Antwerp Pre-metro

Antwerp Pre-metro: complete guide 2026

What is the Antwerp Pre-metro?

The Antwerp Pre-metro (Dutch: Premetro Antwerpen) is a unique public transport system in Europe: a network of full-size trams running through underground tunnels beneath the city centre. Unlike a conventional metro — which uses dedicated trains on exclusive tracks — the Pre-metro integrates tram lines that alternate between street-level sections and underground stretches, giving it exceptional operational flexibility.

The system was originally conceived as the first phase of a complete metro network that was never built. The tunnels and infrastructure were designed to accommodate full metro trains in the future, but the political and economic decision to run trams instead turned Antwerp into a global case study. Today it operates with 12 active stations and ~11 km of tunnels, with 8 tram lines sharing the underground.

History

In the late 1960s, Antwerp authorities approved an ambitious plan: build a full metro network under the city. Construction began in 1969, excavating a north–south corridor under the Leien avenue and an east–west corridor under the Turnhoutsebaan–Gemeentestraat axis.

However, rising construction costs and the 1973 oil crisis forced a rethink. The solution was to open the first stations in March 1975 using trams rather than metro trains, making use of the already-built infrastructure. This concept was officially named the Pre-metro.

The network expanded gradually: in 1982 the eastern corridor to Diamant opened, in 1996 the north–south stretch from Sport to Groenplaats (including Opera station, initially with limited commercial use) was completed, and in 2017 the underground branch to Van Eeden was inaugurated. In 2019, Opera station was fully renovated and brought into active service, bringing the total to 12 operating stations.

The tunnel network

The Pre-metro's underground network revolves around three tunnel corridors that intersect in the heart of the city:

• North–South corridor (Leien axis): links Sport (north) to Van Eeden (south-west), passing through Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth, Astrid, Meir, Groenplaats and Opera. The busiest stretch, served by lines 3 and 5 (full corridor) and lines 9 and 15 (Opera southwards).
• East–West corridor (central axis): connects Sport to Plantin via Diamant, serving lines 2 and 6.
• Zegel branch: a short lateral tunnel serving only lines 8 and 10 at Zegel and Astrid stations.

Total tunnel infrastructure built reaches ~13.5 km, but only ~11 km is currently in service. Seven stations remain closed to the public (including Leystraat, Stenenbrug and others unfinished), awaiting a potential future upgrade to a full metro or network extension.

Tram running through the Antwerp Pre-metro tunnels

Lines using the Pre-metro

Eight tram lines share the Pre-metro underground infrastructure. Each combines surface sections through city neighbourhoods with underground stretches in the centre:

* 2026 data. Lines 3, 5, 9 and 15 are running on surface alternative routes during tunnel renovation (May 2026 – March 2027).

The 12 active stations

Pre-metro stations are organised along the underground corridors. Each has 95-metre platforms (capable of accommodating two coupled trams), a fare validation zone and staircase access (many also have lifts and escalators). The payment system is honour-based: there are no turnstiles.

Tunnel renovation 2026–2027

Planned new stations

De Lijn has planned four new underground stations to extend the Pre-metro network into northern neighbourhoods:

• Drink and Morkhoven: expected to open in 2026 (extension of northern corridor)
• Willibrordus and Stuivenberg: expected to open in 2027

With these four new stations, the Pre-metro network will reach 16 active stations.

De Lijn tram in Antwerp

Fares 2026

Pre-metro fares are integrated into De Lijn's general fare system across Flanders. A single ticket gives 60 minutes of unlimited travel with as many transfers as needed within the validity period.

Children under 6 travel free. People with recognised disabilities also travel free. Tickets are available via the De Lijn app, automatic machines at stations, authorised sales points or contactless card directly on board (single ticket only).

Hours and frequency

• First service: 04:30 from line terminals
• Last service: 01:00 (early hours of the following day)
• Peak frequency: 5–7 minutes at major stations (Astrid, Meir, Groenplaats)
• Off-peak frequency: 10–15 minutes
• Weekend nights: extended night service until approximately 03:00 on Fridays and Saturdays

No distinction is made between public holidays, weekends and normal weekdays — the schedule is the same every day of the year.

Rolling stock

The Pre-metro fleet consists of two generations of low-floor trams:

• CAF Urbos 100 "Stadslijner": The newest trams in the fleet, built by CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, Spain) and delivered between 2021 and 2024. Five-section articulated, 100% low-floor, air-conditioned, real-time passenger information screens and USB charging. Length: ~32 m. Capacity: ~200 passengers.
• Bombardier Flexity 2 "Albatros": Low-floor articulated trams introduced from 2015, built by Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom). The backbone of the fleet, available in 5- and 7-section versions. The 7-section variant is ~43 m long with capacity for ~300 passengers.

Interior of an Antwerp Pre-metro station

Airport connection

Antwerp-Deurne International Airport (IATA: ANR) has no direct Pre-metro connection. The most practical link combines bus and tram:

1. From the terminal, walk ~100 m to the Deurne Luchthaven bus stop.
2. Take buses 51, 52 or 53 (De Lijn; every 15–20 min at peak times). Journey: ~6 minutes.
3. Alight at Berchem Groenenhoek and transfer to tram line 9.
4. Line 9 takes you directly to the centre: Meir (shopping street), Groenplaats (historic centre) and Van Eeden. Total journey: ~25–35 minutes.

A single €3 ticket covers the whole journey (bus + tram) within the 60-minute validity window.

Accessibility

Modern stations (Opera, Van Eeden, renovated Meir and Groenplaats) have lifts and ramps at all entrances. The CAF Urbos 100 and Flexity 2 trams are fully low-floor, allowing direct step-free boarding from platforms. Older stations (Sport, Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth) have escalators but may have limited lift access. Check the De Lijn journey planner at delijn.be for up-to-date accessible routes.

Rules

• The honour system: validate your ticket on the on-board machine or have a valid pass before boarding. Inspectors conduct frequent checks; travelling without a valid ticket incurs a €75 fine.
• Keep a safe distance from the yellow line on the platform.
• No flammable materials, fireworks or hazardous substances.
• No alcohol or illegal substances in stations or trams.
• No smoking anywhere in the system.
• Music via headphones only.
• Fold pushchairs or place them where they do not block the aisle.
• No firearms except for on-duty law enforcement.
• No unauthorised posters or leaflets.

Tourist attractions

• Sportpaleis (Sport station): The world's second most visited entertainment venue according to Billboard, behind only Madison Square Garden. Capacity 23,000; built 1933. Hosts major concerts, basketball and exhibitions.
• Cathedral of Our Lady (Groenplaats station): Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Houses four Rubens paintings, including the famous triptych "The Descent from the Cross".
• Plantin-Moretus Museum (Groenplaats station, ~5 min walk): a 16th-century printing house turned UNESCO World Heritage museum since 2005. Home to the 36-line Gutenberg Bible.
• Meir (Meir station): the city's main pedestrian shopping boulevard, lined with high-street shops and neoclassical buildings.
• Antwerp Zoo and Central Station (Astrid station): the zoo (founded 1843) surrounds the spectacular Central Station, one of Belgium's most photographed buildings.
• Diamond Quarter (Diamant station): Antwerp is the world's diamond capital, with dozens of diamond exchanges and jewellers near the station.
• Royal Flemish Opera (Opera station): home of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, one of Europe's leading opera and ballet companies.

Curiosities

• A metro that never was: The Pre-metro tunnels were designed for conventional metro trains. The 95-metre platforms are far longer than a standard urban tram needs. The infrastructure is ready if the city ever decides to upgrade to a full metro.
• Ghost stations: Of the 19 stations built, 7 remain closed. Some, like Leystraat and Stenenbrug, can be visited on occasional guided tours organised by De Lijn.
• Diamant: stacked platforms: Diamant station has a rare stacked platform design (two levels, one for each direction), almost unheard-of in tram systems worldwide.
• 50 years of history: The Pre-metro celebrated its 50th anniversary on 25 March 2025, making it one of Europe's longest-running underground tram systems.
• No platform screen doors: Unlike most modern metros, the Pre-metro has no platform barriers, giving it the feel of an open urban tram rather than a conventional metro.

Frequently asked questions about the Antwerp Pre-metro

How much does a Pre-metro ticket cost in Antwerp?

A single ticket costs €3 (2026) and is valid for 60 minutes with unlimited transfers on the De Lijn network in Antwerp. A 10-trip pass reduces the cost to €2.20/trip. A day pass costs €9 and a 3-day pass €18.

What are the Pre-metro opening hours?

The Pre-metro runs every day of the year from 04:30 to 01:00. On Friday and Saturday nights there is an extended night service until approximately 03:00.

How many lines use the Pre-metro?

8 tram lines share the Pre-metro tunnels: lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 15. Each line combines surface sections with underground stretches through the city centre.

Is the Pre-metro a real metro?

Not strictly. The Pre-metro is a tram network running through underground tunnels — the vehicles are the same trams that operate on the street. However, the tunnels were built to metro dimensions and could accommodate conventional metro trains if the city decides to make the upgrade in the future.

How do I get to Antwerp-Deurne Airport from the city centre?

From the centre, take tram line 9 to Berchem Groenenhoek, then transfer to buses 51, 52 or 53 to the Deurne Luchthaven stop. Total journey: ~25–35 minutes; cost: one single ticket at €3 (valid 60 min).

Is the Pre-metro under construction in 2026?

Yes. From 4 May 2026 until late March 2027, the north–south corridor is being renovated. Lines 3, 5, 9 and 15 are running on alternative surface routes (A3 and A9). Lines 2, 6, 8 and 10 continue underground as normal.