Getting from Brussels Airport to the city centre
What's the best way to get from Brussels Airport to the city?
The train is fastest and best value — about 20 minutes from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to the central stations, running several times an hour. A taxi or ride-share takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and costs much more. Note there's a separate, more distant Charleroi Airport used by low-cost airlines, served by a dedicated shuttle bus.
Two airports, very different journeys
The first thing to know: “Brussels” has two airports, and they’re not close. Brussels Airport (Zaventem, BRU) is the main one, just north-east of the city. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) — used by many low-cost carriers like Ryanair — is about 50 km away and needs a separate plan (Charleroi guide). This guide covers the main airport; check which you’re flying into before booking anything.
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) → the centre
Train — best for almost everyone
The station sits directly under the terminal, with frequent direct trains to Bruxelles-Nord, Central and Midi in about 20 minutes. Trains run several times an hour from early morning to late evening.
- Buy from machines, counters or the SNCB/NMBS app.
- The fare includes a small airport supplement (the “Diabolo” fee).
- The default choice — fast, cheap, frequent, and it drops you in the heart of town. Pick the station nearest your hotel (where to stay).
Bus — cheaper, slower
- STIB bus 12 (rush hour) / 21 runs to the EU quarter and the city; cheaper than the train but slower.
- De Lijn / regional buses serve various points. Best only if you’re heading somewhere a bus serves directly or you’re on a tight budget (budget guide).
Taxi / ride-share — convenient, pricier
- Official taxis from the rank take 20–40 minutes depending on traffic, for a fixed-ish fare that’s considerably more than the train.
- Uber/Bolt operate and can be cheaper than a taxi, with app pickup points.
- Worth it with heavy luggage, a group splitting the cost, or a late arrival.
Quick comparison
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | ~20 min | € | Almost everyone |
| Bus | 30–45 min | € (cheapest) | Budget / specific routes |
| Taxi / Uber | 20–40 min | €€€ | Luggage, groups, late nights |
Practical tips
- Validate nothing — Belgian train tickets aren’t stamped; keep your app or paper ticket ready.
- Trains run late, so even an evening flight is fine for the train.
- Returning to the airport: allow extra time at peak hours; the train is still the most reliable.
- Don’t confuse the airports. If your ticket says CRL / Charleroi, you need the Charleroi shuttle, not the Zaventem train — budget around an hour.
For getting around once you’re in town, see getting around Brussels with STIB, and for general arrival logistics, our Brussels travel tips.
Frequently asked questions — Getting from Brussels Airport to the city centre
How far is Brussels Airport from the city centre?
Brussels Airport (Zaventem, BRU) is about 12 km north-east of the centre — roughly 20 minutes by direct train to Bruxelles-Central, Nord or Midi. Charleroi Airport (CRL), used by many budget airlines, is about 50 km south and takes around an hour by shuttle bus.Is there a train from Brussels Airport to the city?
Yes — the station is directly beneath the airport terminal, with frequent direct trains (~20 min) to all three central Brussels stations. Buy a ticket from machines or the app; note a small airport supplement (Diabolo fee) is included in the fare.
