Trône/Troon Metro Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide
What the station is
Trône/Troon Metro Station is beneath Place du Trône/Troonplein and the Small Ring, at the intersection of Brussels’ Royal Quarter and European Quarter. It connects metro lines 2 and 6 and provides access to landmarks including the Royal Palace of Brussels, Parc de Bruxelles, and the European Parliament. The station is a transport hub and a gateway to cultural, governmental, and historical sites in the Belgian capital.
History
The station
The station opened on December 20, 1970, as “Luxembourg/Luxemburg,” serving underground tram lines in Brussels’ premetro network. In 1988, it was upgraded for metro operations, with raised platforms and improved facilities. After a brief period as “Troon-Luxemburg/Trône-Luxembourg,” it was renamed “Trône/Troon” in 1993 to avoid confusion with the nearby railway station.
Since 2009, it has been served by metro lines 2 and 6, which form a loop around Brussels and link the city’s northern and southern districts.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the ceremonial seat of Belgium’s monarchy. Built primarily in the 19th century on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant, it underwent major enhancements under King Leopold II. The royal family now resides at Laeken; the palace is used for official functions and opens to the public during summer.
What to see
The station has a practical design focused on clear signage and passenger flow. It has entrances on both sides of Place du Trône/Troonplein and no permanent public art.
The Royal Palace features neoclassical architecture and grand state rooms. Its summer visit includes state rooms and exhibitions, and the Coudenberg archaeological site is another nearby highlight. Parc de Bruxelles/Warandepark is close to the station and suitable for walks and relaxation.
Other nearby sights include the European Parliament, the Palais des Académies, Notre Dame du Sablon, the Magritte Museum and Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Grand-Place, and Parc du Cinquantenaire, a 19th-century park with museums.
Practical visiting information
Station hours and tickets
Trône/Troon Metro Station is open daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight, in line with Brussels Metro services. For schedules and real-time updates, consult the STIB/MIVB website, the STIB/MIVB Official Website, or the official STIB/MIVB mobile app.
Ticket prices and options listed for the station are:
- Single ride €2.50
- Day pass €7.50
- Multi-ride pass (10 journeys) €17.50
- Monthly pass Available for frequent users
- Discounts Reduced fares are available for children, seniors, and weekend travelers
Tickets are available at station kiosks, multilingual ticket machines, and through the official app, which offers digital tickets and real-time updates. Contactless payment by bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch is accepted at gate validators. Integrated Brupass and Brupass XL tickets are available for metro, bus, tram, and train; they can be purchased at vending machines, through the STIB-MIVB app, or via the Floya app.
Accessibility, layout, and facilities
Accessibility features include elevators and ramps for step-free access, tactile paving for visually impaired travelers, clear bilingual French and Dutch signage, audio announcements for arrivals and departures, wide gates, and accessible ticket machines. Staff assistance is available during operating hours, including support for passengers with reduced mobility.
Descriptions of the platform configuration differ: one describes two side platforms and two tracks, while another describes an island platform serving two tracks. Access is via escalators, stairs, and elevators. Multiple street-level entrances lead to Place du Trône/Troonplein and adjacent streets.
Facilities and safety features include platform and concourse seating, clean and well-lit areas, staffed information points during peak times and events, surveillance cameras, CCTV coverage, emergency intercoms, and clear emergency exits. Nearby museums have adapted restrooms.
Connections
The station is served by metro lines 2 and 6. Bus routes include 12, 21, 27, 34, 38, 64, 80, and 95, as well as night buses N06, N08, and N11. Nearby tram stations include Parc/Park and Merode. Secure bicycle parking and Park & Ride options are available nearby.
For the Royal Palace, take metro lines 2 or 6 to Trône/Troon. Bruxelles-Luxembourg Station is a 3-minute walk away, and multiple bus lines, including night services, serve the area. The nearest tram stops are at Porte de Namur/Naamsepoort.
Visiting the Royal Palace
The palace is open from the third week of July to the first week of September, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free. Check the Royal Palace Official Website for updates.
The palace has ramps and elevators for wheelchair users. Guided and audio tours are available in French, Dutch, and English. Virtual tours are also available through the Royal Palace website.
Tips
- Weekday peak hours are 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM.
- Buying tickets in advance through the STIB/MIVB app or using contactless payment can save time.
- Keep a digital or pocket-sized metro map handy.
- Park & Ride and bicycle parking are options for avoiding city-center congestion.
- Early in the day is suggested for visiting the palace during its summer opening.
- The palace exterior and gardens are noted as photogenic. The area is well-monitored.
- Brussels is officially bilingual in French and Dutch. Public toilets may require a fee; nearby cafés and restrooms are available, and fees may apply.
- Summer is festival season, with major events and open-air concerts. Trône/Troon provides extra services during events such as the Bright Festival.
- The weather is temperate and often rainy; an umbrella is suggested.
- The Audiala app offers guided tours and local tips.
Nearby places
Parc de Bruxelles/Warandepark is adjacent to the Royal Palace. Brussels Park is open 24/7 and free. The European Parliament is accessible on foot or by bus and is a 7-minute walk from the palace.
Grand Place is a short metro ride from the palace and is also listed as a 15–20-minute walk. Notre Dame du Sablon is a nearby historic Gothic church. The Magritte Museum and Royal Museums of Fine Arts have extensive art collections. Parc du Cinquantenaire is accessible by metro.
FAQ
What are the station’s opening hours?
Approximately 5:30 AM to midnight daily.
Can I pay for tickets by mobile or contactless payment?
Yes. Use the STIB/MIVB app or tap a bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch at the validators.
Is the station accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
It has elevators, tactile paving, wide gates, and staff support.
What attractions are nearby?
The Royal Palace, Parc de Bruxelles, the European Parliament, and other historical and cultural sites.
Where can I find real-time updates?
On the STIB/MIVB website or in its app. Further information is available from the Royal Palace Official Website and Visit Brussels Tourism.