How to reach Mechelen: Thanks to its central location, Mechelen is easily accessible from all directions in Belgium and beyond. Whether you travel by car, train, bicycle or public transport, this city offers plenty of convenient options. Read on and find out how to reach Mechelen without any hassle.
How do you reach Mechelen?
PhotoVerschueren Eddy
By Car to Mechelen
If you come by car, Mechelen offers several parking options. In the city centre, there are underground car parks, ideal for visiting the heart of the city. On the city outskirts, you will find above-ground car parks, where you can park for free on weekends and public holidays. These car parks are within walking distance of the bustling city centre.
Convenient routes:
- From Antwerp: E19 towards Brussels, exit 9 Mechelen-Noord
- From Brussels: E19 towards Antwerp, exit 10 Mechelen-Zuid
- From Leuven: N26 Leuven-Mechelen
- From Lier: N14 Lier-Mechelen
- From Antwerp via secondary roads: N1 Antwerp-Mechelen
Photo Verschueren Eddy
By Public Transport
Mechelen is easily accessible by train and bus. The city has two train stations: Mechelen Centraal and Nekkerspoel. There are direct connections to these stations from Antwerp and Brussels, and international trains also stop here.
- From Antwerp: take the train towards Brussels
- From Brussels: take the train towards Antwerp or Amsterdam
The bus network of“De Lijn” offers a comprehensive service to and in Mechelen. Most buses stop at the Central Station and the Veemarkt, right in the centre. From the Central Station, you can take Centre Shuttle No 01, a shuttle bus that leaves every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on Sundays to the commercial centre.
Biking to Mechelen
Prefer to go sporty? Cycling to Mechelen is an excellent choice! The city is well connected by towpaths along the rivers Dijle, Nete and Zenne, making it a popular destination for cycling tourists, especially on weekends.
Mechelen offers numerous bicycle facilities, such as safe bicycle racks in all shopping streets. Thanks to the Fietsostrade Antwerpen-Mechelen, which runs parallel to the railway line, the city is easily accessible for cyclists from Antwerp.
Free Shopping Shuttle
Mechelen makes it extra easy for visitors with the free Shopping Shuttle. These shuttle buses run on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between the Nekkerhal and the Grote Markt. On Saturdays, there is also a connection between the Keerdok Car Park and Haverwerf, with free parking on shopping Sundays.
Photo City of Mechelen
Shopping Shuttle Timetable:
- Wednesday: Nekkerhal – Grote Markt, 13.00 – 19.00
- Friday: Nekkerhal – Grote Markt, 13.00 – 24.00
- Saturday: Nekkerhal – Grote Markt, 09.00 – 24.00
More hours on the website of the City of Mechelen
In addition, there is a unique shuttle boat from Keerdok to Haverwerf. This boat offers a scenic route across the Dijle and is also free to use. More info on the Shopping Shuttle can be found here.
Photo Verschueren Eddy
Whether you travel by car, bike, train or shuttle bus, Mechelen is always within easy reach. Plan your trip today and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer!
Share your Experiences and Suggestions about Mechelen!
Have you been to Mechelen recently? We would love to hear about your adventures and recommendations! Your insights help me keep this tourism page updated and improved. Whether you have tips or other comments for other travellers, your feedback is invaluable. Share your experiences and suggestions with verschueren.eddy@gmail.com and help others get the most out of their visit to this beautiful Flemish city. Together we will create the ultimate guide to Mechelen!