Brussels Metro Ticketing

Brussels Metro Ticketing

MoBIB is the STIB/MIVB electronic smart card, introduced in 2007, replacing the discontinued paper tickets. It uses contactless technology based on the Calypso system originally developed for Paris and is in some ways similar e.g. to the London's Oyster card. All metro stations, buses and trams have MoBIB readers.

There is a very wide range of ticket shares to meet different needs. The cost of travel with STIB/MIVB means of transport (metro, tram and bus) is calculated per hour. As long as the journey does not exceed one hour after the first validation of the ticket, it is possible, for example, to switch from a bus to a metro train within the STIB/MIVB network without paying a second time (i.e. a new validation is required but will not be charged). Each trip has a different cost depending on the type of support purchased. Passengers can purchase monthly passes, yearly passes, 1 and 10-trip tickets and daily and 3-day passes. These can be bought over the Internet, but require customers to have a smart card reader. GO vending machines accept coins, local and international chip and PIN credit and debit cards.

Moreover, a complimentary interticketing system means that a combined STIB/MIVB ticket holder can also use the train network operated by NMBS/SNCB and/or long-distance buses and commuter services operated by De Lijn or TEC, depending on the option. With this ticket, a single journey can include multiple stages across the different modes of transport and networks.

Following a successful trial in 2019, and expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now possible to pay for STIB/MIVB journeys using a contactless bank card.

Brussels Metro Rolling Stock

The Brussels Metro is served by 217 carriages of M1-M5 series, manufactured by La Brugeoise et Nivelles, ACEC, Bombardier Transportation, Alstom and CAF and delivered between 1976 and 1999, as well as 21 six-car trainsets of the new M6 series (also known as "Boa"), manufactured by CAF and delivered between 2007 and 2012. A new train type known as M7 series was commissioned on lines 1 and 5 in 2021 and will support full automation.

Brussels Metro Future

A new metro Line 3 is being created from Brussels-North through Schaerbeek towards Bordet. The plan was finally approved in 2013, aiming to start construction in 2018 and operation in 2022. Eventually, this would be linked up with a new southbound line to Uccle (Héros/Helden), which will not be finished before 2025. In 2021, the premetro line from Brussels-North to Albert, the route of tram lines 3 and 4, is being upgraded and will be incorporated into the new metro Line 3. The present Lemonnier station will be replaced by a new station named after Toots Thielemans under the Avenue de Stalingrad/Stalingradlaan.

Brussels Metro Overview

Brussels Metro Native Name:
Métro de Bruxelles (French)
Brusselse metro (Dutch)
Brussels Metro Locale: Brussels-Capital Region
Brussels Metro Transit Type: Rapid transit
Brussels Metro Number of Lines:
4 metro lines (M1, M2, M5, M6)
3 premetro lines (T3, T4, T7)
Brussels Metro Number of Stations: 59 (metro only)
69 (with premetro)
Brussels Metro Annual Ridership: 129.2 million (2022)
Brussels Metro Began Operation: 20 September 1976, 48 years ago
Brussels Metro Operator(s): STIB/MIVB
Brussels Metro Number of Vehicles: 66
Brussels Metro System Length:
39.9 km (24.8 mi) (metro only)
55.7 km (34.6 mi) (with premetro)
Brussels Metro Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Brussels Metro Electrification: 900 V DC third rail