Brussels Airport: Location And Travel Tips

where is the airport in brussels

Brussels Airport, located about 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels, is Belgium's largest airport. It is easily accessible by train, bus, car, and bike. The airport was constructed in 1940 during World War II when the country was occupied by German troops. It is well-connected to the city centre and other cities in Belgium. The airport has one terminal and three runways. It has been recognised as the 'Best Airport in Europe' and has consistently appeared on top airport lists.

Characteristics Values
Name Brussels Airport (BRU)
Location Zaventem, about 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels
Year of Construction 1940
Served by Three runways
Accessibility Train, bus, car, bike
Annual Passenger Capacity 21-26 million
Terminals One
Concourses Three (A, B, and T)
Facilities Restaurants, bars, magazine stands, luggage lockers, meeting rooms, baggage wrapping, post office, pharmacy, petrol station, places of worship, duty-free shopping, etc.
Nearby Airports Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)

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Brussels Airport is located in Zaventem, 12 kilometres northeast of the capital

Brussels Airport is Belgium's largest airport, serving approximately 26 million passengers annually. It is located in Zaventem, 12 kilometres northeast of the capital, Brussels. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, car, and even bike.

Brussels 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 built three runways. After World War II, in 1948, the airport was developed to serve civilian passengers. In 1956, a new 2,300-metre runway was constructed, and the Belgian government decided to build a new airport with terminals in Zaventem, which was inaugurated in 1958.

Today, Brussels Airport boasts excellent connections to the centre of Brussels. The airport train station is located below the terminal, and trains run to Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi railway stations. The journey takes around 20 minutes, and buses are also available. Brussels Airport has one terminal with three concourses (Gates A, B, and T) and is well-equipped with restaurants, bars, magazine stands, luggage lockers, meeting rooms, a post office, and more.

Brussels Airport has consistently been recognised as one of the best airports in Europe, offering convenient connections and a range of facilities for travellers. With its central location and efficient transport links, Brussels Airport is a vital gateway to the city of Brussels and beyond.

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It is well-connected to the city centre by train, bus, car, and bike

Brussels Airport is located about 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels, Belgium's capital. It is easily accessible by train, bus, car, and bike.

The airport train is a fast and inexpensive way to get to the city centre. All trains connect Brussels Airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi railway stations. On weekdays, a one-way journey costs $17.23. It takes 20 minutes to get to the centre. The airport train station is located below the terminal (basement level -1).

Buses are also available. Bus lines 12 and 21 connect Brussels Airport to the city. The bus runs every 20-30 minutes, and a one-way ticket bought from the ticket machine costs $5.03. A one-way ticket costs $6.71 if you buy it directly from the bus driver. These buses go to the European Quarter, stopping at Schuman or Place Luxemburg, but they do not go all the way to the city centre. The bus company De Lijn connects the airport with the city centre, and the STIB connects Zaventem with the European Quarter of Brussels.

By car, Brussels Airport is easily accessible from the Ring Road of Brussels (R0), which connects to the European highway network. Parking is free for 15 minutes at car parks P1, P2, and P3. If there is a delay, the fee for 1 hour is €7 at P1 and €4 at P2 and P3.

Brussels Airport is also accessible by bike. There are several bike paths that lead to the airport, and there is a bike parking lot available for those who want to cycle to the airport and park their bikes there.

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The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1940 when it was constructed by the German army

Brussels Airport (IATA: BRU, ICAO: EBBR) is Belgium's main international airport. It is located in the municipality of Zaventem in Flemish Brabant, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northeast of Brussels. The airport has a rich history, dating back to 1940 when it was constructed by the German army.

In 1940, during World War II, German troops invaded Belgium and occupied the aerodrome at Haren. The German occupying force claimed 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of agricultural fields near Zaventem as a backup airfield, known as "Steenokkerzeel". The Luftwaffe established Fliegerhorst Melsbroek and constructed three runways in a triangular shape: runway 02/20, runway 07L/25R (both still in use), and runway 12/30. The airport buildings were constructed in the nearby municipality of Melsbroek, which is why locals referred to the airfield as Melsbroek or "Fliegerhorst Melsbroek" in German. There is an urban legend that the Belgians pointed to this location when the Germans asked where to build the airport, as it was often foggy.

After the liberation on September 3, 1944, the British took control of the German infrastructure at Melsbroek. When the old civilian airport in Haren became too small, the Belgian authorities decided to use the aerodrome at Melsbroek for the new national airport. In 1948, a new terminal building replaced the old wooden structure, and the runways were lengthened. The civil aerodrome of Melsbroek was officially inaugurated on July 20, 1948, by Prince Charles, Count of Flanders, the prince regent. From 1948 to 1956, additional buildings and facilities were constructed, mainly on the Melsbroek side of the site.

In 1955, a railway line was built to connect Brussels city centre to the airport, improving accessibility. In April 1956, the Belgian government decided to construct a new airport, utilising the existing runways but relocating the buildings to Zaventem. Construction of the new terminal began in April 1957, and the airport was inaugurated on July 5, 1958, just in time for the 1958 World's Fair.

Over the years, Brussels Airport has continued to expand and modernise. Today, it serves over 20 million passengers annually and is home to around 260 companies, directly employing 20,000 people. It has received accolades, including being named the "Best Airport in Europe" in 2005 and consistently ranking as one of the top airports in subsequent years.

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It has one terminal, three runways, and several concourses and gates

Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem on the outskirts of Brussels, Belgium, is a major European hub, serving approximately 26 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic). The airport has a long history, with its origins dating back to 1940 when the German occupying force constructed three runways in the shape of a triangle: runway 02/20, runway 07L/25R (both of which are still in use today), and runway 12/30. In 1956, another runway, 07R/25L, was constructed, running almost parallel to 07L/25R. This runway is also still in use.

Brussels Airport has one terminal, three runways, and several concourses and gates. The single terminal is split into multiple levels for public transport, arrivals, and departures. The three runways, constructed by the German occupying force during World War II, are still in use today, enabling the airport to handle a high volume of air traffic.

The terminal is designed with efficiency in mind, offering quick and easy transfers between gates. It is served by three main runways, providing ample capacity for aircraft arrivals and departures. Additionally, the airport has several concourses, including Concourse A and Concourse B, which are primarily used for duty-free shopping. These concourses offer a wide range of products, including tobacco, alcohol, accessories, chocolates, perfumes, and leather goods.

Brussels Airport caters to both international and domestic travel, providing excellent connections to the centre of Brussels and other destinations within Belgium. With its efficient layout, modern facilities, and convenient location, Brussels Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel in and out of Belgium. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a train station located below the terminal, offering a fast and inexpensive way to travel to Brussels in just 20 minutes.

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The airport offers various facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, and specialised services

Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem, is Belgium's busiest airport. It is about 14 kilometres (9 miles) from the city centre and is reachable by train, bus, taxi, and car. The airport train station is located below the terminal on Level 1. Trains from Brussels Airport go to Brussels-Central and other stations in Belgium. The journey to Brussels Central takes 17 minutes.

Brussels Airport also provides specialised services such as workstations and meeting rooms, baggage wrapping, a post office, a pharmacy, a petrol station, and places of worship. Translation and IT services are also available. WiFi is accessible in all waiting areas with a subscription or credit card purchase. Other facilities include meeting and welcoming services, baggage lockers, PostPunt, toilets, and luggage wrapping and insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Brussels Airport (BRU) is located in Zaventem, about 12 kilometres northeast of central Brussels.

You can get to Brussels Airport by train, bus, car, or bike. The airport train station is located on basement level -1 and the train takes 20 minutes to get to the city centre. The bus lines 12 and 21 also connect the airport to the city, stopping at the European Quarter.

Brussels Airport has all the facilities you would expect from a fully equipped airport, including restaurants, bars, magazine stands, and luggage lockers. There are also specialised services such as meeting rooms, a post office, a pharmacy, and places of worship.

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