On Tuesday 31 January, the Antwerp stop for international buses moved to a former platform of De Lijn at the Franklin Rooseveltplaats, platform B5. This means the end of their current stop at Koningin Astridplein, platform 7. The new stop will be more accessible and visible for the bus companies and their passengers. BlaBlacar, Flixbus and Airport Express will use the new location. The City of Antwerp welcomed the first travelers festively with Antwerpian Hands.

The previous international bus stop was at Koningin Astridplein. Due to the high traffic pressure there, the city, in consultation with the sector and De Lijn, started looking for a new location close to Antwerp-Central Railway Station.

From those conversations, the Franklin Rooseveltplaats emerged as the most visible and accessible place for travelers. The transfer options to train, tram and bus are also a stone’s throw from the platform.

Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “The advantages of the stop at the Rooseveltplaats speak for themselves: more comfortable, more spacious, clearer. That is to the benefit of all parties, not least the passengers.”

De Lijn’s regular port lines have been shortened to Park and Ride Luchtbal to make room at the platform. This was done in consultation with the City of Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. To properly arrange the use of the new stop, an agreement was concluded with each bus company separately.

Stefan Van den Abbeele, regional transport manager De Lijn: “We are pleased that a solution has been found that works for all parties involved. The various traffic flows can be better organized at the Franklin Rooseveltplaats. This is also an improvement for passengers on international buses: they immediately have numerous interesting transfer options with De Lijn bus and tram to choose from in order to reach their final destination.”

With the arrival of the new stop, the temporary stop at Quinten Matsijslei will no longer serve as a boarding and disembarking point for travelers of the international bus companies. 

The stop will continue to exist this year as a waiting location for early or late arrivals.