Brussels-Zaventem Airport is Belgium's leading airport (23.6 million passengers in 2024), located approximately 12 km northeast of the capital's city center.
It serves as the hub for Brussels Airlines and a major connection point for intercontinental flights to Africa and North America, while regularly serving European institutional travelers.
How to get to Brussels Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to BRU
Parking near Brussels Airport
The official multi-story parking is located directly in front of the terminal.
It is not staffed but is video-monitored; approximately 5€/hour for short stays in the closer P1-P3 car parks, while booking online well in advance, long-term parking can drop to around 7-10€/day.
How to get to Brussels from BRU
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Brussels: BRU Airport Private Transfer to/from Brussels City
Brussels Charleroi Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Antwerp
Brussels: Private Airport Transfer to the City
From BRU to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want to... | Choose | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reach one of the three central stations as quickly as possible | Direct train (up to 6 trains per hour to Brussels-Central, North, South/Midi) | ~€12 (Diabolo supplement included) |
| Reach the European quarter without going through the center | Direct train to Brussels-Schuman (up to 2 trains per hour) | ~€12 |
| Continue immediately to another Belgian city | Direct train to Antwerp, Louvain or Mechelen (bypass Brussels) | ~€12-17 |
| Travel with heavy luggage, in a group, or outside train hours | Official metered taxi | ~€45-55 |
Bruxelles-Zaventem → Grand Place / centro storico
Brussels-Central, the station closest to Grand Place and the old town, is the most practical choice for those staying in or visiting the tourist core: it's reached in about 17 minutes, a few minutes less than heading to North or South.
Bruxelles-Zaventem → Quartiere Europeo (Schuman)
Up to two trains per hour continue directly to Brussels-Schuman, in the heart of EU institutions: the quickest solution for those with appointments at the Commission or European Parliament, without needing to change downtown first.
Bruxelles-Zaventem → Bruxelles-Sud/Midi (stazione internazionale)
South/Midi is the hub where Eurostar, Thalys and TGV trains depart for London, Paris and Cologne: if you're continuing immediately by train, it's best to get off here directly rather than changing elsewhere.
Bruxelles-Zaventem → Anversa
There's no need to go through Brussels center to reach Belgium's second city: a direct train connects the airport to Antwerp in about 30 minutes.
Car rental at Brussels Airport
The most established car rental companies operate from the arrivals area.
The agency typically requires a driver's license, passport, credit card and the International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Brussels Airport
At the airport
The Sheraton is opposite the departures hall, about 40 steps from the terminal entrance according to the airport.
Best for: Dawn departures and arrivals in the dead of night, when you want to walk from check-in to your room.
- From your room to check-in is a few minutes on foot, with no shuttles
- There is a single terminal: no doubt about where to go in the morning
- There is nothing around but the terminal: dinner only in the hotel or at the airport
- Reviews mention rooms in need of renovation and some noise
Recommended hotels
Zaventem and Diegem
The Crowne Plaza's free shuttle leaves from the level 0 bus station, bay E; every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 20 at weekends, from 4 (May-September) or from 6 (October-April).
Best for: Those who want a hotel cheaper than the terminal one and don't mind a shuttle in the morning.
- Free, frequent shuttle, with the hotel a few minutes from the terminal
- A quieter alternative to the terminal, with a transfer at no extra cost
- The shuttle doesn't run before 4 or 6: for earlier flights you need a taxi
- An area of offices and warehouses, little to do in the evening
Recommended hotels
Brussels-Midi station
From the airport a direct train takes you to Brussels-South/Midi in about 20-25 minutes, with departures every 15-20 minutes.
Best for: Those arriving or leaving by Eurostar, Thalys or TGV who want a room a few metres from the platforms.
- The hotel is in the station: from the train to your room with no transfers
- Useful if your train leaves before 8 and you don't want to risk delays
- The area around Midi is a transit zone: for dinner you end up going elsewhere
- For the Grand Place you need a short ride: Midi is not in the old town
Recommended hotels
Grand Place and the old town
The direct train reaches Brussels-Central in about 17 minutes, the station closest to the Grand Place; from there you continue on foot.
Best for: Stays of several days, with the landmarks on foot and plenty of restaurants nearby.
- From Brussels-Central you walk into the heart of the old city
- Plenty of restaurants and venues open until late in the evening
- Street-facing rooms suffer from night noise
- The walk from Central to your room needs some care with luggage
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 4
- with Priority Pass
- 2
- paid entry
- from €39
- earliest opening
- 04:30
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The single terminal is organized over multiple levels, with the train area at level -1. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10-15 minutes.
Security checks can get longer during morning peak hours: for international flights you're advised to arrive at least 2-3 hours early.
Map of Brussels Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can you buy a local SIM card directly at Brussels airport?
Yes, there are stores of the main operators such as Proximus, Orange and Base in the arrivals area, although in the city centre you'll often find more competitive prices and a wider choice of prepaid plans designed for tourists.
Q. Is ETIAS required to enter Belgium?
Not yet: the ETIAS travel authorization for non-EU citizens currently visa-exempt is expected to come into force in the fourth quarter of 2026. Check the current status before departing.
Q. Is Brussels Airport convenient for continuing to other European cities?
Yes: Gare du Midi, reachable by train from the airport, is a hub for Eurostar and Thalys towards London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne.
Q. What to buy at the Brussels duty free?
Belgian chocolate from historic brands like Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas, as well as Belgian craft beers in gift packs.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Diamond Lounge (Pier A) and The View (Pier B).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is €39, at The View (Pier B).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 04:30: Diamond Lounge (Pier A).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
