Roberta Aguirre
Brussels is served by two airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Brussels Airport is the larger and more popular of the two, located just 7.5 miles from the city centre. It is well-connected to the city by train, bus, taxi, and car, with the train journey taking as little as 15 minutes. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is about 30 miles from the city centre and is served by shuttle buses that transfer passengers to the nearest train station. The fastest journey time from this airport to the city centre is about 38 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
- Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport
- It is located in the northeast of Belgium's capital
- BRU is only about 7.5 miles from the city centre
- The airport has a one-terminal concept, with all facilities under one roof
- Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option, but it is further from the city
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport
Brussels Airport is a major hub for the national flag carrier, Brussels Airlines, and it also serves as a significant airport for numerous other full-service airlines. While upscale airlines tend to increase the average cost of flights at BRU, there are still some lower-cost carriers operating from the airport. The airport has a one-terminal concept, with all facilities located under a single roof. This includes a range of services and facilities, such as children's play areas, meeting services, ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants and shops.
The airport has two piers, Pier A and Pier B, with Pier B being the oldest pier still in use. Pier B is exclusively for flights outside the Schengen Area, while Pier A supports flights to and from Schengen countries. Pier A West is a planned expansion of Pier A, intended to relieve Pier B by also accommodating flights from non-Schengen countries. This expansion was initially delayed due to slow passenger growth but has since been included in a major 550 million euro investment announced by Brussels Airport.
Brussels Airport has a long history, with its origins dating back to 1940 when the German occupying force claimed 600 hectares of agricultural fields as a backup airfield. After World War II, the airport came under British control, and in 1955, a railway line connecting the airport to the city centre was constructed. The airport was further developed in time for the 1958 World's Fair, with the construction of a new terminal and the extension of runways. Today, Brussels Airport continues to be an important aviation hub, serving over 22 million passengers annually.
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It is located in the northeast of Belgium's capital
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located in the northeast of Belgium's capital. The airport is about 7.5 miles from the Brussels city centre, which can be travelled to by taxi in under 20 minutes. The airport is also well-connected to the city centre by public transportation, including trains and buses. The train journey takes about 15 minutes, while the bus takes about 30 minutes.
Brussels Airport is the main airport in Brussels and is used by more than 22 million passengers annually. It is the hub for the national flag carrier, Brussels Airlines, and is a major airport for many other full-service airlines. The airport has a one-terminal concept, with all facilities located under a single roof. These facilities include children's play areas, meeting services, ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants, and shops.
The airport's history dates back to 1940 when the German occupying force claimed 600 hectares of agricultural fields as a backup airfield. The Luftwaffe established Fliegerhorst Melsbroek and constructed three runways, two of which are still in use today. The airport buildings were constructed in the nearby municipality of Melsbroek, and the airfield was known locally as Melsbroek. After the liberation in September 1944, the German infrastructure at Melsbroek fell into British hands.
In 1955, a railway line from Brussels city centre to the airport was constructed, and a new runway was added in 1956. The new airport was inaugurated on 5 July 1958, just in time for the 1958 World's Fair. Brussels Airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, including the addition of new piers and connectors to enhance the passenger experience.
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BRU is only about 7.5 miles from the city centre
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Belgium's capital city, Brussels. It is located in the northeast of the city and is only about 7.5 miles from the city centre. This proximity to the city makes it a convenient option for travellers, as it can be reached in under 20 minutes by taxi. Additionally, BRU is well-connected to the city's public transportation network, with trains and buses providing quick and inexpensive options for travellers. The journey by bus takes around 30 minutes, while the train ride is even faster, taking as little as 15 minutes.
The airport's convenient location and transport options make it easy for visitors to explore Brussels during a layover. For those with a layover of around three hours or more, it is possible to fit in some sightseeing in the city centre. Notable attractions, such as the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the European Parliament, are easily accessible from the airport.
Brussels Airport also offers a range of services and facilities to enhance the travel experience. These include children's play areas, meeting services, ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants, and shops. The airport has four lounges, two of which are operated by Brussels Airlines and require a same-day ticket and an entry fee. The other two are Diamond Lounges, which can be accessed by purchasing entry or through certain fare classes offered by some airlines.
Brussels Airport is a major hub for the national flag carrier, Brussels Airlines, and it serves over 22 million passengers annually. The airport has a unique one terminal concept, with all facilities located under a single roof. This design facilitates efficient passenger flow and makes it easier for travellers to navigate their way around the airport.
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The airport has a one-terminal concept, with all facilities under one roof
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Brussels, Belgium, serving over 22 million passengers annually. It is located in the northeast of the city, about 7.5 miles from the city centre. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, train, or bus, with the journey from the city centre taking under 20 minutes by taxi or 15 minutes by train.
Brussels Airport has a unique one-terminal concept, meaning that all facilities are conveniently located under a single roof. This design ensures a seamless and efficient travel experience for passengers. The airport boasts a range of services and facilities, including children's play areas, meeting services, ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants, and shops. There are also four lounges, two of which are operated by Brussels Airlines and offer various amenities such as seating, services, and food options.
The history of Brussels Airport dates back to 1940 when the German occupying force claimed 600 hectares of agricultural land as a backup airfield. The site, known as "Steenokkerzeel," featured three runways constructed by the Luftwaffe. After World War II, the airport buildings were constructed in the municipality of Zaventem, and the airport was inaugurated in 1958, just in time for the 1958 World's Fair.
Over the years, Brussels Airport has undergone expansions and improvements. Pier B, the oldest pier still in use, handles flights outside the Schengen Area. Pier A, which opened in 2002, serves flights to and from Schengen countries and some African destinations. The airport also features a "Connector" building that links Piers A and B, allowing passengers to move easily between the check-in desk and their gate without changing floors.
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Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option, but it is further from the city
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Brussels, located in the northeast of Belgium's capital and used by over 22 million passengers annually. It is only about 7.5 miles from the Brussels city centre, which can be reached in under 20 minutes by taxi or public transport. The airport is well-connected, with trains taking as little as 15 minutes and buses around 30 minutes. It is the hub for the national flag carrier, Brussels Airlines, and is also a major airport for many other full-service airlines.
While BRU has more lounges, the lounges at CRL can be more appealing to those seeking a quieter space. However, the superior lounge scene at BRU, along with its proximity to the city centre, makes it a preferred choice for business travellers. The ability to easily fit in sightseeing during a layover of around three hours or more is another advantage of BRU's location.
When deciding which airport to choose, it is essential to consider your travel plans and budget. BRU tends to be more expensive due to the upscale airlines operating there, whereas CRL caters more to low-cost and budget-conscious travellers. Additionally, CRL can be a strategic choice for layovers or connecting flights when you don't plan to venture into Brussels itself.
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Frequently asked questions
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main airport in Brussels, Belgium. It is located in the northeast of the city and is used by more than 22 million passengers annually.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another airport in Brussels. It is significantly smaller than Brussels Airport and primarily hosts low-cost and budget airlines.
Brussels Airport has many services and facilities, including children's play areas, meeting services, ATMs, pharmacies, restaurants, and shops. There are also four lounges, two of which are operated by Brussels Airlines.
Brussels Airport is well-connected to the city centre, which is just 7.5 miles away. You can travel between the two by taxi, train, bus, or car. Trains are the quickest option, taking just 15 minutes, while buses take around 30 minutes.
