Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Waterbus between Brussels and Vilvoorde starts May 1, 2025, with limited trips due to funding issues. On May 2, 2025, they will resume regular service, with stops including Brussels, Buda, and Vilvoorde.
The Waterbus, which takes people between Brussels and Vilvoorde, is having money problems this year. They usually get subsidies from the Brussels-Capital Region, but there isn’t a government right now. That’s why they don’t know if they’ll get the money they need to run the boats.
They don’t have a confirmed budget, they’re starting the season anyway. Officials mentioned that the Waterbus is taking a risk by paying for everything themselves, knowing they can’t do this forever. They’ve cut back on the number of trips in May 2025, not sailing every day like they usually do when things are busy.
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On May 1st, 2025, there will be 2 tours on the program. The first boat will leave from Brussels at 10:00 AM. It would head towards Vilvoorde, but the route is being changed. Because of construction happening at the Buda Bridge, the boat will only go as far as Buda. After that, it will turn around and go back to Brussels.
May 1st, 2025, marks the beginning of the season for boat trips provided by Brussels By Water and Kanaaltochten Brabant. These agencies have been running tours of Brussels and the area of Flemish Brabant for more than 30 years.
They’re adding something new to their list this year. During the afternoon, they’re starting a boat trip that leaves from Sainctelette and arrives in Halle. It will operate between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
On the boat, there will be guides. They’ll talk about the canal and the things people see along the way. They’ll explain how the Brussels–Charleroi Canal and the places around it have changed over the years.
Starting Friday, May 2nd, 2025, the Waterbus will go back to its usual schedule. It will run at set times between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. People can get on and off at different spots along the Brussels–Vilvoorde canal. These spots include Brussels, Schaarbeek, Neder-Over-Heembeek, and Vilvoorde. Cyclists can bring their bikes on board.
