Ruth Haines
Brussels Airport is located northeast of the city centre, and travellers with long layovers may want to explore the city. Travellers with a layover of at least 7 hours can visit the city centre in as little as 25 minutes by taxi or 30-35 minutes by bus. Those with shorter layovers may not have enough time to pass through security and explore the city, especially if they have heavy hand luggage. However, there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained in the airport, including eating at the various cafes and restaurants, shopping at duty-free stores, and even getting a haircut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of layover | If the layover is 3 hours or less, it is not recommended to leave the terminal. If the layover is 7 hours or more, spending time in the city is a good option. |
| Travelling from/to | If you are travelling from within the Schengen area, are an EU citizen or have a Schengen visa, you can leave the airport. |
| If you are travelling from the US, you can stay for 90 days without a visa, but you must have at least 6 months left on your passport. | |
| If you are travelling from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country, you will go through security on arrival. | |
| If you are travelling from a non-Schengen country to a Schengen country, you will go through security and border control. | |
| If you are travelling from a Schengen country to a non-Schengen country, you will go through border control before departure. | |
| Transport to city centre | Trains run six times an hour to Brussels city centre. The train journey takes about 20 minutes. |
| Public buses connect the airport with the city centre during the day, and the trip takes 30-35 minutes depending on traffic. | |
| Taxis can take you to the city centre in 25 minutes. | |
| Attractions in the city | Grand Place, Jeanneke-Pis, Manneken-Pis, Royal Palace, Magritte Museum, Belgian Brewers Museum |
| Luggage storage | If your hand luggage is heavy, you can leave it in a locker at level 0 (bus station level) before catching the train. |
| Responsibility of the airline | Once you leave the airport, the airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your destination in case of delays. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- If you're flying internationally, you should be at the airport 3 hours before your flight
- If you have a 5-hour layover, you can take the train to Brussels Central Station
- If you have a 12-hour layover, you can sample the local art and Belgian cuisine
- If you have a 3-hour layover, you can visit Cinquantenaire Park, a 10-minute ride from the airport
- If you're an EU citizen or have a Schengen visa, you can stay for 90 days without a visa
If you're flying internationally, you should be at the airport 3 hours before your flight
If you're flying internationally, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight. This is to account for any potential delays and to ensure a smooth boarding process. Some airports may have specific recommendations, such as arriving 3 to 4 hours early during high-traffic seasons or peak periods. It is always advisable to check with your airline and the specific airport guidelines.
When flying internationally, there are a few factors to consider that contribute to the recommended arrival time. Firstly, check-in counters can experience long queues, especially during early morning to mid-afternoon, and these can be further congested by inclement weather. Secondly, if you need to check-in baggage, this can add to the time spent at the airport. Automated kiosks or self-tag drop-offs may expedite this process. Thirdly, security screening can be time-consuming, although programs like TSA PreCheck or Clear can expedite this process.
Additionally, it is important to consider potential delays or unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you plan to leave the airport during a layover, as some travellers choose to do, you will need to account for travel time and ensure you return to the airport with ample time before your next flight. It is recommended to be back at the airport at least 1 to 2 hours before your connecting flight to allow for passport control, security, and boarding processes. However, it is crucial to follow the airline's recommendations and ensure you understand the terms of your ticket regarding missed connections.
In the case of Brussels Airport, travellers often express confusion about whether they are allowed to leave the airport during a layover. While some sources indicate that it is generally permissible, especially for EU citizens or those with a Schengen visa, it is always advisable to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality. Additionally, it is essential to consider the length of your layover. If your layover is relatively short, such as 3 hours or less, it may not be advisable to leave the terminal, as you may not have sufficient time to explore and return in time for your next flight.
To make the most of a layover in Brussels, it is recommended to check the length of your stopover and plan accordingly. If you choose to remain in the airport, Brussels Airport (BRU) offers various amenities and entertainment options to keep you comfortable and engaged during your wait. However, if you decide to venture out, efficient train connections can take you into the city centre in about 20 minutes, allowing you to explore Brussels' attractions and hidden gems. Just remember to allocate sufficient time to return to the airport and complete the necessary departure processes.
Jakarta Airport Taxi: App Payment Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
If you have a 5-hour layover, you can take the train to Brussels Central Station
If you have a 5-hour layover in Brussels, you can take the train to Brussels Central Station. Brussels Airport is located northeast of the city centre, and it is relatively easy to get into the city during a layover. The train journey to the centre takes about 20 minutes, and trains run six times an hour.
To leave the airport, follow the exit signs in whichever pier you arrive at. If you arrive at Pier B, you will go through passport control, but if you arrive at Pier A, you won't have to, as you will be coming from a Schengen country. Then, make your way to baggage reclaim, followed by customs, and then the exit. After that, you can head down to the station.
It is important to note that if you leave the airport, your airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your destination if you miss your connecting flight. Therefore, make sure to get 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 your second flight's departure.
If you have heavy hand luggage, you can store it in a locker at the bus station level before catching the train.
Airport Security and the Slim Pump: What to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![BTS V - Layover album Ver. 3 + [BTS Photocards Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KkEcc4O5L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![V 'Layover'[3]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71BL1ehPbmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
If you have a 12-hour layover, you can sample the local art and Belgian cuisine
If you're wondering whether you can leave Brussels Airport during a layover, the answer is yes, as long as you have the right visa. If you're travelling from within the Schengen area, are an EU citizen, or have a Schengen visa, you can stay for 90 days without a visa, but your passport must be valid for at least another six months. US citizens can benefit from a visa waiver for a tourist stay of less than 90 days in the Schengen area.
Once you arrive at Brussels Central Station, you can walk to the Grand Place, a 17th-century square known for its ornate City Hall and lavish guild houses. From there, you can visit the famous Manneken Pis statue and his female counterpart, Jeanneke Pis. You can also tour the Royal Palace and visit museums such as the Magritte Museum and the Belgian Brewers Museum.
For art lovers, the Europe Line bus route takes you past the museum-rich Mont des Arts, the Horta Museum, and the Cinquantenaire Park, which features three museums: the Cinquantenaire Museum, Autoworld, and the Royal Military Museum. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, Brussels Central Station offers Belgian, French, and European cuisine, as well as local breweries.
Remember to allow enough time to return to the airport, as you'll need to be back at least an hour before your second flight. Keep in mind that if you leave the airport, the airline is no longer responsible for getting you to your destination if you miss your connecting flight due to delays.
Vaping and Air Travel: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Layover [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51p+Sh2GFkL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
If you have a 3-hour layover, you can visit Cinquantenaire Park, a 10-minute ride from the airport
If you have a 3-hour layover in Brussels, you may want to leave the airport and explore the city. However, it is recommended that you only do so if your layover is longer than three hours, as you need to be back at the airport at least one hour before your second flight, and you wouldn't want to feel rushed.
If you do decide to leave the airport, you can take a train into Brussels, which takes about 20 minutes. Before you leave, if you have heavy hand luggage, you can leave it in a locker at the airport.
With a 3-hour layover, you can visit Cinquantenaire Park, a 10-minute ride from the airport. This grand green space was built in 1880 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. It features a huge triumphal arch topped by a bronze horse-drawn carriage, extensive lawns, hiking trails, and fountains. The park is also home to several museums, including the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, Autoworld, and the Art & History Museum. If you're feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of the arch for impressive views of the city.
In addition to exploring the park, you can stroll through the nearby European Quarter, which is home to various institutions such as the Parlamentarium (the European Parliament's visitor centre) and the Art Nouveau gem Maison Cauchie.
Remember to keep an eye on the time and allow enough time to get back to the airport, as you are responsible for getting yourself to your next flight.
Doha Airport Overnight Layover: Can I Stay Inside?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![V 'Layover'[1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LDLGfc3ML._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![V - [Layover] (WEVERSE ALBUMS Ver.) Out Box + Photobook + Lyric Book + Photocards + QR Card + 2 Extra Photocards](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Yj3gT-9eL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![V - [Layover] (LP Ver.) Outer Sleeve + Inner Sleeve + Vinyl + Poster Set + Postcard Booklet + Photo Card + 2 Extra Photocards](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71nf7Tns0+L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
If you're an EU citizen or have a Schengen visa, you can stay for 90 days without a visa
Brussels has a lot to offer, even if you only have a few hours to explore. Start your visit at Grand Place, the cultural and commercial heart of the city. Check out the famous sculptures, Jeanneke-Pis and Manneken-Pis, and tour the Royal Palace. You can also visit museums such as the Magritte Museum and the Belgian Brewers Museum. If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of eateries, cafes, and bars serving Belgian, French, and European cuisine.
However, it's important to keep in mind that you need to be back at the airport at least an hour before your second flight to go through passport control and security. The airline is not responsible for any delays that cause you to miss your connecting flight if you leave the airport during a layover. So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back and navigate through security.
Additionally, if you have any checked baggage, you may need to go to the Customer Service Desk before leaving the airport to collect your baggage claim ticket. This will ensure you can retrieve your luggage after your layover.
Overall, if you're an EU citizen or have a Schengen visa, you can take advantage of your 90-day visa-free stay to explore Brussels during your layover. Just make sure you plan your time wisely and allow for any potential delays when returning to the airport.
Airports: A Walk in the Park for Dogs?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in Brussels, but you should check that you have no visa issues. If you are a US citizen, for example, you benefit from a visa waiver for a tourist stay of less than 90 days in the Schengen area.
You can take a 15- to 23-minute train from the airport's underground train station to Brussels Central Station. From there, it's a five-minute walk to the Grand Place, the city's 17th-century main square.
You should be back at the airport at least one hour before the departure of your second flight. This gives you time to get through passport control and security.
If you have five hours to spare, you can visit the Grand Place, see the Manneken Pis statue, and wander the medieval streets. With 12 hours, you can also visit museums such as the Musical Instruments Museum and the Magritte Museum, and sample Belgian cuisine.
Brussels Airport has a range of shops offering duty-free goods and local Belgian products.
![Bts V - Layover 1st Solo Album (All [Ver.1+Ver.2+Ver.3])](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617QMnnN3OL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
