In general, buses are a secondary means of travel in Belgium, as its rail network is so extensive and efficient. The Ardennes is the only real exception, as the smaller villages tend to only be reachable by bus. Though the distances are fairly small and the bus network is fairly comprehensive, some bus routes aren’t matched by abundant services and can involve lengthy waits. Buses between the smaller towns and villages tend to be more catered to the needs of school children and commuters.
The most popular bus routes are those between Belgium’s larger cities, such as Genk-Hasselt, Leuven-Brussels and Mechelen-Antwerp. Other busy routes tend to connect the main station in the larger cities to the nearby airports. There are also a number of international bus services departing from Belgium, including the iDBUS which runs to Lille and Paris, Megabus which goes to destinations in the Netherlands and Eurolines to several major European cities.
There are 3 bus companies operating domestic services within Belgium. De Lijn is serves the Dutch/Flemish-speaking areas, operating services between major cities as well local public transport systems in several cities, including Antwerp, Bruges, Genk, Ghent, Leuven and Ostend. TEC operates in the French-speaking regions, along with public transport in some major cities, such as the Charleroi metro. While STIB provides buses, trams and the metro serving Brussels and the Brabant-Wallon province.
The buses in Belgium tend to be equipped with fairly standard facilities, including air conditioning and access ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. Travellers can expect buses covering longer distances - such as those operated by Eurolines and Megabus - to be fitted with comfortable seats and toilets.