How to get to Antwerp without issues?
The road races in the Elite Men, Elite Women and U23 categories will start from the centre of Antwerp. Grote Markt and the streets around it will be closed to all traffic. As a result, driving into town or parking near the course is therefore impossible. Those coming to Antwerp are advised to leave their cars at a distance and continue their journey by train or bicycle.
The best way to easily get to the World Championships road race is by bike, of course.
- Every destination remains accessible and there are no detours.
- You can safely drop off your bike in the bicycle stand in Steenplein.
In addition, many park-and-bike car parks will be provided on the outskirts of Antwerp. These car parks are easily accessible by car and are within cycling distance of the route in Antwerp. The route to the track will be marked.
A. Vermeylenlaan & Esmoreitlaan | Linkeroever, Antwerp |
Legrellelaan & Beukenlaan | Antwerp |
P+R Metropolis (exit 'Deurne' or 'Ekeren') | Luchtbal, Antwerp |
Antwerp’s city centre is very easily accessible using the underground.
- Premetro lines 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 15 will not be disrupted by the road closures.
- They connect the city’s periphery and its many “Park & Rides” with the city centre. The tram will thus take you to the start zone of the World Championships effortlessly. These car parks are easy to access from the motorway and they are frequently served by the trams and buses of De Lijn.
- The premetro lines are not disrupted by the track.
Below is an overview of all P+Rs and the frequency of service.
P+R Luchtbal | Every 5 minutes |
P+R Merksem | Every 5 minutes |
P+R Bosuil | Every 10 minutes |
P+R Wommelgem | Every 10 minutes |
P+R Olympiade | Every 5 minutes |
P+R Schoonselhof | Every 10 minutes |
P+R Linkeroever | Every 5 minutes |
P+R Melsele | Every 10 minutes |
You can find more information about the P&Rs and their locations here.
You can travel by train to the station of Antwerp, which is situated along the World Championship course.
- Antwerp Central (“Centraal”) railway station is near the World Championship circuit. The start zone is just a 20-minute walk from the station.
- Moreover you enjoy a 50% discount on the ticket price on Saturdays and Sundays with a weekend ticket.
- The NMBS will also be putting on additional trains during the World Championships.
You can find more information and a journey planner on the website of the NMBS.
No station with connection to Antwerp near you? Park your car in an NMBS car park in the station of your choice and finish your journey by train. Train travellers can park their car in an NMBS car park at discounted rates. You can find a list of all the NMBS car parks here.
Mechelen | 1700 spots |
For those who are not coming to the UCI Road World Championships, but still need to get around Antwerp:
- Use Waze or Google Maps. Almost the whole city centre will be closed off until all the racers have passed through. So do not rely on your sat-nav or your knowledge of the area.
- Be aware that it may take longer to get to your destination because of traffic and diversions.
- Don't bring your car to the city centre, but park just outside the city at one of the many P+Rs. Via P+R Linkeroever, you can take the tram, the ferry or the tunnel Saint-Anne by foot. The centre of Antwerp can be reached by premetro from all other P+Rs. Via this link you will find an overview of all P+Rs in Antwerp.
- Follow the signs that have been set up locally.
If you are not travelling to the World Championships, consider choosing another destination or postponing your trip. If you do intend to travel by car during the World Championships, we recommend that you use Waze or Google Maps for the most current traffic updates as many roads will be (temporarily) closed. However, every destination remains accessible on foot or by bike.
Visitor or resident of Antwerp? You can find more information on the website www.slimnaarantwerpen.be