Definitive start of Waterbus between Brussels and Vilvoorde probably not until 1 July 2025.
In May and June: reduced offer!

The decision to support the Waterbus project between Brussels and Vilvoorde from the Brussels and Flemish Brabant authorities has been delayed this year. The non-profit organisations Brussels by Water, Kanaaltochten Brabant and Scaldisnet, which together are the promoters of this interregional passenger shipping project, have not yet received a commitment on 1 May 2025 that the annual support will also be provided for the 2025 edition (from 1 May to 31 October).

Given that more than 80% of the sailing route is on Brussels territory, the contribution of the Brussels-Capital Region is crucial. Without this support the project is impossible, although – unlike the Antwerp Waterbus – the Brussels Waterbus achieves a much higher cost recovery rate with its own resources.

The delay is probably related to the difficult government formation in Brussels. The nautical partners Scaldisnet and Rivertours, who are responsible for the implementation, believe in a restart with a few weeks delay.

That is why they are providing a limited Waterbus programme in May and June at their own expense. The days on which the Waterbus sails can be found under ‘Last minute info’.

Only on these days is online booking possible.