Transportation
Antwerp offers endless transportation options
We’ll have to gatekeep our Antwerp hotspots for a litter longer, because you should know how to get there first.
The city is very big on mobility, so your transportation options are endless.
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Jump to: Public transportation | Cars | Bikes | Electric scooters
Public transportation
A little side note: public transportation in Belgium isn’t always very reliable. If you really have to get somewhere on time, make sure to keep this in mind.
Trains/trams/busses might be late or could be cancelled.
Train
The central station is one of Antwerp’s biggest prides (Antwerpen-Centraal). Most campuses are nearby. The city’s train network counts 5 stops in total:
Make sure to check out where the most convenient train stop is (this will most likely be Antwerpen-Centraal).
You have to buy a ticket before getting on a train. You can do this at the station’s ticket office, the ticket machines or on the NMBS website/app. Online is the easiest way. Just fill in your departure point, destination, the date and the time under ‘my journey’. The NMBS (National Railway Company of Belgium) knows we’re broke, so students under the age of 26 can travel at a reduced rate.
Trams and busses
In Antwerp, the trams and buses are operated by De Lijn, the main public transport company in Flanders. With many lines throughout the city, you can easily reach important places like universities, student housing, and fun spots to hang out.
Before hopping on a tram or bus, you’ll need to purchase a valid ticket. There are several ways to get your tickets: De Lijn Ticket Machines (you can find these at main stops and stations), the De Lijn website, the De Lijn app or via SMS (text ‘DL’ to 4884 to receive your ticket).
Frequent travelers might want to consider a student subscription (<25 years) or ‘Buzzy Pazz’.
Cars
Getting around by car in Antwerp is super easy with options like Uber, taxis, Cambio, and Poppy.
Note: Antwerp has a Low Emission Zone to improve air quality, so some older, high-polluting vehicles are not allowed in the city center. With services like Cambio and Poppy, you don’t have to worry since their cars meet LEZ standards, but make sure to check the LEZ rules if you’re renting a car or using your own vehicle.
Taxis
Antwerps local taxi company is called Antwerp-Tax. You can find their taxis at major public transport stops, you can call 03 238 38 38 to book one or you can download the app. Taxi fares in Antwerp are regulated, so you can expect a consistent rate wherever you go. You can pay by card or cash.
Cambio
If you prefer driving yourself, Cambio is a great option. With Cambio, you can rent a car for a few hours or an entire day. You’ll need to sign up for a membership online. Then you can easily reserve a car via the app. There are multiply Cambio stations around the city. Perfect for trips to Ikea or exploring nearby cities.
Note: The car has to be picked up and dropped off at the same station.
Occasional drivers: ±50 km per month.
For drivers covering 50-300 km per month.
For frequent drivers: >300 km per month
Poppy
Prefer something eco-friendly and flexible? With Poppy, you can rent an electric car or van by the minute, hour, or even for an entire day. Simply download the app, register and find a nearby vehicle to start driving. You can pick up and drop off the car anywhere within the Poppy service area in Antwerp. Prices depend on the distance, the duration of the ride and on the size of the car.
Uber
Ubers are also available in Antwerp. Booking an Uber is super easy: download the app, set your destination and a driver will pick you up. Prices depend on distance and time.
Bikes
Owning a bike in Antwerp is a big plus! Most locals ride their bike everywhere. But don’t worry if you don’t have a bike of yourself. The city offers many other biking options.
Note: Make sure to always lock your bike. Bike theft is very common.
Note: Watch out for the tram rails! Make sure to cross them safely: with your wheels at a right (90°) angle.
Swapfiets
Swapfiets is a popular bike rental service in Antwerp, perfect for international students who need a reliable bike without having to buy one. You have to pay a monthly fee. This fee gets you a well-maintained bike and if anything goes wrong, Swapfiets will repair or replace it for free within 48 hours.
You have to register on the Swapfiets website or in the app. Then you can pick up your bike at a local Swapfiets store. If you ever have issues with your bike, just contact them, and they’ll swap it out or fix it.
Velo Antwerpen
Velo Antwerpen is a popular bike-sharing service. It offers a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate the city. you can easily pick up and drop off a bike at one of the many docking stations.
Before you start cycling, you’ll need to register for an account. You can do this through the website or app. To use a bike, simply find a nearby dock and unlock it with your app or membership card (send by post). You can look for available bikes and nearby docks in the app.
Note: Make sure to always correctly (the light has to be green) return your bike to avoid additional costs.
Donkey Republic
Donkey Republic is another great bike-sharing option in Antwerp. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to get around the city. You can pick up and return a bike at different drop-off locations across the city.
To get started, simply download the Donkey Republic app and create an account. Once registered, you can use the app to unlock a bike near you. When you’re done, just return the bike to a drop-off point and lock it via the app.
The prices depend on the duration of your ride. You can pay for separate rides (Just Ride), you can choose a Day Deal or you can get a subscription.
Note: Drop the bike off at an official location to avoid extra charges.
Electric scooters
Lime
Lime is an electric scooter-sharing service in Antwerp, that is quick and ecofriendly. You can find Lime scooters parked around the city and easily rent one using the Lime app.
To get started, download the Lime app, sign up and add a payment method. Once registered, simply use the app to find a scooter nearby, scan the QR code to unlock it and you’re ready to go! When you’ve reached your destination, park the scooter in a designated area and lock it via the app to end the ride.
Bird
Bird is an electric scooter-sharing service in Antwerp, that is quick and ecofriendly. You can find Bird scooters parked around the city and easily rent one using the Bird app. To get started, download the Bird app, sign up and add a payment method. Once registered, simply use the app to find a scooter nearby, scan the QR code to unlock it and you’re ready to go! When you’ve reached your destination, park the scooter in a designated area and lock it via the app to end the ride.