Major city · Belgium
Waterloo
Spend half a day at the Battlefield (Lion's Mound) and a quick walk in town centre; one day total is enough.
Waterloo is a small historic town in Walloon Brabant, best known for the 1815 battlefield. The site and the nearby town centre are walkable, so a single day covers the main attractions.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–September
- avoid December–February (colder, fewer services)
- Airports
- BRU · CRL
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Benelux ↗Dutch and Belgian police can ask anyone to show identification (in the Netherlands from age 14): carry the original passport or EU ID card — a photocopy is not accepted.
- Benelux ↗Tap-in fares, Dutch and Belgian domestic tickets and Luxembourg's free transport all stop at the border: buy an international ticket for cross-border legs, or you will be fined on board.
- Belgium ↗Belgium is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Belgian sources for your passport.
- Belgium ↗Cities have different names in Dutch and French (Antwerpen/Anvers, Gent/Gand, Brugge/Bruges, Luik/Liège); check both on tickets and signs.
- Belgium ↗Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent have low-emission zones; if you drive, check that the car is registered or allowed before entering.
- Belgium ↗Belgian unions call national action days that stop trains, trams and flights; check SNCB and your airline two days before any travel day.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Waterloo101 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Waterloo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Belgium-wide
- SIM or eSIMProximus, Orange Belgium and Telenet/BASE; prepaid SIMs need ID registration.Belgium-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe, though many Belgians drink bottled; restaurants rarely serve free tap water.Belgium-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; add 5–10% for good service if you like.Belgium-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Belgium-wide
- SafetyWaterloo is safe for tourists; stay aware of traffic when walking to the battlefield parking.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsOften paid (€0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2)) in stations and some cafés; carry coins.Belgium-wide
- Emergency numbers101 police · 112 Medical (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close on Mondays; Bruges' museums close Monday; shops close Sunday outside tourist areas.Belgium-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBRU Brussels Airport (Main international gateway, about 25 km (16 mi) north; train to Waterloo via Brussels‑South in ~30 min).BRU Brussels Airport (Main international gateway, about 16 mi (25 km) north; train to Waterloo via Brussels‑South in ~30 min).
- Getting aroundTown centre is walkable; city buses run infrequently, especially weekends.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerBeer (pub)€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (3.1 mi (5 km))€15–20 (≈ US$18–25)
- Budget bedHostel dormitory bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room (2 guests), a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €70 (≈ US$85) · High €120 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BRU Brussels Airport (Main international gateway, about 25 km (16 mi) north; train to Waterloo via Brussels‑South in ~30 min) · CRL Charleroi Airport (Low‑cost airport, 45 km (28 mi) south; bus to Brussels then train to Waterloo)BRU Brussels Airport (Main international gateway, about 16 mi (25 km) north; train to Waterloo via Brussels‑South in ~30 min) · CRL Charleroi Airport (Low‑cost airport, 28 mi (45 km) south; bus to Brussels then train to Waterloo)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Nov (11 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Waterloo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Town centre is walkable; city buses run infrequently, especially weekends. For the battlefield, take the hourly bus from Brussels-Midi to the Lion's Mound stop (300 m walk) or a train to Braine‑l'Alleud (2.5 km walk).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Brussels
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Train from Waterloo station to Brussels Central, about 20 min
Capital city with many attractions.
Louvain-la-Neuve
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Train to Ottignies, then bus 71, about 40 min
Modern university town, walkable centre.
Villers-la-Ville
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 15 min
Train to Nivelles, then bus 154, about 45 min
Visit the medieval castle ruins.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
ibis Brussels Waterloo
Close to train station and bus stop; good for one night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dormitory bed1 × 1 night × €30 | €30 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × €45 | €45 |
| Brussels → Lion's Mound bus (hourly)1 × €5 · check | €5 |
| Train Waterloo ↔ Brussels1 × €8 · check | €8 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €9 |
| Trip total≈ €97 per person per day, bed included | €97≈ US$120 |
Typical price at ibis Brussels Waterloo or similar
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Beer (pub) | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Meal at casual restaurant | €12–20 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Taxi (5 km) | €15–20 (≈ US$18–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus service is limited on weekends/holidays; plan alternative transport.
- Lion's Mound opening hours vary by season; check before visiting.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 101
- Medical
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
WaterlooWaterloo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s’il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police101
- Medical112
Embassy
US consulate in Brussels; other embassies in Brussels.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Brussels → Lion's Mound bus: about €5 (≈ US$6), 30 min (check)
- Train Waterloo → Brussels: about €7–9 (≈ US$9–11), 20 min
Say or show
- Excusez‑moi / Pardon — Excuse me / Sorry (Excusez‑moi)
- Merci — Thank you (Merci)
- C’est combien ? — How much is it? (C’est combien)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (Où sont les toilettes)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Waterloo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–September · avoid December–February (colder, fewer services) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Brussels for more museums.
- Combine Waterloo with a visit to the nearby town of Nivelles.
Sources
Ask about Waterloo
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