Brussels Airport

Brussels International Airport — IATA code BRU — is Belgium’s principal airport and one of Northern Europe’s most important aviation hubs. Located in Zaventem, in the Flemish Brabant region, it sits approximately 12 km north-east of Brussels city centre. The location is strategically excellent: within less than an hour by public transport you can reach not only the Belgian capital, but also Leuven (17 km, around 20 minutes by train) and Mechelen (25 km, around 25 minutes).

The airport handles over 20 million passengers annually with direct flights to more than 200 destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Brussels Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is the primary carrier, alongside easyJet, Ryanair, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Vueling and dozens of other airlines. For international travellers, Brussels Airport offers direct connections to major European cities, with daily frequencies on most routes.

To reach your hotel or Brussels city centre once you’ve landed, book an online transfer service, which is the most convenient option.

Getting from the airport to Brussels city centre

The Airport Express train is the fastest and most recommended connection between the airport and central Brussels. The train departs directly from the underground station beneath the terminal and reaches the city’s three main stations with the following journey times: Brussels-North in around 12 minutes, Brussels-Central in around 17 minutes and Brussels-South in around 22 minutes. Trains depart every 15–30 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during quieter times, with service running from early morning until late evening.

By bus

The network of urban and regional buses complements the train service, covering destinations not directly served by rail. The De Lijn 272 line connects the airport with Brussels city centre and several outer districts, whilst other routes serve neighbouring municipalities in Flemish Brabant. Buses depart from the external forecourt at arrivals and tickets can be purchased on board or via an app.

For travellers heading to Brussels’s southern neighbourhoods — such as Ixelles, Saint-Gilles or Uccle — not directly served by train, combining bus with the metro or tram is often the most practical option. Journey times vary considerably depending on traffic: during morning and evening peak hours, buses can take 40–60 minutes compared to 17 minutes by train.

By taxi and private transfer services

Official taxis are available at the arrivals terminal exit, in the specially designated area. Fares to the city centre are regulated and typically range from €40–50, with variations depending on time of day and traffic. It’s important to use only authorised taxis, identifiable by their official roof markings, and avoid unlicensed operators who may solicit passengers inside the terminal.

Uber also operates at Brussels Airport: the pick-up point is signposted in the designated pick-up area and fares are generally competitive compared with traditional taxis.

We also recommend the Door2Gate service offered in partnership with Flibco. This operates like a taxi but must be booked online in advance. The service runs between the airport and Brussels city and neighbouring areas, with fares significantly lower than standard official taxis since vehicles are shared with other passengers heading in the same direction.

Private transfer

An alternative to TAXIs is to book in advance a private transfer to or from Brussels Airport airport. A driver will pick you up at the airport arrivals (thus avoiding taxi queues), at your hotel or wherever you prefer, to take you to the desired address.

It is the best solution if you do not want to waste time, do not want to use public transport, have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a group. To book a private transfer to or from Brussels Airport airport visit this site.

By car

Those arriving in their own vehicle or hiring a car directly at the airport can reach Brussels city centre in approximately 20–30 minutes under normal traffic conditions, travelling west on the E40. During peak hours — typically between 7:30 and 9:00 and between 17:00 and 19:30 on weekdays — journey times can increase significantly due to congestion on Brussels’s ring road, known as the ring.

The airport has several car parks for short, medium and long-term parking, all directly connected to the terminal via shuttle buses or covered walkways. Tariffs vary depending on distance from the terminal and length of stay: the more distant car parks — accessible by shuttle — offer the most economical rates for stays over 24 hours, whilst covered car parks adjacent to the terminal are more expensive but convenient for short stays. It’s advisable to book your car park online in advance to secure discounted rates compared with those charged at the entrance.

To rent a car in Brussels we always recommend comparing the rates of all companies with DiscoverCars because in our opinion it offers the best prices, allows cancellation up to 48 hours before rental and offers a very cheap comprehensive insurance policy.

Arrivals and Departures

Recommended hotels

Below is a list of recommended hotels near Brussels Airport.