Brussels will once again go quiet on Car-Free Sunday, scheduled this year for 21 September, as the capital concludes European Mobility Week with the theme “Mobility for all,” officials confirmed on Monday.
The initiative, which has become an annual tradition, will restrict most vehicle traffic throughout the city between 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport to take centre stage.
Brussels Mobility, the organising agency, emphasised that this year’s edition will highlight the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and affordability in transport.
“The aim is to ensure that sustainable transport solutions serve everyone — regardless of income, gender, or physical ability,” the agency said in a press release. “Car-Free Sunday symbolises a future where urban mobility is accessible and environmentally responsible.”
The chosen date — the first day of autumn — also serves as a symbolic transition toward cleaner, greener urban practices. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, with families, cyclists, and public transport users embracing the rare opportunity to enjoy the city without traffic congestion and pollution.
While most of the city will be off-limits to private vehicles, some exceptions will apply. People who urgently need to use their vehicles are required to request an exemption. The deadline to apply is 17 September.
Brussels residents should submit applications through their local municipalities, while those coming from outside the capital must contact the local authorities of their Brussels-based destination.
Public transportation across the region will be enhanced to accommodate the expected increase in users. In past years, public transport was either free or heavily subsidised during the event — though no official confirmation on fares has been released yet for this edition.
Car-Free Sunday is part of the broader European Mobility Week, a campaign held every September in cities across Europe to promote sustainable urban mobility. The 2025 edition of Mobility Week will take place from 16 to 22 September.
Brussels’ participation has long been viewed as a model for other European capitals, thanks to its commitment to promoting climate-conscious and inclusive mobility policies.
As the city prepares for a day of cleaner air, quiet streets, and increased accessibility, Brussels Mobility urges citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to rethink how they move through the urban landscape — without a car.
