Roberta Aguirre
Brussels Airport is easily accessible by car and public transport, including train, bus, and taxi. Located in Zaventem, on the outskirts of the capital, it is the most important international airport in Belgium. In this article, we will explore the different ways to travel to Brussels Airport, including information on transport options, journey times, and costs. Whether you are travelling from the city centre, other Belgian cities, or international destinations, read on to discover the best way to get to Brussels Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport Options | Car, train, bus, taxi |
| Car Registration | Vehicles with foreign number plates (except Dutch) must be registered before entering Brussels |
| Car Sharing | Available as a cost-effective and eco-friendly option |
| Train | Direct trains from Brussels-Nord to Brussels Airport-Zaventem every 15 minutes; journey time: 11-17 minutes; cost: $4-$11 |
| Direct trains from Amsterdam and Paris | |
| 8 trains per hour to Brussels on weekdays | |
| 5 trains per hour on weekends until 11 pm | |
| Bus | Direct bus from Maelbeek to Brussels Airport every 20-30 minutes; journey time: 30 minutes; cost: $3 |
| Eurolines buses are also available | |
| Taxi | Available, but expensive |
| Private Airport Transfer | Available; fixed price, cheaper than a taxi |
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What You'll Learn
Travel by train
Brussels Airport is easily accessible by train, with the station located directly under the Departures Hall at level -1. Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB) operates a train from Brussels-Nord to Brussels Airport-Zaventem every 15 minutes, with tickets costing $9–11 and the journey taking 11 minutes. There are eight trains per hour to Brussels on weekdays, and you can reach Brussels Central in 17 minutes. All trains connect Brussels Airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi railway stations. On weekdays, a one-way journey costs $17.69, and it takes 20 minutes to get to the centre.
You can also travel to Brussels Airport-Zaventem from stations across Belgium, often without transfers. Plan your journey and check the schedule at belgiantrain.be. Take the escalator or elevator from the station, and you’ll arrive straight in the departure hall. Remember to have your train ticket ready to scan at the entrance gates.
Children under 12 travel for free with an accompanying adult, and with a Kids Ticket, a child travelling alone gets a 50% discount, including the Diabolo fee. You can bring up to three pieces of luggage, and foldable bikes and small pets are also allowed. For travel to and from Brussels Airport, a Diabolo surcharge of €6.70 per one-way trip applies, although this is already included in most tickets.
Internationally, you can reach Brussels Airport by train from various cities, including Paris and Amsterdam.
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Travel by bus
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located in Zaventem, on the outskirts of Brussels. The bus station at the airport is located one floor down from the Arrivals Hall. To get there, use the escalator and follow the signs labelled “bus station”. The STIB bus departs from lane C. Tickets are cheap, and the journey time is not much longer than a taxi or transfer. However, once you exit the bus, you will need to find another form of transportation to get to your accommodation. Tickets cost €7 if you pay with a contactless card or €7.50 if you purchase a physical ticket from the kiosk in the Arrivals Hall. Seating is not guaranteed on the airport bus, and there is limited space for luggage.
The bus company De Lijn connects the airport with the city centre, and the STIB connects Zaventem with the European Quarter of Brussels. It takes between 30 and 40 minutes and is a good option if you are travelling to Brussels on business or if you have found accommodation in this area.
If you are travelling from the airport to Brussels city centre or the European district, you can take a bus from the airport to Brussels North. This route will help you avoid traffic jams in and around Brussels.
Several international bus companies provide quick transit between major European cities and stop in Brussels on journeys to and from cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, London and Paris. For example, you can travel with Flixbus from the centre of Amsterdam to Brussels in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Flixbus buses are equipped with power plugs and WiFi, and you can purchase drinks and snacks from the driver. Eurolines buses are another option for travelling to Brussels from other European cities, offering a safe and quick service at a low price.
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Travel by car
Brussels Airport is easily accessible by car. The driving distance from Brussels to Brussels Airport is 9 miles and it takes approximately 17 minutes to drive from the city centre to the airport.
If you are travelling in your own car, it is important to note that vehicles with foreign number plates (except Dutch ones) must be registered before entering Brussels. Registration is free and can be done quickly online. Brussels has a low-emission zone, meaning the most polluting vehicles are not allowed to drive there. This applies to passenger cars, vans up to 3.5 tonnes, buses, and coaches.
If you are looking to rent a car, there are several options available at the airport, including city cars, minivans, and SUVs. You can also consider car-sharing, which is a convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly option. Car-sharing allows you to book a car and pick it up or drop it off at the parking area near the terminal.
To save time and guarantee a parking space at the airport, it is recommended to book your parking space in advance. There is a free drop-off zone for quick goodbyes, which is just a 5-minute walk from the departure hall. For longer stays or pick-ups, parking lots P1, P2, or P3 are recommended. With a PCard+, you get discounted rates for the first hour.
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Travel by taxi
Brussels Airport is easily accessible by taxi. A taxi from the airport to the city centre is around $80.43, so it is more expensive than a private airport transfer service or travelling by train or bus. However, it may be the best option for those travelling with multiple people, special luggage, or animals.
If you are taking a taxi to the airport, you can be dropped off in the free drop-off zone for up to 10 minutes. This zone is just a 5-minute walk from the departure hall. If you need more time, it is recommended to use the P1, P2, or P3 parking areas. With a PCard+, you will only pay €3 for the first half-hour and €5 between 31 and 60 minutes.
If you are taking a taxi from the airport to your destination, you can book a private airport transfer service. The chauffeur will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal with a sign with your name on it. This is the fastest way of getting to your hotel, especially if you don’t speak French or Dutch. The price is fixed and cheaper than a taxi.
If you are travelling by taxi, it is important to note that vehicles with foreign number plates (except Dutch ones) must be registered before entering Brussels. Registration is completely free and can be done quickly on www.lez.brussels.
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Private airport transfer services
Transfeero is one such service, offering pre-booked rides with a personal, friendly welcome right from the arrival gate. They provide a comfortable journey to your hotel or any other desired location in the broader region.
Book Taxi Brussels is another company that provides exclusively private transfers in Brussels. They offer door-to-door service, with no additional waiting or extra stops. The driver will meet you in the main lounge, holding a board with your name on it.
Sixt is a third option, offering a seamless Brussels airport transfer, with pickup inside the terminal. They also operate in hundreds of cities worldwide. You can easily book a ride through their app, and the driver will meet you in the baggage claim area. Sixt tracks your flight path and estimated arrival time to ensure they are there to meet you, even if your flight is delayed.
Private transfer services are a great way to elevate your travel experience with punctuality, privacy, and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get to Brussels Airport is by train, which takes 11 minutes and costs $4-$11. The Brussels Airport train station is located directly underneath the terminal.
Tickets for the STIB bus from Maelbeek to Brussels Airport cost $3. The journey takes 30 minutes.
Brussels Airport is accessible by car. The driving distance from Brussels to the airport is 9 miles and it takes approximately 17 minutes to drive there. Vehicles with foreign number plates (except Dutch ones) must be registered before entering Brussels.
