| Travelling around Belgium is rarely a problem. Distances are short,
and an efficient, reasonably priced train service links the major
centres
Trains and buses
Run by the Societé Nationale des Chemins de Fer de Belgique/Belgische
Spoorwegen (Belgian Railways; www.sncb.be ), Belgium 's rail system is
comprehensive and efficient, and fares are comparatively low. InterRail
and Eurail passes are valid throughout the network, as is the Belgian
Tourrail pass , which gives entitlement to five days' unlimited rail
travel within a month for ¬56.50. There is also the so-called Fixed-price
reduction card (Carte de réduction à prix fixe/Reduktiekaart), which
costs ¬15.90 and allows you to purchase tickets at half-price during a
specified monthly period, or the under-26 Go Pass , valid for ten second-class,
single journeys within six months (¬38.40). Consider also the Benelux
Tourrail Card , which gives five days' train travel in a month for
¬81.80 (over-26s ¬109.10) throughout Belgium, Luxembourg and the
Netherlands. Belgian Railways publish information on their various
offers and services, and all are detailed in their comprehensive
national and international timetable book, Indicateur/Spoorboekje, which
has an English-language section and is available for ¬4.50 from major
train stations. As so much of Belgium is covered by the rail network,
buses are only really used for travelling short distances, or in parts
of the Ardennes where there are fewer rail lines.
Driving
Belgium is well covered by networks of main roads and (toll-free)
motorways , and congestion is normally tolerable outside the major
cities. The speed limit in built-up areas is 50kph, on main roads 90kph
and on motorways 120kph. Seat belts are compulsory and penalties for
drunken driving stiff. Spot fines are common for some offences. The
leading national motoring organization is the Touring Club de Belgique (TCB),
rue de la Loi 25, Brussels 1040 (tel 02223 2211, www.touring.be ), which
can be called upon in case of breakdown - and most major roads are
dotted with phones - but only if your insurance grants you affiliated
membership; check this out before departure. Car rental is quite pricey,
about ¬250 a week with unlimited mileage, though there are cheaper
weekend rates.
Cycling
Cycling is something of a national sport in Belgium , and the distances
and flat terrain make it a fairly effortless way of getting around. You
have to be selective, however; cycling in most big cities and on the
majority of trunk roads - where cycle lanes are unusual - is precarious.
Once you've reached the countryside, though, there are dozens of clearly
signposted cycle routes to follow. Fortunately, you can rent a bike from
around 30 train stations during the summer. Rates are economical: reckon
on ¬8.50 a day, though note that some train excursion tickets include
the cost of bike rental . Non-Belgians have to stump up a refundable
deposit of ¬12.50. For a list of train stations offering this service,
get a copy of Belgian Railways' Train & Vélo (Trein & Fiets) leaflet. It
is possible to take your bike on the train for about ¬4.50 per journey.
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