The Brussels-Capital Region published detailed traffic measures on 14 July ahead of Belgium’s National Day celebrations on 21 July. Authorities are urging visitors to arrive by train or metro and have announced extensive road closures from 19 to 22 July that will affect the Royal Palace district, the European Quarter and key tunnel routes. The Palace Square (Place des Palais) will close from the morning of 19 July until 18:00 on 22 July, while surrounding arteries such as Rue de la Régence, Rue Royale and Boulevard du Jardin Botanique will be off-limits to cars for most of 21 July. Several tunnels—including the Reyers and Jubelpark tunnels—will shut in the early afternoon until after the traditional late-evening fireworks. Public transport company STIB/MIVB is extending metro and tram services, and contactless bank-card payments on buses and trams will cost just €2.30 during the festivities. A free, guarded bicycle park will operate on Place du Trône between 10:00 and 20:00, reflecting the city’s push to promote active mobility. Businesses with offices in the inner ring should advise employees to work remotely or adjust commuting hours. Freight deliveries to the affected zones will need to be rescheduled, and hotels should prepare for limited coach access. Employers of international assignees should also remind staff to carry ID, as police typically erect additional checkpoints during the military parade and fireworks. For travellers transiting through Brussels on 21 July, the simplest option will be to stay on the rail network: SNCB/NMBS trains to Brussels-Central and Schuman will run as normal, but onward taxi routes may be circuitous. Eurostar and Thalys passengers should allow extra time to reach Midi station after the festivities end.
Source: Brussels-Capital Region
