Almost completed but never inaugurated, this ghost metro station remains one of Brussels’ best-kept secrets – but have you noticed the sign that betrays its existence?

Did you know that there's a ghost metro station in the STIB network? Although inaccessible to the public, the more observant among you may have noticed signs of its existence.

Inès Azouz • July 29, 2025

In a totally different style to the Pannenhuis metro station, Sainctelette is just as interesting. If you’re a frequent user of Brussels metro lines 2 or 6, you’ve probably already noticed the billboards on the platforms. Have you noticed that strange arrow pointing to the right? It’s hidden between the lights indicating the Yser and Ribaucourt stops. What if we told you it was Sainctelette, the one and only ghost metro station in the STIB network?

A brief history of Brussels’ ghost metro station

Built between 1980 and 1986, the Sainctelette metro station is one of Brussels’ hidden treasures, hidden beneath the Brussels-Charleroi canal. It’s the only ghost metro station in the Brussels network (well, some will have fun telling us about Bruxelles-Chapelle and Bruxelles-Congrès too…). Intended to operate on line 2 between the Yser and Ribaucourt stops, Sainctelette was never actually put into service. Despite its near-complete state, the STIB deemed it uncompetitive, being less than half a kilometer from its neighboring stations.

station de métro fantôme — Left Ribaucourt – © Nenea hartia | Right Yser – © Eigen Werk | Wikipedia

In 2009, a study launched by the Ministry of the Brussels-Capital Region envisaged its possible rehabilitation. The reason for this was the densification of Tour & Taxis’ activities – ultimately closer to the station than to Yser or Ribaucourt. But the result is clear: there will be no future for Sainctelette and its ghost metro. What about the original decision to spend money on building this station in the first place?

Keep your eyes peeled between Yser and Ribaucourt

For the more inquisitive among you, keep your eyes peeled as you pass Yser (or Ribaucourt, depending on which direction you’re facing)! From the windows of the metro carriage, you can see the station’s unfinished platforms and stairs. Sometimes, when the lights are on, you can see them even better! This lighting gives the place an even more ghostly aura.

Fancy a trip to Sainctelette? You’ll have to make do with the tramway or surface buses! While in Paris, for example, ghostly stations have been converted into resto-bars and cultural venues, can we expect a similarly bright future for Sainctelette? Nothing is less certain…