Brussels Airport Train Tickets: Where To Buy?

can you buy train tickets at brussels airport

Yes, it is possible to buy train tickets to and from Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport. The train station is located under the departures and arrivals hall, and the airport is accessible from many major cities, including Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and Namur. Tickets can be purchased online, with some websites recommending buying in advance to secure cheaper prices and increased availability. The Brussels Airport Supplement, formerly known as the Diabolo fee, is included in most tickets to and from the airport, but if not, it can be purchased for an additional €6,90 per journey.

Characteristics Values
Location of the train station Under the departures and arrivals hall
Travel time to Brussels Central 17-19 minutes
Number of trains from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport 112 per day
Ticket options First Class, Second Class, Group
Luggage allowance 3 pieces, total weight under 30kg
Ticket purchase options Online, at the station
Ticket purchase timing 3-6 months in advance, same-day
Peak hours 06:00-10:00 and 15:00-19:00 on weekdays
Additional fees Brussels Airport Supplement, Diabolo surcharge

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Buying tickets online

Brussels Airport train station is located directly underneath the departures and arrivals hall. The train is a fast, easy, and convenient way to travel between Brussels Airport and major Belgian cities.

When travelling by train to Brussels Airport, you will need to pay a surcharge called the Brussels Airport Supplement, previously known as the Diabolo fee. This is already included in most tickets to and from the airport, but if it is not, you can buy it separately for €6.90 per journey. You can purchase your ticket online via the Belgian train website.

If you are travelling to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station, keep your ticket handy to be able to access or leave the station easily. Go to a gate with a green arrow and scan the barcode on your ticket. If you have a MoBIB card, you can scan this instead.

If your child is under 12 and travelling with an accompanying adult, they do not need a ticket or to pay the surcharge. If your child is travelling alone, they can get a 50% discount on a Kids Ticket, which includes the Diabolo fee.

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Ticket prices and how to get discounts

Brussels Airport is connected to the Belgian rail network, allowing for affordable, fast, and convenient travel between the airport and major Belgian cities.

Ticket Prices and Discounts

The exact price of a train ticket from Brussels Airport depends on your destination. When purchasing a ticket, you will need to pay the Brussels Airport Supplement (formerly known as the Diabolo fee). This supplement is used to finance the Diabolo project, which simplified train connections to the airport. The supplement is already included in the price of certain tickets, including:

  • Season tickets (including Student Multi or Half-time Season Tickets)
  • Unlimited Season Tickets
  • Tickets for large families, preferential reimbursement, or military personnel
  • Kids Tickets for children under 12 years old travelling alone

Children under 12 who are accompanied by another traveller do not need a ticket and can pass through the gates at Brussels Airport-Zaventem station with that traveller.

You can also use a national discount card for the blind and partially sighted to receive a reduced fare.

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The Diabolo surcharge

In March 2020, the name of the Diabolo fee was changed to the Brussels Airport Supplement. This change in name does not affect its function, as it is still essential for the operation and improvement of the train lines serving Brussels Airport. The supplement is included in most tickets to and from the airport, and if it is not, it can be purchased for an additional €6,90 per journey.

It is important to note that children under 12 years of age who are accompanied by another traveller do not need to pay the Brussels Airport Supplement. They can travel for free and pass through the gates at Brussels Airport-Zaventem station with the accompanying passenger. If a child under 12 is travelling alone, the Brussels Airport Supplement is already included in the price of the Kids Ticket if Brussels Airport-Zaventem is the departure or arrival station.

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The Brussels Airport Supplement

When purchasing train tickets to or from Brussels Airport, it is generally recommended to book in advance to take advantage of cheaper prices and increased availability. Tickets can be bought online, with websites providing journey planners to check timetables and ticket prices. The national railway company of Belgium, SNCB, offers train services to Brussels Airport in Zaventem, with around 112 trains available daily. The average journey time from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport is 19 minutes, with the fastest journeys taking just 17 minutes.

It is worth noting that train ticket prices may vary depending on the time of day, with higher prices typically during peak hours, generally between 06:00 and 10:00, and 15:00 and 19:00 on weekdays. Travellers can consider travelling outside of these peak hours to find lower-priced tickets. Additionally, slower or connecting trains may offer cheaper fares for those willing to sacrifice some travel time.

Brussels Airport is easily accessible by train from many major cities, including Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, Liège, and Namur. The train station is conveniently located under the departures and arrivals hall, making it a fast and direct travel option. With Brussels Airport being served by one of the densest rail networks in the world, travellers can benefit from comfortable and efficient train travel to and from their destination.

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Buying tickets at the station

If you prefer buying your train tickets at the station, there are several things to keep in mind. Firstly, you can buy your train tickets from Brussels Central to Brussels Airport-Zaventem at the station. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance to secure cheaper prices and increased availability. However, some operators and routes do offer same-day tickets. Keep in mind that ticket prices may be higher during peak hours, generally between 06:00–10:00 and 15:00–19:00 on weekdays. Therefore, consider travelling outside of these times if you're looking for lower-priced tickets.

When purchasing your ticket at the station, you can follow these steps:

  • Use the ticket machines or counters at the station to start the process.
  • Enter your departure and destination details. For example, choose "Brussels Airport" as your destination, and to find Brussels stations, enter "Brussels" and select from the list of stations. Brussels Central (also called Centraal) is the most convenient station for sightseeing.
  • After selecting your destination, a train schedule will appear. Choose the train that suits your preferred time and date.
  • Proceed to select the class of your ticket and any other specific journey preferences.
  • Complete your purchase by making the payment.

Remember to arrive at the station a little early, especially if it's your first time travelling from that particular station. This will ensure that you have enough time to navigate the station, locate your platform, and board your train comfortably.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can buy train tickets at Brussels Airport. The station is located under the departures and arrivals hall.

You can buy your ticket from a member of staff at the ticket counter or from an automatic ticket machine.

Yes, you can buy your ticket online in advance, which is usually cheaper than buying on the day. You will need a credit card to pay and will receive your ticket via email in PDF format.

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