Ruth Haines
Brussels Airport is located northeast of the city centre, just 12 kilometres away. If you have a long layover, you can easily head into the city centre to explore. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as visa requirements, the time needed to pass through security and border control, and the possibility of delays. The airport itself offers various amenities, including cafes, restaurants, shops, and lounges, as well as free unlimited WiFi to keep you entertained during shorter layovers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Possible, but the airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your next flight if you miss it. |
| Visa requirements | Not required for US citizens for a tourist stay of less than 90 days in Schengen. |
| Transport to the city centre | Public buses run regularly during the day and the trip takes 30-35 minutes. Taxis can get there in 25 minutes. Trains run six times an hour and take 15-23 minutes. |
| Things to do in Brussels | Visit Grand Place, Jeanneke-Pis, Manneken-Pis, the Royal Palace, the Magritte Museum, the Belgian Brewers Museum, Cinquantenaire Park, the Musical Instruments Museum, the Magritte Museum, and Châtelain neighbourhood. |
| Airport facilities | Lounges, shops, duty-free stores, cafes, bars, restaurants, free unlimited WiFi, and luggage lockers. |
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What You'll Learn
You can leave the airport during a layover, but check visa requirements
Brussels Airport is located northeast of the city centre, just 12 kilometres away. This proximity makes it relatively easy to leave the airport during a layover. If you have a long layover, you can hop on one of the trains that run six times an hour to Brussels city centre. Public buses also connect the airport with the city centre, with the trip taking 30-35 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis can be a speedier option, reaching the city centre in 25 minutes.
However, it's important to consider the length of your layover before planning an excursion. If you have a short layover, such as three hours, you may prefer to stay at the airport and explore the dining and shopping options available. Brussels Airport offers various cafes, bars, and to-go options serving Belgian, French, and European cuisine. There are also duty-free shops, high-street brands, and luxury boutiques to browse.
If you decide to leave the airport during your layover, it's crucial to factor in the time required for transportation, security checks, and potential delays. Keep in mind that the airline is typically responsible for getting you to your destination if you miss your connecting flight due to a delay. However, once you leave the airport, the airline is no longer responsible, and any delays in returning to the airport or navigating security checks are your responsibility. Therefore, it's recommended to return to the airport well in advance of your departure time.
Additionally, visa requirements play a crucial role in determining whether you can leave the airport during your layover. As a U.S. citizen, you may benefit from a visa waiver for tourist stays of less than 90 days in the Schengen area. However, it's important to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality and intended length of stay.
By planning ahead, considering your layover duration, and being mindful of visa requirements, you can make the most of your time during a layover at Brussels Airport and safely explore the city of Brussels if time permits.
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Take a train to Brussels city centre in 20-25 minutes
Yes, you can leave Brussels Airport during a layover. In fact, Brussels Zaventem Airport is located only about 7 to 12 kilometres away from Brussels City Centre, making it relatively easy to pop into the city during a long layover. If your layover is at least seven hours long, you can take advantage of this by spending your layover in the city centre.
Taking a train to Brussels city centre is one of the best ways to get from the airport to the city. The Brussels Airport Train Station is located under the main Arrivals Hall, on level -1. There are around 8 to 112 trains running from the airport to Brussels Central per day, with 8 trains per hour on weekdays and 5 trains per hour on weekends. The fastest journey time is 17 minutes, with the average journey time being 19 minutes. Tickets are usually cheaper when booked in advance, and you can book up to three to six months ahead of time. The Belgian Train website is available in several languages, making it easy to navigate.
When you arrive at Brussels Central Train Station, you will need to arrange additional transport to your final destination in the city. Taking a taxi or transfer service is the most convenient option for a door-to-door service.
It is important to note that when you leave the airport during a layover, the airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your destination if you miss your connecting flight. Therefore, it is recommended to head back to the airport with plenty of time to navigate traffic, process through security, and make your next flight. You will need to be back at the airport at least one hour before the departure of your second flight to go through passport control and security.
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Visit Cinquantenaire Park for a walk or picnic
If you have a long layover at Brussels Airport, you might consider visiting Cinquantenaire Park for a walk or picnic. The park is a 30-minute walk from Brussels Central Station, or you can take public transportation, including buses and the metro. The nearest metro station, Schuman, is a 10-minute walk from the park. Paid parking is also available nearby, but it can get crowded during peak times.
Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire) is a public park in Brussels, Belgium, built in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence. Covering 30 hectares, the park features a large fountain, an arc de triomphe, and several museums. It is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, and admission is free.
The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax, enjoy a picnic, or take a leisurely walk among the beautiful green spaces and fountains. It offers a variety of pathways and trails for walking, jogging, and cycling, and there are also sports pitches, picnic tables, benches, and playgrounds.
The park is home to several museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Royal Military Museum, the Cinquantenaire Museum, Autoworld, and the Art and History Museum. These museums showcase a wide range of exhibits that provide insight into Belgium's military history, automobile industry, and art and culture.
In addition to the museums, the park also features the Temple of Human Passions, a small pavilion built in 1896 to host Human Passions, a marble relief by Belgian sculptor Jef Lambeaux. The sculpture was controversial at the time due to its subject matter and cost.
Throughout the year, the park hosts various events, concerts, and festivals, including cultural celebrations such as parades and fireworks displays. It is a vibrant cultural hub in Brussels, offering a place where history, culture, and nature intersect.
If you decide to leave Brussels Airport during your layover, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check if you need a visa or an airport transit visa for your nationality. Secondly, if you have checked baggage, you may need to collect it and re-check it if you leave the airport. Additionally, keep in mind that your airline may not be responsible for any delays that cause you to miss your connecting flight if you leave the airport during your layover. Finally, make sure to allow enough time to get back to the airport, clear security, and make your next flight.
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Explore the Grand Place, the cultural heart of the city
If you have a long layover at Brussels Airport, you may want to consider exploring the city. Brussels Zaventem Airport is located northeast of the city centre, and it's relatively easy to get into the city during a layover. If your layover is at least seven hours long, you can take a bus or taxi to the city centre, which takes around 25 to 35 minutes.
Start your exploration of Brussels at the Grand Place, the cultural and commercial heart of the city. The Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt or Groote Markt in Dutch, is the central square of Brussels and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998 and is the most important tourist destination in Brussels. The square is surrounded by guild houses, the City Hall, and the Maison du Roi. The Town Hall's spire soars to a height of 96 metres (315 feet) and is topped by a statue of Saint Michael defeating a demon.
The Grand Place has a rich history dating back to the 10th century when Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine, constructed a fort on Saint-Géry Island. By the end of the 11th century, an open-air marketplace was established near the fort, which became the Lower Market or Nedermerckt in Old Dutch. This market grew alongside Brussels' commercial development and was mentioned in a document from 1174.
Over time, the Grand Place became a centre of municipal power, with the construction of Brussels' Town Hall between 1401 and 1455. Wealthy merchants and powerful guilds built houses around the square, contributing to its architectural grandeur. The square has witnessed several tragic events, including the execution of the first Protestant martyrs in 1523 and the beheading of the counts of Egmont and Hoorn in 1568.
Today, the Grand Place continues to be a vibrant hub, frequently hosting festive and cultural events. Every two years in mid-August, an immense flower carpet measuring 77 by 24 metres is installed in the square's centre. The square also comes alive during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, with a Christmas tree erected annually since the mid-20th century.
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Shop at the airport's duty-free stores and high-end boutiques
If you're on a layover at Brussels Airport and want to indulge in some retail therapy, there's plenty of options to explore. The airport itself offers a wide range of shops, from duty-free stores to local Belgian product boutiques. Here's a guide to make the most of your layover by shopping at the airport's duty-free stores and high-end boutiques:
Duty-Free Stores:
Brussels Airport has an extensive selection of duty-free shops offering various products. You can browse through high-street, local, and luxury brands to find souvenirs, gifts, or treats for yourself. These stores are conveniently located within the airport, making it easy to access and purchase items during your layover.
High-End Boutiques:
For those seeking a more luxurious shopping experience, Brussels Airport also houses high-end boutiques and designer shops. You can find exclusive brands, elegant boutiques, and even artisan chocolate shops. If you're looking for designer fashion, Avenue Louise in Brussels is the place to be, featuring renowned names such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. Additionally, the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries offer a chic and exclusive shopping experience with luxury boutiques, jewellers, and chocolatiers in a 19th-century elegant setting.
Online Shopping:
If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, Brussels Airport also offers an online shopping service. You can pre-order your duty-free goods online and quickly pick them up before your departure or after your arrival, saving you time to explore other experiences during your layover.
Exploring Brussels City Centre:
If your layover is at least 7 hours long, you might consider venturing into Brussels city centre, which is just a 25-minute taxi ride or a 30-35 minute bus ride away. Here, you can explore high-end boutiques, well-known fashion chains, and unique concept stores. Rue Neuve is a lively shopping street with popular fashion chains like Zara, H&M, and Mango, as well as large department stores. For a more upscale experience, Avenue Louise and the Woluwe Shopping Centre are excellent choices. Remember to allow ample time to return to the airport, navigate security, and make your next flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Brussels airport during your layover. Brussels Zaventem Airport is located northeast of the city centre, only 12 kilometres away, so it is easy to pop into the city during a layover. If you have a long layover, you can take one of the trains that run six times an hour to Brussels city centre.
If you leave the airport during your layover, the airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your next flight. You will also need to go through security and border control again when you return to the airport, which may take longer than expected. Therefore, it is important to ensure you return to the airport with plenty of time to catch your next flight.
If you have a short layover, you can eat at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants in the airport. If you have a longer layover, you can visit Brussels city centre, where you can see sights such as the Magritte Museum, the Belgian Brewers Museum, the Royal Palace, and Grand Place.
