How to reach East Belgium
East Belgium is located in the border region with Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and is easily reached by bus and train. Arriving by train and switching to a regional bus for the last few kilometres or travelling by bike instead: whichever way you come, here, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxed journey.
Arriving by train
Eupen is the only station within East Belgium itself, with direct SNCB services to Aachen, Liège, Brussels and even the coast at Ostend. Good news for cyclists, too: unlike the bus, Belgian trains allow you to take your bike (with a bike ticket).
It's also worth keeping the stations near East Belgium in mind. Bus connections (yet not necessarily daily) run from Welkenraedt, Verviers, Trois-Ponts, Vielsalm, Gouvy, Troisvierges (Luxembourg), Gerolstein (Germany) and Aachen (Germany).
Arriving by car
The region is just as easy to reach by car. From Aachen and Liège, the E40 brings you to the Eupen/Welkenraedt exit and straight into the north of East Belgium. Heading further south – to St. Vith or the High Fens – you're better off on the E42, which runs from Liège through Malmedy and St. Vith to the German border.
Experience the region by bus
Once arrived in our beautiful holiday region, the Walloon bus operator TEC will take you from one place to the next on a tightly woven network of itineraries. You'll find an overview of the bus lines (excluding school buses) here:
One thing to bear in mind: bikes generally aren't allowed on regional buses. For longer distances with a bike, it's best to switch to the train.
Travelling by bike
How do you get back to your start?
East Belgium has several long-distance hiking and cycling routes that run from one place to another rather than looping back, for instance the Vennbahn. Planning to explore one of these? Sort out your return journey before you set off. A tip for cyclists: as bikes aren't allowed on Belgian buses, the train is usually the most comfortable way back.
Returning via the Vennbahn
this 125-kilometre route links Aachen with Troisvierges and runs right across East Belgium. From Troisvierges, board the train to Liège-Guillemins station. One change there, and the S41 will take you to Aachen's main station. Trains run roughly hourly on weekdays and a little less often on the weekends.
Worth knowing: your bike travels on a bike ticket, bought in addition to your own, easily available from a machine or online; no need to book ahead.
Getting around by taxi
There's sometimes a final stretch to cover between the station or bus stop and your accommodation, particularly in places with less frequent public transport. That's where local taxi firms come in handy. Book ahead by phone or email and make sure a taxi will be available upon arrival.
