Brussels transport becomes easier once you stop treating every ticket, reader and train as interchangeable. These five mistakes are worth avoiding, whether you have just moved here or still find yourself hesitating at the gates.
At a glance: STIB and MIVB are two names for the same operator. Keep the same card or device throughout a contactless journey. Check the rules when your route uses another operator.
1. Thinking STIB and MIVB are different networks
They are the French and Dutch names of the same Brussels operator. Its network includes metro, tram and bus. SNCB/NMBS is the railway operator. A journey planner may combine operators, but that does not mean one payment method automatically covers everything shown.
2. Switching between your card and phone
When using STIB contactless payment, keep the same card or device for the journey and connections. The plastic card and its version on a phone are not interchangeable for this purpose. Use that same payment medium if an inspector checks your journey.
3. Paying for two people with one card
STIB contactless payment is individual: do not assume repeated taps buy journeys for everyone travelling with you. Each traveller needs an appropriate ticket or their own eligible payment medium. Sort that out before reaching the reader.
4. Missing a connection validation
Validate when connecting, using the same card or device. STIB’s contactless transfer window is 60 minutes from the first validation. Look for the reader’s successful confirmation rather than assuming a tap registered because you were standing close to it.
5. Assuming an airport journey costs the same
The airport-to-city STIB fare is a specific case. Check the airport product and direction before travelling instead of extrapolating from an ordinary city ride. For any route involving rail or another operator, check that operator’s ticket requirements too. Before leaving, save your route and confirm which network operates each leg.
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