After the metro, tramway, bus, car, bike and scooter, if you want to keep up with the times, you’ll have to take a boat to get around Brussels! The Brussels-Vilvoorde waterbus offers local residents a great transport alternative. It’s also a great idea for a family activity on a sunny day. Ready to cast off!
The waterbus, getting around Brussels on the water
It’s said that “cruising is fun” in the capital! Can you hear it too, the sound of the engine amid the waves in the distance? From May 1 to October 31, 2025, the waterbus will once again be cruising the waters of the Brussels Canal. This route takes you from the port of Sainctelette (Yser) to Vilvoorde. All in all, a 1-hour boat trip allows you to travel in the direction of your choice. Cyclists can even take their bikes on board for an extra €1.
In all, 8 stops connected to other public transport networks will enable you to connect key points in the city. These include residential, leisure, tourist, office and shopping areas, etc. These stops are Vilvoorde centrum, Park Drie Fonteinen, Cruise Terminal, quai de Heembeek, pont Van Praet, quai des Péniches and Sainctelette / Beco.
Waterbus services include: Sainctelette/Yser, the future Kanal Centre Pompidou museum, Tour & Taxis (5 min walk), Gare du Nord (10 min), Docks Bruxsel, Parc de Laeken, Silo Brussels conference center, Nelson Mandela stadium, Domaine Trois Fontaines (Domein Drie Fonteinen), Vilvoorde town center. A great tour of Brussels for tourists and locals alike!
When does it run?
In May, the Waterbus will only run on the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 7
- Thursday, May 8
- Tuesday May 13
- Wednesday May 14
- Thursday May 15
- Tuesday, May 20
- Tuesday, May 27
- Wednesday May 28
- Friday May 30th
Tickets cost €3.50 (€7 return), with 50% off for children under 12, and free for children under 3. The boat makes 4 round trips a day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Further information and ticket purchase on the Internet.