Most travelers can easily reach the Brussels city center by train in 20 minutes. However, if you are with a big suitcase and your hotel is far from train stations, it is recommended to use an airport transfer service that takes you to your hotel.
Quick comparison of transport options
| Transport | Approx Cost | Travel Time | Frequency | Notes | Buy Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | € 10.30 | 20 mins | Every 15–20 mins, from 4am to midnight | All trains stop Brussels three stations (North, Central and South) | Buy online, Ticketing counter, or machine |
| Airport Transfer Service | From € 18 (per person) | 30 – 50 mins | Pre-book only | Maximum number of passengers varies according to car size | Book Online |
| Regular taxi | € 70 – €100 | 30 – 50 mins | Available at the airport taxi station | Price may vary considerably depending on traffic and time of day | – |
| Hotel shuttles | Free – paid | 5 – 40 mins | Pre-book is necessary for most hotels | Hotels around the airport provide a free shuttle service | Find Hotels |
| Bus | € 2 | 40 – 60 mins | Every 20 – 30 mins | Not directly arrive at Brussels central area. | – |
Train
Taking a train is the easiest and most convenient option for many travelers as it takes only 20 minutes to take you directly all major three stations in Brussels, Brussels North, Brussels Central and Brussels South. To see the Grand Place and other major attractions, get off at the Brussels Central station.
From the Airport, trains stop North-Central-South order
How to Get a Train
At the airport, you can find the train station directly under the airport building (underground floor, also called “level -1”). You can buy a train ticket at a counter or ticketing machine, or from the Belgium Rail (SNCB) website. All of them are easy-to-use in English.
Buying a train ticket at the Brussels Airport train station
All signs and announcements are given in English, so helpful for travelers 👍
We highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance from the Belgium Rail (SNCB) website. They’ll email you a digital ticket, eliminating the need for printing and waiting.
If you use a ticketing machine, choose “Zone Brussels” to get off any stations in Brussels. You can also buy a ticket to go to Bruges, Antwerp or Ghent directly from the Airport.
Please note that you have to pay an extra fee called “Diabolo Fee” for trains to and from Brussels Airports. When you select trains, it should be automatically included.
You can bring up to 3 pieces of luggage on the train. If you have more than 4, we recommend you to take an airport transfer service as below.
Private Airport Transfer Services
By booking an airport transfer service, you get the reassurance of a car waiting for you upon arrival at the airport and taking you to your hotel (or any address in Brussels) directly.
Airport Transfer is highly recommended if you are;
- With heavy luggage
- Arriving at the airport after 9pm or before 6am
- Your hotel is far away from the train stations
Please note that some old streets in Brussels are covered with old stones, which makes you way more difficult to walk with heavy suitcase.
Regular Taxi
You can take a taxi without reservations right in front of the arrival hall at the airport. You can recognize an official taxi by the T- license plate and the blue-yellow symbol at the front of the taxi.
Beware of unlicensed taxis!
There is also an organized line in front of the arrival hall. Do not respond to someone who offers you a ride at the arrival hall.
Hotel Shuttles
Many hotels in Brussels city center and around the airport offer a shuttle service from airport to hotel.
Hotels in the Brussels city center with Shuttle Services
If you land at the airport late in the evening, consider staying at a hotel near the airport rather than heading to the city center. Numerous budget-friendly hotels surround the airport, with many providing complimentary shuttle services from the arrival terminal.
Hotels nearby Brussels Airport with Shuttle Services
Booking.comIf you choose the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, you won’t even need a shuttle. It’s conveniently situated directly opposite the arrival hall, just a short walk away (less than 100 meters).
Bus (not recommended)
Bus does not take you to the city center
We don’t recommend to take a bus from the airport to Brussels city center, because taking trains is much easier and faster! You can only consider taking a bus if your destination is Brussels North area or European quarter, or you look for the cheapest way to get to the city.
for example, if you take a bus and get off the European quarter, you need to take another bus or walk more than 15 minutes (or take another bus/metro) to the center around the Grand Place.
There are 2 companies that operate buses from the airport to the Brussels North. You can find both bus stops at the ground floor (also called “level 0”)
| Bus Company | Destinations | Bus Line |
|---|---|---|
| De Lijn | Brussels North (Train station) | Bus 272, 471 |
| STIB Airport Line | European district – Schuman (lines 1-5) and at Trône/Troon (lines 2-6) metro stations | Bus 12 |
Public Transportation in Brussels >>
