Getting from Brussels Airport to the city centre is very easy, as you have several transport options to choose from depending on your budget, the amount of luggage you’re carrying, and where you’re staying.
The Belgian capital is served by two airports: Brussels Airport in Zaventem, the city’s main airport, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport, located around 55 km from the city centre and primarily served by low-cost airlines.
Most travellers arriving in Brussels land at Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Brussels-National Airport or simply Zaventem Airport.
The airport is located just 15 km from central Brussels, making transfers quick and easy. Whether you prefer travelling by train, bus, taxi or private transfer, reaching the city is simple.
I’ve travelled to Brussels several times, and after trying different options, these are my two favourites: the train if I’m staying in the city centre, or the bus if my accommodation is in the European Quarter.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, you might also find my guide on where to stay in Brussels helpful.
Below you’ll find the different ways to travel from Zaventem Airport to the centre of Brussels, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
How to Get from Brussels Airport to the City Centre
1. Train, the Most Convenient Way to Get from Brussels Airport to the City Centre
If you ask me for the option I prefer, the answer is the train. It offers the best combination of speed, comfort, and price.
Finding the station couldn’t be easier. Simply head down to Level -1 of the airport, where you’ll find the railway station directly beneath the terminal.
A ticket to the city centre costs €11.60 in second class or €13.40 in first class. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
Another advantage is the frequency of departures. During peak hours, there are up to six trains per hour, so you rarely have to wait long before the next service.
The train is also very convenient because it stops at several of the city’s main railway stations. You can get off at Gare du Nord, Gare Centrale (a few minutes walking from Grand Place), located less than a 5-minute walk from the Grand Place, or Gare du Midi, depending on where your accommodation is located.
You can check timetables, ticket prices, and additional information here:
2. Bus, Ideal if You Are Staying in the European Quarter
Another popular way to get from Brussels Airport to the city centre is by bus. Although it isn’t quite as comfortable as the train, it is slightly cheaper, making it a good alternative if you’re looking to save a little money.
This service takes you directly to the European Quarter, which is particularly convenient if your hotel is located in this part of Brussels. If your final destination is the Grand Place, however, you’ll need to continue your journey by metro, as the bus does not reach the historic centre.
The route is operated by bus line 12, with its main stops at Schuman Station, where you can transfer directly to the metro, and Place Luxembourg, located right next to the European Parliament.
The ticket, known as the Airport2City ticket, costs €8.40 when purchased from the ticket machine beside the bus stop. If you pay using a contactless debit or credit card on board, the fare is slightly cheaper at €7.90. Card readers are available inside the bus, making payment quick and convenient.
One advantage that many visitors overlook is that the same ticket can also be used on Brussels’ public transport network, allowing you to continue your journey to your final destination without purchasing another ticket.
The trip usually takes between 25 and 30 minutes. While it’s a little slower than the train, the difference isn’t significant, especially considering the lower ticket price.
More information:
3. De Lijn Buses, the Cheapest Way to Get from Brussels Airport to the City Centre (Gare du Nord)
If your priority is spending as little as possible, the buses operated by De Lijn are the cheapest way to travel from Brussels Zaventem Airport to the city centre.
A ticket costs just €3, making this by far the most budget-friendly option. You can buy it from the ticket machine at the airport or simply pay using your contactless debit or credit card.
The R26 and N62 bus routes stop at Gare du Nord and Rogier, making them an excellent choice if your hotel is located in these areas.
From Gare du Nord, you can easily walk towards the Grand Place and the historic centre. The walk takes around 15 minutes, so you may not even need to use public transport if you’re travelling light.
Check the timetables here:
4. Taxi, Very Convenient but Expensive
If convenience is your top priority, taking a taxi is probably the easiest way to travel from Brussels Airport to the city centre. As soon as you leave the arrivals hall, you’ll find official taxi ranks, and it’s usually very easy to get a taxi without having to wait long.
The downside is the price. A journey to central Brussels typically costs around €45, making it the most expensive option for travelling between the airport and the city centre.
For travellers carrying a lot of luggage, arriving late at night, or staying somewhere that isn’t well connected by public transport, the extra cost may well be worth paying for the added convenience.
5. Private Transfer Service, for Those Looking for a Premium Service
If you value comfort, convenience, and a hassle-free arrival, this is undoubtedly one of the best options available to travel from Brussels Airport to the city centre.
Transfer companies offer a wide range of vehicles, from standard cars to 8-seat minibuses, so you can choose the option that best suits the size of your group and the amount of luggage you’re carrying. The final price depends on the type of vehicle you select.
One of the biggest benefits is that you don’t have to worry about finding your way around the airport or waiting for public transport. Your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall, help you with your luggage if necessary, and take you directly to your hotel in Brussels.
Check prices here: Private transfers in Brussels Airport
6. Car Rental, Only if You Plan to Visit Places Outside Brussels
In my opinion, renting a car only makes sense if you intend to explore other parts of Belgium or even visit neighbouring countries during your trip. If your only journey is between Brussels Airport and the city centre, I wouldn’t recommend choosing this option.
Parking is paid in almost every part of Brussels. Parking fees can quickly add up, and driving in the city centre isn’t always the most convenient experience.
That said, if you do plan on taking day trips, renting a car can be an interesting choice. Well-known companies including Avis, Sixt, Enterprise, and Hertz all have offices at the airport, allowing you to collect your vehicle immediately after landing and start your journey without any unnecessary detours.
7. Free Shuttle Service Offered by Some Hotels
Another option that’s worth checking before your trip is whether your hotel offers a free shuttle service from the airport. Not every hotel provides this benefit, but if yours does, it can save you both time and money after your flight.
If you’re staying at a hotel that advertises this service, it’s a good idea to check in advance how it works, where the shuttle departs from, and whether you need to reserve your seat before arriving.
For reference, Brussels Airport publishes a list of hotels that provide complimentary airport transfers. In most cases, these hotels are located close to the airport.
– List of hotels with a free shuttle service
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