Brussels Airport

Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Brussels-Zaventem, is Belgium's largest airport and the primary international gateway to Brussels and the European Union institutions. Located approximately 12 km northeast of Brussels city center in the Flemish municipality of Zaventem, the airport handles over 26 million passengers annually.

The airport uses a single terminal building with two connected piers:

• Pier A: Gates A1-A60, primarily serving Schengen destinations. Brussels Airlines and Star Alliance partners operate mainly from this pier.
• Pier B: Gates B1-B50, handling non-Schengen flights to destinations outside the Schengen area, including the UK, US, and Africa.

Brussels Airport is the home base for Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance) and serves as an important hub for connections to Africa, with the carrier operating extensive routes to the continent. The airport is also a significant cargo hub, particularly for pharmaceutical logistics.

Important: Do not confuse BRU with Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), located 60 km south of Brussels. Charleroi is a separate airport primarily used by Ryanair and other low-cost carriers.

Brussels Airport is located 12 km northeast of Brussels city center. The train is the fastest and most reliable option.

Typical travel times:

• Brussels-Central by train: 17 minutes
• Brussels-Midi/Zuid by train: 22 minutes (Eurostar connections)
• Brussels city center by taxi: 20-40 minutes (traffic dependent)
• European Quarter by taxi: 15-25 minutes

The airport has direct rail connections to all three main Brussels stations and beyond, making it easy to reach anywhere in Belgium.

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 train is the fastest and most economical way to reach Brussels. The Brussels Airport-Zaventem station is located directly beneath the terminal on Level -1.

To Brussels-Central Station:

1. Follow signs to "Train" from arrivals (Level 0 to Level -1)
2. Take any train toward Brussels (4-6 trains per hour)
3. Exit at Brussels-Central
4. Journey time: 17 minutes

To Brussels-Midi/Zuid (Eurostar connections):

1. Same train, continue one more stop
2. Journey time: 22 minutes

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Single adult (2nd class)	€14.20	Includes Diabolo supplement
Single adult (1st class)	€21.40	Includes Diabolo supplement
Weekend return	€18.40	Round trip, valid Fri-Sun
Go Unlimited (under 26)	€8.40	One-way, youth rate

Important: All train tickets from Brussels Airport include a €5.81 "Diabolo supplement" which funds the airport rail link. This is already included in the prices above.

Frequency: Every 10 minutes during peak hours, every 20 minutes off-peak Operating hours: First train ~05:00, last train ~00:00

Bus

Bus routes serve the airport but are slower than trains. The Brussels Airport Company operates shuttle connections to various destinations.

Airport Line bus (De Lijn line 272):

• To NATO headquarters and Brussels North station
• Journey time: 30-45 minutes to city
• Fare: €3 (purchased in advance via app or €4 on board)

For most travelers, the train is the better option.

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