At 57 minutes a day, Belgians top Europe’s commuting league
Belgian employees spend an average of 57 minutes each day travelling to and from work, according to new figures reported in Het Laatste Nieuws by HR services provider SD Worx. This puts Belgium at the top of the European commuting table.
The heaviest commuters spend over 90 minutes a day on the road. "Belgians are very attached to where they live," explains SD Worx mobility expert Veerle Michiels. "We rarely move house for work. Instead, we relocate for our social network."
Young people often stay in a city after finishing their studies, which keeps commuting times short. However, once they have children, many move to more rural areas, closer to family and friends.
The concentration of jobs in cities such as Brussels, coupled with growing congestion, only adds to the problem.
Flexible working
Nevertheless, Belgians try to make long commutes manageable. Flexible working arrangements help.
"Many people work from home one or two days a week, which makes it easier to accept longer journeys on the other days," says Michiels. Statutory travel allowances also help to offset the costs. Unlike in other countries, compensation for commuting expenses is set out in Belgian law and collective agreements.
The private car remains the main mode of transport. However, bicycles are becoming more popular, while public transport is losing ground.
"Cycling comes with a financial allowance," says Michiels. "Crucially, it gives people control over their time. You know exactly how long the journey will take, which is far less certain when travelling by car.”
Predictability
This desire for predictability also explains the decline in train, tram and bus use. “Workers rely less on public transport, partly because of reduced punctuality and frequent strikes,” Michiels adds.
For now, Belgians retain their first place in the European commuting rankings. They already held the title in 2024, spending 53 minutes a day on the road.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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