Taxis & Rideshare in Belgium - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxi and Rideshare Options in Belgium Belgium's urban transportation includes traditional licensed taxis and modern rideshare services, each offering distinct advantages for travelers. Licensed taxis operate throughout major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges, available at designated taxi ranks near train stations, airports, and tourist areas, or by phone booking through local dispatch services. Uber operates in Belgium's main cities, allowing you to request rides through their smartphone app with upfront trip estimates and cashless payment. Bolt is another popular rideshare option in Belgian cities, functioning similarly with app-based booking and digital payment. For traditional taxis, you can hail them at ranks, call dispatch numbers, or ask your hotel to arrange pickup—payment accepts both cash and cards, though it's wise to confirm card acceptance before your journey begins. Choose taxis when you need immediate service without a smartphone, prefer regulated metered fares, or require a receipt for business purposes—they're particularly reliable at airports and train stations where taxi ranks provide quick access. Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt work best when you want transparent pricing before booking, prefer cashless transactions, or need to track your route and share trip details with others for safety. Both options provide door-to-door comfort and convenience, especially valuable when traveling with luggage, during late hours, or reaching destinations not well-served by public transit. For current rates and availability in your specific Belgian city, check the booking options below to compare live prices and estimated arrival times.

{'tip': 'Always ensure the taxi has an official license displayed and insist the driver uses the meter from the start of your journey. Licensed Belgian taxis are required to use meters, and you can request a printed receipt at the end of your trip.'}

{'tip': 'Use official taxi apps or book through your hotel rather than hailing unmarked vehicles on the street, especially at airports and train stations where unlicensed operators may approach travelers. Reputable apps provide transparent fare estimates and driver information.'}

{'tip': 'For solo travelers, sit in the back seat and share your trip details or live location with a friend or family member using your phone. Legitimate drivers will understand and respect safety precautions.'}

{'tip': "If a driver suggests turning off the meter for a 'better rate' or claims the meter is broken, politely decline and exit the vehicle. This is a common scam tactic—legitimate taxis in Belgium must use functioning meters by law."}

Meter Not Running: Some taxi drivers may claim the meter is broken or 'forget' to start it, then charge inflated flat rates at the end. Always insist the meter is activated at the start of your journey, or agree on a fixed price beforehand for airport/station trips where flat rates are legitimate.

Scenic Route Detour: Drivers may take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare, especially with tourists unfamiliar with the area. Use a GPS app on your phone to follow the route, or ask the driver to take the most direct path. In Brussels, familiarize yourself with major landmarks between your pickup and destination.

Large Bill Change Scam: When paying with large denomination notes, some drivers may claim they don't have change or short-change you in the confusion. Always try to have smaller bills available, count your change carefully, and consider using card payment where available to avoid cash handling issues.