Can I pay on the bus in Brussels?

Yes, you can pay directly on buses (and trams/metro) in Brussels using contactless payment (bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch). You simply tap your card or device on the validator when boarding.

How to pay for the bus in Brussels?

Just like in many other European cities, Brussels has a contactless payment system to pay with contactless bank cards or smartphones (Apple Pay) without having to buy a physical ticket. The price of a ticket starts at € 2.30 ( US$ 2.67) for 60 minutes, and a daily cap applies at 8.40 EUR.

Can you use contactless on buses in Brussels?

You can pay for your trip using your contactless bank card (debit or credit), smartphone or smartwatch. Every STIB bus, tram and metro station is equipped with a specific contactless payment device. This device supports any bank card with the contactless logo.

How to pay bus fare with credit card?

If your credit or debit card is 'contactless-enabled', you will see this logo on the front of your card. This means your credit or debit card is enabled for fare payment on transit. Just tap your contactless credit or debit card at the MRT fare gate or card reader on buses.

Can I pay my bus fare with my bank card?

If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go. Always use the same device or contactless card to touch in and out to pay the right fare.

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Can I tap my debit card to get on the bus?

Easy. Simply tap your card or smart device at the start and end of your trip just like you would with your go card. Learn more about how to use contactless payments.

Is it cheaper to buy a bus ticket online or on the bus?

It's almost always cheaper to buy your bus ticket online or via the operator's app before you board, with savings on single fares and significant discounts on multi-day or monthly passes, as onboard purchases often incur a premium or require exact change, making digital booking more convenient and economical. 

What happens if I don't tap out on the bus?

If you don't tap off the bus, you'll typically be charged the single fare to the very end of the route, which is usually the highest possible fare for that bus, rather than the shorter distance you actually traveled, leading to overcharging. This often means you miss out on fare capping and pay more than intended, but you can usually contact the bus company's customer service to get a refund for the overcharge. 

Is Brussels expensive for tourists?

It costs around €80-€100/day to visit Brussels for budget-minded travelers. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably on a budget. If you want nicer accommodation then you'll need to add an extra €60-€110/night depending on where you stay.

Why does contactless not work on buses?

If you can make chip and PIN transactions with your card but it doesn't work for travel on our services, it may be because: Your card wasn't issued in the UK - some contactless cards issued outside the UK aren't accepted on our services. Your card isn't contactless - it doesn't display the contactless payment symbol.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Brussels?

Passports & Visas

British citizens don't need a visa to enter Belgium but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport's valid for Belgium using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements.

Why am I seeing a $0.10 charge when paying for public transport?

When you tap your GXS FlexiCard on the fare gantry, a S$0.10 pre-authorisation charge is made to ensure your card is active and ready. Don't worry, this isn't your actual fare. It will be promptly returned once the final transaction details from SimplyGo are processed.

Is Brussels a walkable city?

Brussels is an extremely walkable city, with a mostly pedestrianised centre. It's also very bike-friendly, with Villo!

Do I tap my card when I get off the bus?

To pay the right fare on buses and trams: Always touch your contactless card, device, or Oyster card on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey. You don't need to touch out at the end of your journey. If you do, you may pay more than you need to.

Do I have to tap off the bus?

On public buses

Take the card out from wallet/bag and tap it on the card reader when boarding and alighting. If you have tapped the card correctly, the card reader will emit light and a beep tone.

Can I use my debit card on a bus?

Yes, you can use your debit card on most buses for contactless payment, just tap it on the reader like you would in a shop; look for the contactless symbol on your card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), tap it on the reader when boarding ( telling the driver your destination if needed), and wait for the beep; ensure you use the same card or device for tapping in and out to avoid overpaying, and check your local transit provider's policy for specific details, as some (like American Express) might not be accepted. 

Is the 2 pound bus fare extended?

The UK's £2 bus fare cap, originally ending in 2023, was extended multiple times and eventually transitioned to a £3 cap in England (outside London) from January 2025 to December 2025, funded by the government to help with living costs. However, some regions, like Liverpool City Region and Telford, have stepped in with local funding to keep their specific £2 caps running longer, with Liverpool aiming for 2026, while the national scheme shifted focus to the £3 cap to support bus services long-term. 

What happens if I don't tap off with my debit card?

If you do not tap on and tap off correctly

you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip which is the maximum possible fare for that service, based on your Opal card type. You will never be charged over the Daily Travel Cap.

Do I need to tap my card twice on the bus?

Touching in and out

On a bus or tram, you only need to touch in. If you touch out at the end of your bus or tram journey, you may end up paying more than you need to. For all other journeys, you always need to touch out, even if the gates are open. If there are no gates, use a free-standing yellow card reader.

Can I pay with a credit card on a bus?

Where to pay with contactless? Not only spending at merchants, you may also tap to pay your MTR, bus or taxi fares with speed and ease enabled by contactless payments. Whether consuming or commuting, you can tap to pay with your contactless Visa card or payment-enabled device wherever you see the Contactless Symbol.

Why is First bus only charging me 10p?

Occasionally, we may authorise a small payment (e.g., 10p) to check with your card issuer that the card is valid. This is a standard process, particularly if it's the first time your card has been used or we haven't seen it in a few days.