Sachin Walls
Brussels Airport is one of the most tourist-friendly airports in the world, with picture symbols guiding your every step. If you have a long layover, you can easily get into Brussels city centre in around 17 minutes by train. There, you can indulge in fresh waffles and Belgian chocolate, explore the Gothic-influenced architecture, and visit the Royal Palace of Brussels and Parc de Bruxelles. If you have a shorter layover, you can still enjoy Belgian food and drink at the airport, or even catch up on some sleep in the meditation room or on the benches and couches in Pier A.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time required for a layover trip to Brussels | 4 hours, 5 hours, 8 hours or more |
| Transport to Brussels city centre | Train, which takes about 20 minutes |
| Transport cost | €17.60 |
| Attractions | Grand Place, Parc de Bruxelles, Cinquantenaire Park, Royal Palace of Brussels, Mont des Arts, Magritte Museum, Châtelain neighbourhood, Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, Tintin murals, Atomium |
| Food | Belgian waffles, chocolate, beer, fresh seafood |
| Airport facilities | Free unlimited WiFi, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, luggage storage, nearby hotels |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Getting to Brussels city centre from the airport
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located around 12 km away from Brussels City Centre. There are four ways to get from the airport to the city centre: taxi, airport transfer, bus, or train.
The fastest way to get to the city centre is by taxi or private transfer. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and the journey takes less than 20 minutes. Official airport taxis are blue and yellow and are easy to find outside the Arrivals Hall on Level 2. The cost of a taxi is around €50 during the day and €55 at night, and you can pay by card or cash. However, it is recommended to have cash, especially smaller notes or coins, in case the driver's card machine is broken.
The train is another convenient and inexpensive option. The train station is located below the airport terminal and the journey to Brussels Central Station takes around 17-20 minutes. A one-way ticket costs from US$10.60. The Belgian Train website is available in several languages and it is recommended to book tickets online in advance.
The slowest but cheapest way to get to the city centre is by bus. The STIP 12 "Airport2City" Line bus costs US$8.24 if bought from a ticket machine or US$8.83 from the driver. However, this bus does not go all the way to the city centre, stopping at Schuman or Place Luxemburg in the European Quarter instead.
If you have a long layover, it is worth leaving the airport to explore the city. Brussels has a melting pot of cultures, gourmet food, and quirky comic book culture. Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport, process through security, and catch your next flight.
How to Ask for an In-Flight Upgrade at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The best food and drink in Brussels
Brussels is a melting pot of cultures, gourmet food and quirky comic book culture. The city has everything, from traditional food in bistros to delicious world food, cute cafes, cheap street food and a popular brunch culture.
Belgian cuisine centres on simple ingredients and hearty eating. One of the classic Belgian dishes is moules-frites, a national dish in Belgium. You will find it everywhere and almost year-round. Belgian Waffles are another delicacy and come in two varieties: Liege waffles and Brussels waffles. Belgians do not eat waffles for breakfast, instead, they are considered a treat that can be picked up on the go from food stalls on the streets.
If you are looking for a unique evening in Brussels, you can enjoy a few drinks while playing board games at La Luck. For Sunday brunch with a Mexican vibe, head to Tigermilk in Bailli. For the chicest brunch spot in the city, Frank serves up deliciously fresh food and coffee.
Brussels has also seen a proliferation of guinguettes — outdoor cafe-kiosks and bars located in city parks. In summertime, you’ll find a guinguette in almost every park. Emile in Duden Park, Henri in Georges-Henri Park and Fabiola in King Baudouin Park are some of the popular ones.
Airport Security and Dab Pens: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The top tourist attractions in Brussels
Brussels is a melting pot of cultures, gourmet food, and quirky comic book culture. The city is also known for its beer and chocolate. If you have a long layover, you can take a train from the airport to Brussels Central Station, which takes about 20 minutes. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Brussels:
Grand Place
The Grand Place is a medieval square in the centre of Brussels, surrounded by elegant buildings and known for its cosy ambience, upscale shops, and eateries. The Town Hall, with its 300-foot-tall tower topped by a golden statue of St. Michael, is one of the most beautiful in the country. The square also features the Maison du Roi, which houses the Brussels City Museum, and a series of private houses built in the 17th century.
Manneken Pis
The Manneken Pis is a famous statue that has adorned one of the public fountains in Brussels since the 15th century. It is part of a trio of urinating statues, which also includes Jeanneke Pis.
Royal Park
The Parc de Bruxelles, or Royal Park, is located opposite the Royal Palace, which serves as the "office" of the Belgian King. The streets bordering the park are part of a neoclassical ensemble.
Horta House
The Horta House is a museum dedicated to the Art Nouveau style, showcasing the work of architect Victor Horta, who was responsible for many architectural gems in Brussels.
Institute of Natural Sciences
The Institute of Natural Sciences is one of the world's best dinosaur museums, housing Europe's largest dinosaur gallery. The museum covers various aspects of life on Earth, including human evolution and urban species.
Other notable attractions in Brussels include the Design Museum Brussels, the European Quarter, and the Atomium. The city also has a vibrant nightlife and is known for its Belgian waffles.
Airport Security: Can They Demand Your Phone Password?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to get around Brussels
Brussels Airport offers free unlimited WiFi, so you can stay connected during your layover. There are also plenty of charging points available. If you have luggage, you can store it at the left luggage service on Level 0 of the airport.
If you have a three-hour layover, you may not have time to leave the airport. In that case, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the airport, which serve Belgian, French, and European cuisine. There are also duty-free shops for some retail therapy.
If you have a longer layover, you can take a train from the airport's underground station to Brussels Central Station, which takes around 15 to 23 minutes, with tickets costing €17.60. From there, you can explore the city's main attractions, such as the Grand Place, a 17th-century main square known for its ornate City Hall and guild houses. You can also see the famous Manneken Pis statue and his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis.
For a quick glimpse of the city, consider taking a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, such as the Atomium Line or the Europe Line, which will take you past highlights like the Royal Greenhouses, the Atomium, the Horta Museum, and the European Parliament. If you have a 12-hour layover, you can also visit the Sablon neighbourhood and sample Belgian cuisine.
Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport, clear security, and make your next flight.
Manicure and Pedicure Services at JFK Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Where to stay during a layover in Brussels
If you have a long layover in Brussels, you may want to leave the airport and explore the city. Brussels Central Station is about a 15-23 minute train ride from the airport, with tickets costing €17.60. There are also 48 and 72-hour tickets available.
If you have a 3-hour layover, you can visit Cinquantenaire Park, a 10-minute ride from the airport. The park has a Triumphal Arch and three museums: the Cinquantenaire Museum, Autoworld, and the Royal Military Museum.
With a 5-hour layover, you can visit Brussels' Central Station and the Grand Place, a 17th-century square known for its ornate City Hall and guild houses. You can also see the famous Manneken Pis statue and his female counterpart, Jeanneke.
If you have a 12-hour layover, you can explore Brussels' artistic and culinary offerings. Visit the Musical Instruments Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Châtelain neighbourhood for Belgian seafood.
If you prefer to stay near the airport, there are several hotels within an 8-minute drive, including one directly opposite the airport terminal that offers day rooms from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Airport Security and Hard Drives: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The city centre is a 17-minute train ride from the airport. You can also take a bus or taxi, which will take 30-35 minutes and 25 minutes respectively.
If you are flying internationally, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight.
If you have a three-hour layover, you can visit Cinquantenaire Park, which is a 10-minute ride from the airport. The park has three museums: Cinquantenaire Museum, Autoworld, and the Royal Military Museum. You can also visit Grand Place, Jeanneke-Pis, and Manneken-Pis. If you have a five-hour layover, you can follow a sightseeing bus route, such as the Atomium Line or the Europe Line, to see attractions such as the Royal Greenhouses, the Magritte Museum, and the Marolles. With a 12-hour layover, you can visit the Musical Instruments Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Châtelain neighbourhood.
If you prefer not to go into the city, you can book a pass to Brussels Airport's Diamond Lounges, which offer fast wifi, food, drinks, and a quiet space away from the busy gate areas. There are also several hotels within an 8-minute drive of the airport, including one directly opposite the terminal that offers day rooms from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
