Brussels Airport Guide

Brussels Airport (BRU), often called Brussels-Zaventem, is the main airport serving Brussels. It has one connected passenger-terminal complex: the central departure and arrival halls lead to Gates A for Schengen flights and Gates B or T for non-Schengen flights. Check the live gate because the Schengen boundary, not a fixed airline list, determines the route through the building.

Do not confuse BRU with Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). It is a separate airport significantly farther from central Brussels and does not share BRU's station beneath the terminal.

Brussels Airport's official transfer guide is the best starting point. Check the next gate on the live screen, then follow the yellow signs; Gates A, B, and T are reached on foot within the connected terminal complex.

Checks by Connection Type

• Schengen → Schengen: proceed to the next gate without an additional border check.
• Schengen → non-Schengen: pass through border control on the way to Gates B or T.
• Non-Schengen → Schengen: expect security screening and border control before continuing to Gates A. Some origins qualify for one-stop-security treatment, so follow the signed route for the actual flight.
• Non-Schengen → non-Schengen: the airport directs transfer passengers through security before the onward gate.

If both flights are on one reservation, checked baggage is usually transferred, but confirm at origin. On separate tickets, plan to collect baggage, enter Belgium if required, check in again, and clear security. Do not rely on the old fixed walk-time or minimum-connection tables: the airport does not publish one universal passenger minimum, and border or security steps can change the route.

Leave This Much Time

For a protected connection, use the airline's minimum for the exact flights. For separate tickets, leave enough time for baggage reclaim and the onward airline's check-in deadline; Brussels Airport states that responsibility for a separate-ticket connection remains with the passenger.

The train is the primary option for central Brussels: Brussels Airport-Zaventem station is directly below the terminal on Level -1, with direct trains to Brussels-North, Central, and South. Brussels Airport currently lists about 18 minutes to Central and 23 minutes to South.

For the European Quarter, direct trains serve Brussels-Schuman and Brussels-Luxembourg, while STIB/MIVB Line 12 is the direct airport bus. Road travel times for taxis and app-based rides depend on traffic.

Taxi

Official taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. All licensed Brussels taxis are required to display official credentials and use taximeters.

Destination	Fare	Time
Brussels city center	€45-55	20-35 min
European Quarter	€40-50	15-25 min
Brussels-Midi station	€50-60	25-40 min
Ghent	€140-160	45-60 min
Antwerp	€100-120	35-50 min

Fixed fares to Brussels city center zones are available when arranged in advance. Metered fares can vary significantly with traffic.

Uber

Uber operates at Brussels Airport with multiple service tiers.

• Pickup location: Arrivals level, designated rideshare area (follow signs)
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Green
• Fares to city center: €30-50 depending on service and demand
• Wait times: Typically 5-15 minutes

Bolt is also available as an alternative rideshare option with similar pricing.

Train (SNCB/NMBS)

The airport's current train guide lists six direct trains per hour to Brussels-North, Central, and South from early morning until around midnight, plus two trains per hour to the European Quarter.

To central Brussels:

1. Follow Train signs to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station on Level -1.
2. Buy an SNCB/NMBS ticket for the station you need; scan its QR code at the access gate.
3. Use the departure board rather than boarding any train indiscriminately.
4. Allow about 18 minutes to Brussels-Central or 23 minutes to Brussels-South/Midi.

Most airport rail journeys carry the Brussels Airport Supplement (formerly the Diabolo fee). The airport currently lists it as €6.90 and says it is often already included in the ticket, so check the fare shown by SNCB/NMBS instead of adding it twice.

Bus

The main direct city bus is STIB/MIVB Line 12 to the European Quarter, including Schuman, Maelbeek, and Luxembourg. The airport lists about 30 minutes to the district; use STIB's planner for the current stops and fare.

Since May 2026, all scheduled buses and hotel or parking shuttles have used the temporary bus station on Level 0, about 100 metres from the arrivals and departures halls. Follow the covered walkway from the terminal. De Lijn serves surrounding municipalities and the northern periphery, while intercity operators serve selected Belgian and international destinations; choose by destination rather than relying on the former Line 272 shortcut.

Brussels Airport offers multiple parking facilities with varying proximity to the terminal.

P1 (Short-Term/Premium)

• Location: Directly connected to terminal (3-minute walk)
• Rate: €4.50 per 30 min, €45 per day (max)
• Best for: Quick pickups and drop-offs

P2/P3 (Medium-Term)

• Location: 5-8 minute walk from terminal
• Rate: €32 per day
• Best for: Business trips (1-3 days)

P4 (Long-Term/Holiday)

• Location: 10-15 minute walk or free shuttle
• Rate: From €12 per day (book online for best rates)
• Best for: Extended trips (3+ days)

Valet Parking

• Rate: From €40 per day
• Service: Drive to departures, car returned at arrivals

Tips:

• Book online at brusselsairport.be/parking for discounts up to 30%
• P4 weekend rates: From €29 for Fri-Mon
• Electric vehicle charging available in P1

Brussels Airport offers Belgian and international dining options across multiple levels.

Airside (After Security)

Belgian specialties:

• Leonidas: Famous Belgian chocolates and pralines
• Beer Boutique: Selection of Belgian beers to go
• Exki: Belgian chain with healthy, fresh meals (€8-15)

Sit-down dining:

• The View: International cuisine with tarmac views
• Casa Nostra: Italian restaurant with pizza and pasta (€12-20)
• Sushi Factory: Japanese cuisine including sushi sets

Quick service:

• Panos: Belgian bakery chain, sandwiches and pastries
• Starbucks: Multiple locations
• McDonald's: 24-hour location available

Landside (Before Security)

• Delifrance: French-style bakery and cafe
• Lunch Garden: Self-service restaurant with Belgian dishes
• Various cafes: On Level 1 near check-in

Budget tip: Carrefour Express (convenience store) offers affordable snacks and drinks.

Free WiFi is available throughout Brussels Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	_BrusselsAirport_Free_WiFi
Registration	Email required
Time limit	4 hours (reconnect for more)
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

Quality: Generally reliable for basic tasks. Video streaming may buffer during peak hours. Airline lounges offer faster connections.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in Brussels city.

Airport Locations

• Relay stores: Arrivals and departures, stocking Base, Orange, and Proximus prepaid SIMs
• Telecom shops: Limited options in departure area

Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
Orange	From €15	5GB
Proximus	From €15	5GB
Base	From €10	3GB

Tips:

• No registration required for prepaid SIMs in Belgium
• EU roaming included on all Belgian SIMs
• Better prices available at phone shops in Brussels city center (Rue Neuve)

ATMs are available in arrivals, departures, and airside areas. Major Belgian banks represented include BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, ING, and Belfius.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall: Multiple machines near exit
• Departures level: Near check-in counters
• Airside: Between Pier A and Pier B

Currency Exchange

Travelex and other exchange bureaus operate in arrivals and departures. Airport rates typically include a 4-8% markup over market rates.

Better alternatives:

• Use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees at ATMs
• Wise or Revolut cards offer near-market exchange rates
• Pay directly with card - Belgium is highly card-friendly

Currency: Euro (€)

Brussels Airport features Belgian specialties and international brands.

Duty-Free

The main duty-free shopping area is located airside, between security and the pier entrances.

Belgian specialties:

• Neuhaus: Premium Belgian chocolates
• Godiva: Chocolate and gifts
• Leonidas: Belgian pralines at accessible prices
• Beer Boutique: Extensive Belgian beer selection including Trappist ales

Notable Stores

• Delvaux: Luxury Belgian leather goods (iconic brand)
• Tintin Shop: Comics and merchandise featuring Belgium's famous character
• Brussels Airlines Shop: Aviation merchandise
• Standard luxury brands: Bulgari, Burberry, Hermès

Tips

• Belgian chocolate is significantly cheaper at the airport than in tourist areas of Brussels
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over €50
• Pre-order chocolates online for collection at the airport

Brussels Airport offers several lounge options depending on your airline and status.

The Loft by Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance)

Location: Pier A (Schengen area) Access:

• Brussels Airlines Business Class
• Star Alliance Gold members
• Miles & More Senator/HON Circle
• Day pass: €45 (book online)

Amenities: Hot buffet, Belgian beer selection, showers, workspace, sleeping pods

Diamond Lounge (Non-Schengen)

Location: Pier B Access:

• Business Class passengers on select airlines
• Priority Pass (select times)
• Day pass available

Amenities: Buffet, drinks, showers

Priority Pass Lounges

• Diamond Lounge (Pier B): Non-Schengen area, check current access rules
• The Loft is not part of Priority Pass

Airline Lounges

• British Airways Lounge (Pier B): BA Business Class and Executive Club Gold
• SAS Lounge: Star Alliance Gold when flying SAS

Tips: Lounge access can be purchased at the door if space is available, typically €40-50.

Several hotels are located near the airport with shuttle services.

At the Airport

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

• Direct pedestrian bridge to terminal (2-minute walk)
• Full-service hotel with restaurant and fitness center
• From €150/night

Near the Airport

NH Brussels Airport

• 5-minute free shuttle to terminal
• Modern rooms, restaurant and bar
• From €100/night

Holiday Inn Brussels Airport

• 10-minute free shuttle
• Pool and fitness facilities
• From €90/night

Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport

• 5-minute shuttle, connected to Diegem business area
• From €110/night

Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport

• 10-minute shuttle
• Budget-friendly option
• From €70/night

In Brussels City

For evening arrivals or early departures with flexible schedules, staying in Brussels city center (17 minutes by train) offers more dining and entertainment options.

Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union and offers a blend of stunning medieval architecture, world-renowned cuisine, and political significance. The city is compact and highly walkable.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Grand Place	25 min	Train to Central + 5 min walk
European Quarter	20 min	Train to Schuman or taxi
Manneken Pis	30 min	Train to Central + 10 min walk
Atomium	35 min	Train to Central + Metro 6
Belgian Comic Strip Center	25 min	Train to Central + 5 min walk
Royal Museums of Fine Arts	30 min	Train to Central + 10 min walk

Brussels Must-Do

• Grand Place: One of Europe's most beautiful squares, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Belgian waffles: Try Maison Dandoy near Grand Place for authentic gaufres
• Beer culture: Over 1,500 Belgian beers exist - visit Delirium Cafe (2,000+ beers on menu)
• Chocolate shops: Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, and Mary on the Grand Sablon
• Moules-frites: Classic Belgian mussels and fries at Chez Leon or similar

Day Trips

• Bruges: 1 hour by train, medieval canals and architecture
• Ghent: 30 minutes by train, historic university city
• Antwerp: 45 minutes by train, fashion and diamond capital
• Luxembourg City: 3 hours by train, compact but stunning

Travel Tips

• Purchase a MOBIB card for Brussels public transit (metro, tram, bus)
• Brussels is trilingual: French, Dutch, and German (English widely spoken)
• The European Quarter is surprisingly accessible from the airport
• Comic strip murals are scattered throughout the city - look for Tintin and the Smurfs