Many young people in Brussels have to travel daily to get to their school or university. Luckily, public transport operator STIB offers a range of cheaper ticket formulas to keep costs down.
The end of the summer holidays is nearing, making this the prime time to sort young people's travel passes. As many children are not able to walk or cycle to school due to the distance, Brussels' trams, buses and metros are regularly packed with young people making their way to class.
STIB has therefore adapted its prices for children, teenagers and young adults. Passengers up to the age of six enjoy free public transport across the entire network. They do not need a ticket or pass but must be accompanied by someone aged 12 or over with a valid ticket or pass.
Parents of children aged 6 to 11 need to request a free 'J season ticket' either online or at one of the BOOTIK kiosks. However, there is a €6 deposit for the physical MOBIB pass, which must be activated on every journey.
Young people between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible for the school season ticket, which costs €12 per year. People in this age group are automatically entitled to the pass. From the third child, the pass is free. Those without a MOBIB pass will have to pay a €6 deposit for the card.
While the name suggests it is linked to the academic year, the school season ticket is valid for a full year (12 months). It can be used on the entire STIB network (bus, tram, metro), except on line 12 to Brussels Airport.
Done with school?
Since 2022, any Brussels resident aged 18 to 24 can buy an annual student STIB pass for just €12 – a huge reduction from the previous price of €499 that non-students paid for such a pass.
Students who go to university in Brussels but are not domiciled in the region as well as students who attend university abroad and are domiciled in Brussels can also get the pass upon presentation of a school certificate. People with a MOBIB card can update their subscription at a machine in any STIB station.
Finally, young people who regularly travel with De Lijn or TEC within Brussels can buy a Brupass school pass for €52 a year to travel on all vehicles. From the third purchase within the same family, the card costs €40.
