The route is operated by the Flemish transport company De Lijn and historically also by its Antwerp predecessor, MIVA (Maatschappij Intercommunaal Vervoer Antwerpen).

The original electric tram route 3 was opened on October 9, 1902 on the Groenplaats - Antwerp South station (Zuidstatie) trajectory.

In 1904, the route was once again extended, this time from Antwerp Central Station to the (now demolished) Schijnpoort gate in the Seefhoek neighborhood, via the Carnotstraat, Kerkstraat and Pothoekstraat.

As of 1973, route 3 no longer used its old trajectory over the Schoenmarkt, Meir and Keyserlei between the Groenplaats and Antwerp Central Station, as these streets were inaccessible due to the premetro works.

In 1994, work officially starts to finish the northern premetro axis running between Antwerp Central Station and the Sportpaleis.

On April 1, 1996, the northern premetro axis is officially opened and put into use by tram route 3, which can now use the underground trajectory instead of its original itinerary over the Pothoekstraat and Kerkstraat.

14.5 km (9 mi) (40 min, 22 km/h or 14 mph) via Bredabaan (Merksem) - Frans de l'Arbrelaan - Burgemeester Gabriël Theunisbrug - premetro Northern branch (stations Sport, Schijnpoort, Handel, Elisabeth, Astrid) - premetro Western branch (stations Opera, Meir, Groenplaats, Van Eeden) - Blancefloerlaan - Verbrandendijk - Dorp Oost - (park) - Dorp West - Beversebaan - Park&Ridezone Melsele Kruispunt.

The older PCC cars can only sporadically be seen on the route when an event at the Sportpaleis is taking place and extra capacity is needed to transport all the visitors.

However, the extension to Brasschaat in particular has been subject to considerable controversy, as fears exist among inhabitants that the town might lose it distinct atmosphere, and become too urbanized after the construction of a tramway.