Antwerp's public transport has an unusual character: part of its tram network runs underground through a premetro — a pre-metro system of tunnels built in the 1970s and 1980s in anticipation of a full metro conversion that never came. The result is a hybrid city, where surface trams dip beneath the main squares before re-emerging, all managed by De Lijn and supplemented by an extensive bus network. Antwerp is also very cycleable, with flat terrain and a good bikeshare system.
The Premetro: Underground Trams
Antwerp's distinctive feature is its premetro — a system of underground tunnels where trams run like a metro, with platform-level boarding and no surface traffic delays. The main tunnel runs beneath the city centre, connecting Astrid (near the central station) through Groenplaats (the main square) and Schipperskwartier to the south. Several tram lines use this shared tunnel, making the underground sections the most frequent part of the network.
Above ground, the same tram lines continue on surface tracks through the neighbourhoods, operating like conventional trams. The transition between underground and surface operation is seamless for passengers — you simply stay on board. The underground stations have a distinctive utilitarian-brutalist aesthetic that has acquired a cult following among transit enthusiasts.
The main premetro stations to know are:
- Centraal Station (above ground — not on the premetro, but the main rail hub)
- Astrid — the main interchange below ground, beneath the diamond district
- Opera — beneath the historic centre, near the main theatre
- Groenplaats — central square access, close to the Cathedral of Our Lady
- Meir — the main shopping street surface level
Tram Lines
De Lijn operates numerous tram routes in Antwerp. The most useful for visitors run through the premetro tunnel and surface across the city:
- Tram 2 and 6: serve the northern port area and connect through the tunnel to the south. Tram 2 goes to Hoboken in the south; Tram 6 serves the Berchem area.
- Tram 3: a long line running from the Luchtbal area in the north through the tunnel and south to Mortsel.
- Tram 5: connects the Linkeroever (left bank) via the pre-tunnel system.
- Tram 7 and 9: serve the newer southern and western areas.
- Tram 15: a ring route circling parts of the city outside the tunnel area.
Surface trams run through the old harbour area (Eilandje), the fashion district (Nationalestraat), and out to the southern suburbs. The night network is limited, so if you are out late in the Eilandje or 't Zuid neighbourhoods, a taxi or rideshare may be your best option after midnight.
City Buses
De Lijn buses cover the areas between tram lines and reach suburban Antwerp, Berchem, Deurne, Merksem and the left bank (Linkeroever) across the Scheldt. For visitors, buses are most useful for the outer districts and neighbourhoods the trams don't serve directly.
A number of night bus routes operate on Friday and Saturday nights, connecting the city centre with major residential areas after the regular network closes. Check the De Lijn app for the current night routes, as they differ from the day network.
Getting to and from Antwerp
Unlike many European cities, Antwerp doesn't have its own commercial airport. Brussels Airport (Zaventem, BRU) is the most commonly used airport, about 45 km south and reachable by frequent direct train from Antwerp Centraal in around 35–45 minutes. This is the most reliable connection, with trains running regularly throughout the day.
Eindhoven Airport (EIN) in the Netherlands is used by some low-cost carriers and is reachable in about 1h15–1h30 by bus or train via Eindhoven. Charleroi Airport (Brussels South) is more distant and less convenient.
Within the city, Antwerp Centraal is served by Intercity trains from Brussels (around 40 minutes), Ghent and other Belgian cities, and by Thalys high-speed trains from Paris. The station itself, with its cathedral-like glass and iron interior, is a tourist attraction in its own right.
Tickets and Passes
De Lijn uses a single ticket system covering trams and buses across the Antwerp zone. Tickets can be bought in several ways:
- Single ticket (bought in advance): the standard option, valid for one journey with transfers within 60 minutes.
- SMS ticket: available via text in Belgium — a legacy option that still works.
- 10-trip card: loaded onto a De Lijn card at a discounted price per journey.
- Day pass: unlimited travel for 24 hours — useful for a full day of sightseeing across the city.
- 3-day and weekend passes: available for short stays.
- Buying on board: a surcharge applies for tickets purchased directly from the driver — avoid this if you can.
The De Lijn app accepts contactless bank cards and allows mobile ticket purchase. Cards can also be loaded at machines in underground premetro stations.
Velo Bikeshare
Antwerp's city bikeshare is called Velo, with hundreds of docking stations spread across the inner city and surrounding neighbourhoods. The city is flat — genuinely flat, not just relatively flat by Belgian standards — making cycling practical for almost everyone. Velo offers day and week passes and is well integrated with the public transport network.
The route along the Scheldt river and through the MAS museum area in the old dock district is particularly pleasant by bike, as is cycling through the old town to the Cathedral and the Groenplaats.
Tips for getting around Antwerp
- The premetro is significantly faster than surface trams for crossing the city centre — use it whenever possible.
- Antwerp Centraal is not directly on the tram network — plan a short walk or a tram connection via Astrid.
- Brussels Airport to Antwerp by train is fast and easy; it is often the simplest airport connection for visitors.
- Buy tickets in advance: on-board fares are higher than pre-purchased ones.
- The Eilandje (old port/MAS area) and 't Zuid (galleries and restaurants) are walkable from the centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Antwerp premetro?
The premetro is a system of underground tunnels in Antwerp's city centre where standard trams run like a metro — with underground stations, faster journeys and no road traffic. Several tram lines share the tunnel before returning to the surface in the outer districts.
Does Antwerp have its own airport?
Antwerp has a small regional airport (ANR) but commercial flights are very limited. Most visitors use Brussels Airport (Zaventem), connected to Antwerp Centraal by direct train in around 35–45 minutes.
Can I use the same De Lijn ticket on trams and buses?
Yes. A single De Lijn ticket is valid on both trams (including the premetro underground sections) and buses within the Antwerp zone, with free transfers for 60 minutes from validation.
Is Antwerp good to explore on a bicycle?
Yes. The city is flat, has a good bikeshare system (Velo), and has been investing in cycle infrastructure. The riverside route and the old dock area are particularly good for cycling.
Sources and further reading:
- De Lijn — tram and bus routes, timetables and ticket prices at delijn.be
- Velo bikeshare Antwerp — station map and subscriptions at velo-antwerpen.be
- NMBS/SNCB — Belgian rail connections between Antwerp and Brussels at belgiantrain.be
- For Schengen and border considerations when travelling between Belgium and the Netherlands: Schengen 90/180-day rule explained.