The STIB City Card for Riding the Be Brussels Metro: Everything You Need to Know

Brussels is an incredible and vibrant city with a ton of things to do and explore, and you can’t fully experience it without getting around like a local. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the STIB City Card is the perfect way to get around. This card provides unlimited use on Brussels’ public transportation system – including the metro – up to a month in length.So how does the STIB City Card work? What kind of discounts does it offer? Read on to find out all you need to know about Brussels’ public transit Visitor Card.

What is the STIB City Card?

The STIB City Card is a Visitor Card, launched by Belgium’s public transport company called Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles (STIB). It provides discounted fares for visitors to Brussels on the metro and other public transportation systems within the Brussels area. This STIB City Card has made it easier than ever for travelers to explore Brussels and its surroundings like a local.

How Does the STIB City Card Work?

The STIB City Card is purchased online from the STIB website. You’ll need to provide your personal information and credit card details to purchase the card. Once you have purchased the card, you can then choose one of the following timeframes: 24, 48, 72 or 168 hours, or 15 or 30 days. This determines how long the card is valid for and how much you will pay for it. The card will then start when you register it on a validating machine at a metro, tram or bus station. All you need to do is swipe your card and keep it with you at all times. This can be used on all public transportation within the city and the surrounding suburbs, including buses, trams, metros and most trains. You can also purchase a 1-day bonus ticket for additional traveling outside the metro network. For example, this includes day tours or trips outside of Brussels itself, such as Ghent and Bruges.

What are the Advantages of an STIB City Card?

The main advantage of an STIB City Card is that it gives visitors great discounts compared to regular fares and you don’t need to purchase individual tickets each time you need to ride public transportation in Brussels. The cost of an STIB City Card depends on the timeframe you choose:

• 24 hours card: Sunday – Thursday €14.00; Friday – Saturday €16.00
• 48 hours card: €23.00
• 72 hours card: €28.00
• 168 hours card: €45.00
• 1 month card: € 50.00

You will also get discounts on other events and experiences in Brussels, such as amusement parks, art galleries, and museums.

How Does the STIB City Card Compare to Other Fare Options?

Before purchasing an STIB City Card, it’s worth weighing it up against other options available to travelers in Brussels. There are two other fare options worth considering if you plan on using public transport frequently during your stay:

• M-Ticket: This ticket works similarly to the STIB City Card but can only be used on buses, trams, and metros within Brussels. The price of the M-Ticket depends on how many lines you wish to use but offers versatility and flexibility as you don’t need to commit your money to a timeframe.
• 10 Journey Ticket: If you only plan on using public transport a few times during your stay, then this could be the most cost effective option for you. This ticket can be purchased on buses, trams, and metros and is valid for 10 trips within Brussels.

It’s always worth comparing the prices of each ticket type before purchasing any fare ticket for use in Brussels.

What Are Some Things to Keep in Mind When Using an STIB City Card?

When using an STIB City Card, there are a few things you should be aware of so that you get the most out of your ticket and make sure that you stick to all of the rules.

1. Validate Your Ticket Multiple Times: It’s important that you validate your ticket every time you start a new trip on a public transport vehicle. Make sure that you’re doing this correctly so that your ticket doesn’t become invalid.
2. Select The Correct Route Option: When purchasing your ticket online, select the option for traveling within Brussels only if that is your intended route.
3. Visit Attractions in Off-Peak Hours: During peak travel hours in Brussels, the metro lines can become incredibly crowded. To avoid rush hour crowds and long queues, try visiting popular attractions in the evening or on weekdays when there are fewer people on the metro.
4. Bring Your Own Bottle/Cup: As with all public transportation systems, plastic water bottles are not allowed on board trains or trams. Bring a reusable cup or bottle with you to avoid being fined.
5. Follow Closing Hours: Make sure that you check which days metro lines are open and closed – some lines stop running after 8 pm while others operate later into the night.
6. Choose The Right Station: Some of Brussels’ train stations are split into two or more parts – choose the right station when heading out of town so that you don’t end up at the wrong destination.
7. Download Offline Maps: While you’re in Brussels, download offline maps from Google to help you get around more easily and quickly.

Using an STIB City Card is an excellent way to get around Brussels quickly and conveniently while visiting this great city. Its discounted fares make it a great value option for any traveler – but make sure to keep in mind these tips so that your experience is as smooth as possible! Why not make your trip extra special with an amazing activity from GetYourGuide, and join in with local culture during your stay in Brussels?