Brussels public transport: the fine, validation and contactless payment (2026)
According to STIB-MIVB, Brussels’ public transport company, checked on 31 October 2026, the fine for not holding a valid or validated ticket is €107, and €214 for a second fine within 24 months; you can pay by tapping a contactless bank card, phone or watch (€2.40 a journey, at most €8.50 a day) and must validate the same card at each connection.
Fines and payment rules change, often at the start of the year. We quote the transport company’s own pages word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. The inspector, the fine notice and the official page decide.
At a glance
| Network | STIB-MIVB metro, trams and buses |
|---|---|
| Fine without a valid ticket | €107 (€214 for a second fine within 24 months) |
| Contactless bank card | Yes: €2.40 a journey at metro gates and on buses and trams, up to €8.50 a day |
| Validate or tap? | Yes: validate your card or device at every connection |
| How to pay | Contactless bank card, phone or watch, MOBIB card or tickets |
| Change announced | None on the pages we read |
| Checked | 31 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
Fines
The fine for not holding a valid and/or validated ticket is €107; the amount from the second fine within 24 months is €214.
If you have a valid season ticket, but didn't validate it, the fine will be €10, provided that it is paid within 10 working days. After this period, the amount will be increased to €107.
Source: STIB-MIVB: Fines and infringements (STIB-MIVB), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
How to pay
Then you can pay contactless in every STIB-MIVB metro station, tram or bus: For one journey, you pay € 2.40 at the metro gates or when boarding the bus or tram. Validate the same card or smart device at each connection. If you change vehicles within 60 minutes of the first validation, you can get on and off for free. You pay a maximum of € 8.50 per day.
Source: STIB-MIVB: Your bank card is your ticket (STIB-MIVB), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Validating and tapping
Validate the same card or smart device at each connection.
Source: STIB-MIVB: Your bank card is your ticket (STIB-MIVB), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Also on the official pages
You need at least € 2.40 in your bank account. If not, your bank card will be blocked.
With the same card, smartphone or smartwatch, it’s not possible to validate for multiple people.
Source: STIB-MIVB: Your bank card is your ticket (STIB-MIVB), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Other cities
Public transport rules in 40 cities: every fine in one table
Questions
What is the fine on the Brussels metro?
STIB-MIVB says: “The fine for not holding a valid and/or validated ticket is €107; the amount from the second fine within 24 months is €214.” “If you have a valid season ticket, but didn't validate it, the fine will be €10, provided that it is paid within 10 working days. After this period, the amount will be increased to €107.”
Can you pay contactless on the Brussels metro?
Yes. STIB-MIVB says: “Then you can pay contactless in every STIB-MIVB metro station, tram or bus: For one journey, you pay € 2.40 at the metro gates or when boarding the bus or tram. Validate the same card or smart device at each connection. If you change vehicles within 60 minutes of the first validation, you can get on and off for free. You pay a maximum of € 8.50 per day.”
Do you have to validate tickets in Brussels?
Yes: the fine applies to tickets that are not valid or not validated. STIB-MIVB says: “The fine for not holding a valid and/or validated ticket is €107; the amount from the second fine within 24 months is €214.” “Validate the same card or smart device at each connection.”
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