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Welcome to Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport (BRU) is Belgium’s main international airport and one of the easiest major European airports from which to reach the city centre. The airport sits at Zaventem, around 12 kilometres northeast of central Brussels, with its own railway station directly beneath the terminal, frequent trains to the main Brussels stations, direct buses towards the European Quarter, official taxis outside arrivals and a dedicated car rental building.
The arrivals area also covers everyday practicalities before you head into the city. Ria runs currency exchange desks in both the arrivals and departure halls, and SIM card kiosks selling Orange, Proximus and Base prepaid packages operate in the arrivals hall roughly from 07:00 to 20:00, alongside eSIM options for compatible phones bought in advance.
The first thing to check is the airport code on your booking. BRU means Brussels Airport at Zaventem. CRL means Brussels South Charleroi Airport, which is much farther from Brussels and uses a completely different transfer system.
For most visitors staying in central Brussels, the train is the easiest airport transfer. It avoids road traffic, runs directly to Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi/Zuid, and the platforms are reached without leaving the terminal complex.
This guide compares the main Brussels Airport transfer options, including trains, Bus 12, taxis, private transfers, car hire and direct connections to other Belgian cities.
At a Glance: Brussels Airport Transfers
| Destination | Typical journey time | Best option for most visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels-North | About 11 min | Train |
| Brussels-Central | About 18 min | Train |
| Brussels-Midi/Zuid | About 23 min | Train |
| European Quarter | About 30 min | Bus 12 or train |
| Leuven | About 13 min | Train |
| Antwerp | About 30 min | Train |
| Ghent | About 55 min | Train |
| Bruges | About 1 hr 25 min | Train |
These are practical planning times rather than guarantees. Road traffic, engineering work and the exact train service can all affect your journey.
For central Brussels, the train is usually the best all-round choice. Bus 12 becomes particularly useful for the European Quarter, while a taxi or pre-booked transfer makes more sense if you are travelling with several people, carrying a lot of luggage or staying somewhere awkward to reach by public transport.
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If your hotel is around the Grand Place, Brussels-Central or the historic centre, the train is normally the simplest option. Brussels-Central is usually more convenient than Brussels-Midi for this part of the city.
If your destination is around Schuman, Luxembourg, Maelbeek or the European institutions, Bus 12 can remove the need to change from the train onto the Metro.
Families, groups and travellers with bulky luggage may prefer a taxi or private transfer, particularly when the final hotel is some distance from a railway or Metro station.
If Brussels Airport is only the start of a wider Belgian trip, check the direct trains before travelling into the capital. The airport has useful rail links to Leuven, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, so changing in Brussels is often unnecessary.
Getting to Know Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport (BRU) is at Zaventem, close enough to the capital for a quick city transfer but also well connected with the rest of Belgium. Current airport transport information is available from Brussels Airport.
The airport is particularly convenient because the railway station is built directly beneath the terminal. You do not need a shuttle bus to reach it. Lifts and escalators connect the terminal with the platforms on Level -1.
There have also been recent changes to the ground transport layout. The airport’s bus station moved to a temporary location on Level 0 in 2026 while work continues on a future intermodal hub, and the car rental companies moved into a new dedicated rental building in 2026. Follow current airport signs rather than relying on older maps or directions.
Train from Brussels Airport to the City Centre
For most visitors, the train is the best way to travel from Brussels Airport to central Brussels. Brussels Airport-Zaventem station is directly beneath the terminal on Level -1, so there is no shuttle transfer between the airport and railway.
| Station | Typical journey time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels-North | About 11 min | Northern centre and business district |
| Brussels-Central | About 18 min | Grand Place and historic centre |
| Brussels-Midi/Zuid | About 23 min | Eurostar and international rail connections |
There are normally several trains per hour towards Brussels from early morning until around midnight. Check the current SNCB/NMBS timetable for your exact date and arrival time.
When entering or leaving Brussels Airport-Zaventem station, passengers use access gates. Keep your rail ticket available because you may need the QR code to pass through them.
The railway station is directly beneath the terminal on Level -1. Follow the train symbols from Arrivals, use the lift or escalator and buy before passing through the access gates. Keep the QR code available on your phone or paper ticket because it is needed at the airport gates; a screenshot can be useful if mobile reception or the app becomes unreliable.
Six direct trains an hour normally link the airport with Brussels. Typical journeys take about 11 minutes to Brussels-North, 18 minutes to Brussels-Central and 23 minutes to Brussels-Midi. You do not need to reserve a specific departure on an ordinary domestic ticket, so a delayed flight normally means taking the next suitable train rather than changing the booking.
Most ordinary tickets sold specifically to or from Brussels Airport-Zaventem already include the Brussels Airport Supplement. Passes and certain special tickets may require the supplement separately. Check the product description instead of buying it twice, and remember that Train+ fare caps do not include the airport supplement.
Which Brussels Station Should You Use?
Do not automatically choose Brussels-Midi/Zuid simply because it is the largest station. If your hotel is near the Grand Place, Royal Galleries, Mont des Arts or the historic centre, Brussels-Central is usually much more convenient.
Brussels-Midi is the better choice when you are connecting with Eurostar or another international train. Brussels-North can be useful for hotels and offices on the northern side of the centre.
Check your accommodation location before buying the ticket to avoid an unnecessary Metro journey after you arrive in Brussels.
Brussels-Central is normally best for Grand Place, the Galeries Royales and the historic centre. It avoids a Metro connection and places you within a short walk of many central hotels, although lifts and step-free routes can be less obvious than at a modern airport station.
Brussels-Midi / Brussel-Zuid is best for Eurostar and many international trains. It is also useful for hotels in Saint-Gilles and for the Charleroi Airport shuttle. Brussels-North is convenient for the northern business district, Rogier and some hotels around the Botanical Garden.
Schuman or Brussels-Luxembourg may be better for the European Quarter. Some airport trains serve these stations directly; otherwise Bus 12 can be simpler. Search the exact hotel address before choosing a station because “central Brussels” covers several distinct districts.
Bus 12 from Brussels Airport
STIB/MIVB Line 12 connects Brussels Airport with the European Quarter. It is particularly useful for stops around Schuman, Maelbeek and Luxembourg, where taking the train into central Brussels can create an unnecessary change.
The journey is usually around 30 minutes, although road traffic means bus times are less predictable than the airport train.
The airport bus station moved in 2026 and is now around 100 metres from the Arrivals Hall on Level 0, reached by a covered walkway. Follow the current signs marked for buses rather than older directions.
When travelling from the airport towards Brussels, Line 12 uses the special Airport2City fare. Current fares and ticket rules are available from STIB/MIVB. Contactless payment is accepted, which is usually the easiest option for visitors.
Bus 12 is most useful when your destination is the European Quarter rather than Grand Place. It serves stops including Schuman, Maelbeek and Luxembourg and normally reaches the European district in roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic. For a hotel near an airport-line stop, it can remove the need to change from train to Metro.
The airport bus station is on Level 0, about 100 metres from Arrivals, reached by a covered walkway. The airport moved the bus station to this temporary location in 2026 while wider transport works continue, so follow current terminal signs rather than an old online map.
Airport Line fares and ticket-validity rules differ from ordinary city journeys. Check the STIB app or ticket machine for the correct airport product. Contactless payment is convenient, but every passenger needs their own bank card or device; one card cannot simply be tapped repeatedly for a group.
Train or Bus from Brussels Airport?
For the Grand Place and historic centre, choose the train in most cases. It is faster, avoids road congestion and brings you directly to Brussels-Central.
For the European Quarter, Bus 12 can be the more practical option because it serves the area directly. The best transfer therefore depends more on where you are actually staying than on which mode looks cheapest on paper.
Choose the train for the historic centre, Brussels-Midi or a straightforward onward rail connection. It is faster, frequent and unaffected by road traffic. Choose Bus 12 for Schuman, Luxembourg or a hotel directly beside its route, particularly when a rail journey would require doubling back on the Metro.
For two or more people, compare the combined public-transport cost with a taxi rather than assuming public transport always wins. The train usually remains good value, but door-to-door travel becomes more competitive when fares are shared and the hotel is awkward from a station.
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View transfersTaxi from Brussels Airport
Official taxis wait directly outside the Arrivals Hall. Follow the airport signs to the designated taxi area rather than accepting unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
A taxi is most useful for groups, substantial luggage, late arrivals or awkward hotel locations away from the main railway stations.
The main disadvantage is traffic. At busy times, a taxi can take considerably longer than the airport train, so travellers heading to central Brussels should not assume a car will be quicker.
The official taxi rank is directly outside Arrivals. Use a vehicle from the signed rank or a clearly identified pre-booked service, and ignore unsolicited approaches inside the terminal. The journey to central Brussels commonly takes around 25–40 minutes but can be considerably longer in weekday traffic.
Ask whether the price is metered or fixed before leaving. The total depends on distance, traffic, time and the precise destination, so a single city-centre estimate should never be treated as a guaranteed fare. Card payment is common, but confirming it before departure avoids an awkward arrival.
A taxi is most defensible for three or four travellers, substantial luggage, reduced mobility or a very late arrival. For a solo traveller heading near Central, Midi or Nord, the train is normally faster and cheaper.
Private Transfers from Brussels Airport
A pre-booked private transfer gives you a fixed meeting arrangement and direct journey to your accommodation. It is particularly useful for families, larger groups, passengers carrying bulky luggage and anyone who prefers to organise the airport journey before flying.
Check the booking conditions carefully, including the meeting point, what happens if your flight is delayed and whether child seats or larger vehicles need to be requested in advance.
A private transfer buys certainty rather than speed. The driver meets a booked flight, helps with luggage and takes you to the exact address, but the car uses the same roads as a taxi and cannot avoid congestion.
Check what the quote includes. Flight monitoring, waiting time after landing, child seats, meet-and-greet arrangements, parking and late-night supplements vary between providers. Give the flight number and a working phone number, and confirm where the driver will wait if Arrivals is crowded.
This option works best for families, larger groups, business travellers or properties outside the easy rail network. It can also reduce stress when separate onward bookings leave little tolerance for navigating an unfamiliar station.
Compare Airport Transfer Companies
Pre-booking your airport transfer can save time and reduce stress when you arrive. Whether you need a private taxi, shared shuttle or executive transfer, comparing providers can help you find the best price and service for your journey.
We’ve selected three trusted airport transfer companies so you can compare prices, vehicle options, cancellation policies and customer reviews before you travel.
Car Hire at Brussels Airport
Hiring a car is rarely necessary for a short stay in central Brussels. The city has extensive public transport and Belgium’s rail network makes many popular day trips straightforward without driving.
Car hire becomes much more useful for a wider road trip through Belgium, Luxembourg, northern France or the Netherlands.
Brussels Airport opened a new dedicated car rental and parking building in 2026, bringing rental desks and vehicles together in one location. Follow the current airport signs marked Car Rental rather than directions to the older arrivals-area facilities.
Hiring a car is rarely useful for a stay focused on central Brussels. Parking is expensive, traffic can be slow and much of the centre is better explored on foot or by public transport. The airport train is the cleaner choice if you will not leave the city.
A car becomes more sensible for rural Wallonia, the Ardennes or an itinerary involving smaller towns. Check whether your accommodation offers parking and whether it lies inside the Brussels Low Emission Zone. A vehicle registered abroad may need advance registration even when it meets the emissions standard.
Inspect the fuel policy, deposit, cross-border permission and after-hours return procedure before booking. Photograph the vehicle at collection and return, and leave time to refuel and find the correct rental-car area before the flight.
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When public transport does not fit your plans in Brussels, hiring a car can give you more control over your route and travel times.
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Onward Travel from Brussels Airport
One of the biggest advantages of Brussels Airport is that you do not always need to travel into Brussels first. The railway station beneath the terminal has direct services to several major Belgian cities, making BRU a practical arrival point even when the capital is not part of your itinerary.
| Destination | Typical journey time | Useful to know |
|---|---|---|
| Leuven | About 13 min | Very easy direct airport connection |
| Antwerp | About 30 min | Usually no need to travel via central Brussels |
| Ghent | About 55 min | Arrives at Gent-Sint-Pieters, outside the historic centre |
| Bruges | About 1 hr 25 min | Direct services can avoid a Brussels change |
Direct does not always mean frequent. Check the SNCB/NMBS planner for your actual landing time and compare the next direct train with an itinerary involving one easy change. Use the station name Brussels Airport-Zaventem, because Zaventem village has a separate station.
Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are all straightforward onward journeys from Brussels Airport. Bruges is around 1 hour 25 minutes away by direct train, although some departures require a change in Brussels or Ghent. Ghent is typically about 55 minutes to Gent-Sint-Pieters, which sits outside the historic centre, so allow for a final tram, bus or taxi journey to your accommodation. Antwerp is normally around 30 minutes away by direct train to Antwerpen-Centraal, often making it quicker and simpler to travel straight from the airport than to go into Brussels first.
For late arrivals, check the final useful connection before relying on rail. Baggage reclaim or a delayed flight can make the difference between catching the last practical train and needing an expensive long-distance taxi or overnight stay. Also check the actual destination station shown in the planner, particularly for Antwerp, where some services call at outer-city stations rather than Antwerpen-Centraal.
Connecting Onward by Eurostar from Brussels-Midi
If your trip continues beyond Belgium, Brussels-Midi/Zuid is the station that matters. It is the departure point for Eurostar services to London, as well as high-speed connections onward to Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne, so international-transit travellers heading further afield often go straight there from the airport rather than into the historic centre first.
Build in a realistic connection window. The airport train to Brussels-Midi takes around 23 minutes, and Eurostar’s own check-in and security process adds time on top of that, so treat the total journey as closer to an hour door-to-departure-gate rather than the rail time alone.
Arriving Late at Brussels Airport
The airport railway is excellent but it is not a true 24-hour service. If your flight is scheduled to arrive close to the end of rail operations, check the timetable for your exact date rather than relying on the scheduled landing time alone.
Passport control, baggage reclaim and delays can easily cost you the final train. If your arrival is too late for the final useful public transport service, an official taxi or pre-booked transfer becomes the safer option.
Trains generally run from early morning until around midnight, but the useful final departure depends on the day and destination. Check the live planner using a realistic time after landing, not the scheduled touchdown. Add time for passport control, baggage reclaim and walking to Level -1.
If the last through train has gone, look for a service to any central Brussels station before defaulting to a taxi. For destinations outside Brussels, an airport hotel or central overnight stay may cost less than a long-distance taxi and protect the next day’s plans.
Do not assume Bus 12 is an all-night fallback. Its operating hours and frequency change across the day. A pre-booked transfer is most useful when a very late arrival involves children, mobility needs or an address poorly served from the rail stations.
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Store your bagsAccessibility at Brussels Airport
The railway station is directly beneath the terminal and can be reached by lift as well as escalator. The bus station is connected to arrivals by a covered walkway, although passengers with limited mobility should allow a little extra time because the current bus area is separate from the Arrivals Hall.
If you need assistance, arrange it with the relevant operator before travelling rather than assuming airport or rail assistance will automatically be waiting when you arrive.
The airport station can be reached by lift, and wider access gates are available for passengers with reduced mobility or larger luggage. Assistance posts at the gates connect passengers with staff. Build extra time into the route because the most direct lift may not be the first path shown by general signs.
Book assistance separately with the airline and the rail operator when both are needed. Airline assistance normally covers the airport process, while SNCB assistance applies to the train journey and may require advance notice. Do not assume one booking automatically transfers to the other.
Step-free access at the destination matters as much as the airport. Brussels-Midi, Central and North have different layouts, and not every onward Metro or tram connection is equally easy with a wheelchair, walker or heavy luggage. A taxi or private transfer may be worth the cost when the final interchange is the difficult part.
Brussels Airport or Charleroi Airport?
Do not treat Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport as interchangeable. Brussels Airport (BRU) is at Zaventem and has its own railway station directly beneath the terminal.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is much farther south of Brussels and uses a different combination of shuttle buses, public transport and road transfers. If your ticket shows CRL, none of the Brussels Airport-Zaventem train instructions on this page apply.
BRU is much closer to Brussels and has a railway station beneath the terminal; CRL is around 60 kilometres south of the capital and relies on road shuttles or a bus-plus-train combination. That difference should be priced into the airfare, especially for a short break.
Compare door-to-door time and total party cost. A low-cost fare to Charleroi can remain excellent value for a family or a traveller with a generous schedule, but a modest saving can disappear once shuttle tickets, longer transfers and a late-night taxi are included.
For the detailed CRL options, use our Charleroi Airport Transfers guide. For an extreme day trip, BRU is normally the stronger airport because the reliable rail transfer protects more usable sightseeing time.
Airport Hotels and Overnight Connections
An airport hotel is worth considering when the flight lands after the final useful train or departs before public transport gives you a comfortable check-in margin. Staying beside the terminal can also protect a separate long-distance rail booking the next morning.
Check whether a hotel is genuinely walkable or relies on a shuttle. “Near Brussels Airport” can describe properties in several surrounding districts. Confirm the shuttle hours, reservation requirement and pickup point, particularly for a late arrival.
A central hotel may still be better when trains are running. It gives you an evening in Brussels and simpler access to international services from Midi the next day. Compare the final airport train with the cost and convenience of the hotel shuttle before deciding.
Money-Saving Tips for Brussels Airport Transfers
Buy the correct through ticket rather than combining products unnecessarily. A standard SNCB ticket specifically to or from Brussels Airport-Zaventem normally includes the airport supplement. Travellers using certain passes or special tickets need the supplement separately.
Compare the destination, not just “Brussels”. Central, Midi, North, Schuman and Luxembourg serve different areas. Choosing the station closest to the hotel can remove a Metro fare, a taxi journey and a difficult interchange with luggage.
For a group, compare one taxi with several individual train or bus fares. Public transport is usually best for one or two travellers, while a taxi can become competitive for a full vehicle—especially when the final address is not close to a station.
The Airport2City fare on Line 12 costs noticeably more than an ordinary STIB journey. STIB’s own pricing lists the airport-line single at €7.90 (£6.80/$9.20) with contactless or a MOBIB card, or €8.40 (£7.20/$9.75) as a paper ticket, against a standard STIB single of €2.40 (£2.05/$2.80) used anywhere else on the network. That roughly €5.50 (£4.75/$6.40) premium reflects the airport-specific fare rather than distance, so do not expect a normal Brupass or contactless daily cap to cover this particular journey.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
The quickest transfer is often also the simplest at Brussels Airport.
- Check the airport code before planning anything. BRU means Brussels Airport at Zaventem. CRL means Brussels South Charleroi Airport.
- Use Brussels-Central rather than Brussels-Midi if your accommodation is around the Grand Place and historic centre.
- Bus 12 is particularly useful for the European Quarter, but the airport-to-city journey uses the special Airport2City fare.
- Do not follow old car hire directions. Rental companies moved into the airport’s newer dedicated building.
- Leave some margin for a late flight. The railway does not operate all night.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way from Brussels Airport to Brussels city centre?
For most visitors, the train is the easiest option. Brussels-Central is around 18 minutes from the airport and the railway station is directly beneath the terminal.
Does Brussels Airport have a train station?
Yes. Brussels Airport-Zaventem station is on Level -1 directly underneath the terminal.
Which station is best for central Brussels?
Brussels-Central is normally the most convenient station for the Grand Place and historic centre. Brussels-Midi is more useful for Eurostar and other international rail connections.
Which bus goes from Brussels Airport to the city?
STIB/MIVB Line 12 connects the airport with the European Quarter, including Schuman, Maelbeek and Luxembourg.
Can I pay contactless on Bus 12?
Yes. Contactless payment is accepted. The airport-to-city journey uses the special Airport2City fare, so check the current STIB/MIVB price before travelling.
Where are taxis at Brussels Airport?
Official taxis wait directly outside the Arrivals Hall in the designated taxi area.
Is Brussels Airport the same as Charleroi Airport?
No. Brussels Airport is BRU at Zaventem. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is CRL and is considerably farther from central Brussels.
Can I travel directly from Brussels Airport to Bruges?
Yes. Direct services operate and the journey is typically around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Can I travel directly from Brussels Airport to Antwerp?
Yes. Direct trains take roughly 30 minutes.
Further Reading
Once you have reached the city, our Things to Do in Brussels guide covers the Grand Place, Atomium and other major sights, while our Brussels Public Transport Guide explains the Metro, trams, buses and money-saving tickets you will use once you are away from the airport.
If Brussels is part of a wider rail journey through Belgium, our Interrail Benelux Pass Guide explains how the Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg rail networks fit together and why Brussels is such a useful international hub.
Travellers continuing across Europe overnight can also read our European Sleeper Trains Guide, which explains what to expect from modern sleeper services and how overnight rail can fit into a wider European trip.
For another easy cross-border journey, our Day Trips from Lille guide includes the fast rail connection between Lille and Brussels and shows how easily the two cities can be combined.
