A great park with a tram museum, lakes and woods. Great for the children. Continue on through Foret de Soignes to Trevuren. Pretty village/subu
rb in amongst the forest with an impressive African museum, parks, gardens and lakes, where you can hire boats. Perfect Sunday afternoon trip. This is a part of Brussels very few get to see. Foret de Soignes is spectacular during summer and Brussels is unrivalled in having a forest so close to the centre. If you want to do a tram ride, this is the best one in Brussles and you will not forget the ride. Journey time from Montgomery to Trevuren: 15 minutes.

Tram 81: Montgomery to Heysel via City Centre.
This is a useful tram line. But be warned it time can drag from Montgomery to Gare du Midi, before the line goes underground and travels through the city center.
It is a useful tramline to get you to Heysel. Catch the 81 tram from the city center underground section. The tramline travels quickly through Bruseels north-eastern suburbs and quickly gets you to Heysel in about 15 minutes. This is, where the line ends and it?s a five minute walk to the Atomium and the exhibition area, where Mini-Europe is located (a theme park of miniature European monuments. Can be fun.). There are also great parklands as well, if you?re looking for a relaxing and refreshing afternoon.

Tram 93/94: Ixelles district, South Brussels and Bois de la Cambre.
Catch the 93/94 from the city center and tramlines travel straight along the Avenue Louise through the Ixelles district, one of Brussels wealthiest. If you stay on the tram long enough it will deposit straight to the wonderful Bois de la Cambre. Journey time: 20 minutes. Perfect if you want to recharge the batteries or take in some shopping afterwards in this upmarket southside suburb in Brussels.

Summary: