Antwerp Transportation Mastery: Complete Guide to Getting Around Like a Local

Master Antwerp transportation with this complete guide to trams, buses, cycling, and getting around like a local.

Published: 11/7/2025
Last Published: 11/11/2025
Updated: 11/11/2025
Reading time: 7 minutes
Word count: 1346 words
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Content type: AI-assisted
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Antwerp Transportation Mastery: Complete Guide to Getting Around Like a Local

Master Antwerp transportation with this complete guide to trams, buses, cycling, and getting around like a local.

Nov 11, 2025
7 min read
Welcome to Antwerp, a vibrant city where modern convenience meets historic charm. Whether you're here to explore its rich diamond history, stunning architecture, or vibrant cultural scene, mastering the city's transportation system will enhance your experience. This guide is designed for international tourists eager to navigate Antwerp like a local, offering detailed insights into public transit, cycling, walking, and more. From understanding ticketing systems to discovering hidden gems along the way, you'll find everything you need to make the most of your travel in this captivating Belgian city.
Antwerp Transportation Mastery: Complete Guide to Getting Around Like a Local

Public Transport in Antwerp

Antwerp boasts a comprehensive public transport network managed by De Lijn, offering trams, buses, and pre-metro options that make getting around the city seamless. The tram network is particularly efficient, connecting major neighborhoods such as Antwerp City Center and Old Town Antwerp. A single journey ticket costs approximately 3 EUR, valid for one hour, with options for day passes and multi-ride cards available for longer stays.

Cycling: The Local Way to Explore

Cycling is a popular mode of transport in Antwerp, offering a healthy and environmentally friendly way to see the city. The city is equipped with extensive bike lanes and the Velo bike-sharing system, with stations conveniently located throughout neighborhoods like Zurenborg and Het Zuid. Renting a Velo bike costs 4 EUR per day, making it an affordable option for exploring at your own pace.

Walking: Discover Antwerp on Foot

Antwerp's compact city layout makes it ideal for walking. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Town Antwerp or admire the Art Nouveau buildings of Zurenborg. Walking not only helps you soak in the local atmosphere but also uncovers hidden gems like quaint cafes and unique boutiques.

Driving and Car Rentals

While public transport and cycling are preferred by locals, renting a car is an option for those planning to explore the outskirts or visit neighboring cities. Major car rental companies operate at Antwerp's Central Station and the airport. Be mindful of the city's low emission zone, which restricts older vehicles from entering certain areas.

Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services

For a more personalized travel experience, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance, with fares starting around 3.50 EUR. Ride-sharing offers a convenient alternative, especially for late-night journeys or when traveling with luggage.

Navigating Antwerp's Train Network

Antwerp's Central Station is a major hub, connecting the city to national and international destinations. It's a beautiful landmark worth visiting, even if you're not catching a train. From here, frequent services run to Brussels, Ghent, and beyond. Consider booking tickets in advance to save on costs, especially for high-speed trains.

Local Insights and Tips

Join the locals at Eilandje for a scenic walk along the docks or head to Berchem for a taste of Antwerp's multicultural side. For budget-friendly travel, opt for a MOBIB card, which offers discounted fares on public transport. Don't miss the opportunity to explore less touristy areas like Linkeroever, accessible via a pedestrian tunnel under the river.

Popular Tours in Antwerp

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Private Tour in Antwerp, Belgium with a Local Guide

3h

Book a tour with a real local! My name is Erwin, I was born and raised here, I've been a licensed city guide since 2014 and I spend all my time, both professional and private, in this city. So it's safe to say I know this city really well. This tour can (and will be) completely personalized. The listing itinerary is a suggestion, but I will adapt the tour to your interests. Since it's private, anything is possible. WHY SHOULD YOU BOOK WITH ME? 1. You'll get a real local who spends all his time in this city. 2. I am an experienced city guide. 3. Especially if you love good food and amazing drinks, we're going to get along very well :-) 4. I will personally be your guide, I will not send anyone else. Come join your new local best friend for a truly local experience! My calendar tends to fill up quite quickly, so book earlier to have a higher chance I'm still available.

From
€320
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Antwerp Pub Crawl tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Antwerp Pub Crawl

2h

We stroll through the old town and visit historic pubs. It is also possible to start in a taproom of a brewery (Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie). Belgian beer is of obvious interest, but there are other local drinks to discover. Are you ready to explore? What is the secret to the brewing of such a good beer? And various styles: hoppy, sour and fruity, and mildly sweet. It's an unexpected conclusion. Listen, walk and taste. To stimulate your curiosity, the following are a few peculiar but facts. Thanks to the French Revolution, we can enjoy Trappist beer from Westmalle! Thanks to the losers of the local elections, Belgium has a wide range of high-quality beers! In each pub, we try something different. Advice will be given by the guide and pub owner in each case. But the choice is yours! Please note that at each pub visit, the customer (group or individual) treats the guide to a drink.

From
€60
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Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Private tour: Highlights & History of Antwerp

2h

This private tour is a great way to get the most out of your visit in Antwerp. Within 2 hours you will explore the main sights of the city while taking in history, legends and lots of interesting facts about Antwerp. Are you wondering why the city is called ‘The Diamond Capital’ or what made our baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens world-famous? Maybe you would like to know how the Port of Antwerp became one of the biggest around the globe? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion to make your stay simply unforgettable.

From
€87.5
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Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Bruges and Ghent Trips from Amsterdam via Brussels

8h

Bruges - vibrant UNESCO heritage city with typical Flemish stunning architecture, colorful houses picturesque streets, tasty food and unique Christmas market. Belfry o Bruges, thousand kinds of local beers, traditional handmade laces, well known giant draft horses, relic and iconic piece of canvas with residues of Christs blood. Explore "kingdom of chocolate" city from it's romantic canal-side strolls. Ghent - forever young medieval Brabant "students" city at confluence Scheldt and Leie rivers, traditional festivals site, "jelly noses" local sweets delicacy. Restaurants and cafe's heaven (more than 1200 ! ). Marvel Ghent Altarpiece the most stolen masterpiece in European art history, discover terrify historical fact about Ghent residents nickname 'noose carriers'.

From
€550
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Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour) tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour)

2h

Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. You can customize the tour or leave it to the local for an enlightening introduction to the city. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historical tours and experience the city through the eyes of a real local. Our local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and insights. The will offer an authentic and personal experience. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. - Private walking tour for just you and your group - Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality - Get a deeper insight into Antwerp life than possible alone - See Antwerp through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems

From
€54
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Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp tour image
10/10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp

1h 30m

Get off the beaten track and discover the dark side of Antwerp with your local guide. This walking tour is a great way to skip the touristy trail and get to know the more obscure side of Antwerp. During the 1.5h tour you will discover the city from a different perspective with its hidden gems and unique sights. Are you looking for adventure and breathtaking panoramic views? Would you like to hear some medieval legends or “spicy” stories from the Red Light District? Then this tour is for you! Our experienced guides are eager to share with you their knowledge and passion for the city to make your time truly special! IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash money. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

From
€2.99
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Accessibility in Antwerp

Antwerp is increasingly accessible for travelers with mobility needs. Many trams and buses are equipped with low floors, and key attractions offer wheelchair access. Always check ahead for specific venue facilities, and consider using the city's official resources for detailed accessibility information.

Conclusion: Mastering Antwerp Transportation

With its efficient public transport, bike-friendly streets, and walkable neighborhoods, Antwerp makes it easy for tourists to explore like a local. By understanding the different transport options and planning ahead, you can fully immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of history and modernity. Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, this guide ensures you have all the tools needed for a seamless travel experience.

MAS Museum, Antwerp

Museum aan de Stroom - Antwerp's waterfront museum

"Navigating Antwerp is like dancing to a familiar tune; each tram, bike, and cobbled street invites you to savor the city's vibrant rhythm. Embrace the local charm and let the city's heartbeat guide you through its hidden gems and bustling markets."

Sophie DeVries - Local Tour Guide

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