Quick answer
Brussels Airport (BRU/Zaventem) is 12km northeast of the city center. The trip takes about 20 minutes. The train is the best option — fast, frequent, and costs €5.40. Takes just 17 minutes to Brussels-Central. Taxis cost €45-55, and a pre-booked transfer runs €50-70.
What actually happens after landing
Brussels Airport is modern and well-organized. After baggage claim and customs, you'll enter the arrivals hall at Level 2.
The train station is directly below the terminal (Level -1). Follow signs for "Train/Trein/Zug." It's a 5-minute walk with escalators and elevators.
Taxi ranks are outside the arrivals hall at Level 2. Well-signed and organized.
Don't confuse airports: Brussels has two airports. BRU (Zaventem/Brussels Airport) is the main one. Brussels South Charleroi (CRL) is 60km away and used by Ryanair and Wizz Air. They are completely different.
Transport options explained honestly
Taxi — Official taxis wait outside arrivals. The fare to the city center is €45-55 (metered). Brussels taxis are metered and regulated — the meter starts at €2.40 with a minimum fare of €8. The airport zone has a slightly higher tariff.
Pre-booked transfer — Driver meets you in arrivals, fixed price €50-70 to the city center. Best for groups, families, or late-night arrivals.
Uber — Available in Brussels. Airport rides to the center cost €30-45. Pick-up from the designated area.
Bus — Airport Line buses run to Brussels-Schuman and other stops. About €5 but slower than the train (30-40 minutes). Not worth it unless the train is disrupted.
Rental car — Available but Brussels traffic is terrible and parking is expensive. The city center is very compact and well-served by metro and trams.
Realistic pricing expectations
| Destination | Distance | Taxi estimate | Transfer estimate | |---|---|---|---| | Brussels city center | 12 km | €45-55 | €50-70 | | Grand Place / Grote Markt | 12 km | €45-55 | €50-70 | | EU Quarter (Schuman) | 10 km | €40-50 | €45-65 | | Gare du Midi / Zuid | 15 km | €50-65 | €55-75 | | Antwerp | 45 km | €100-130 | €90-120 | | Ghent | 70 km | €140-180 | €120-160 | | Bruges | 100 km | €180-230 | €150-200 | | Leuven | 25 km | €55-75 | €50-70 |
Late night arrivals
Trains run until about midnight, with the last train to Brussels-Central departing around 11:45 PM. After that, taxis and pre-booked transfers are your options.
Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport. There's no official night surcharge in Brussels taxis, but the meter runs slightly faster between 10 PM and 6 AM.
The airport terminal stays open 24 hours. There's a Sheraton hotel connected to the terminal if you need to stay overnight.
Families and luggage
The train handles luggage decently — there are racks near the doors, but it's not always spacious during rush hour. Families with strollers and multiple large bags should consider a taxi or transfer.
Belgian taxi law doesn't require child car seats in taxis, but you can request them from transfer companies. The airport has good family facilities including changing rooms and a pharmacy.
Where you meet the driver
Taxi: Exit arrivals hall on Level 2 and follow taxi signs. The rank is right outside.
Uber: Designated pick-up at the drop-off zone outside arrivals.
Pre-booked transfer: Driver waits in the arrivals hall (Level 2) with your name on a sign.
Decision helper
- Going to city center: Train (€5.40, 17 min) — the obvious choice
- Going to Antwerp/Ghent/Bruges: Train from the airport station (direct or via Brussels)
- Late night (after midnight): Taxi or pre-booked transfer
- Family with lots of luggage: Taxi or pre-booked transfer
- EU Quarter (business): Train to Schuman or taxi
- Going to Gare du Midi (Eurostar connection): Train, but check if a direct service runs — may need to change
- Budget priority: Train, always the train
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Brussels Airport to the city center?
Yes, and it's excellent. Trains run every 10-15 minutes to Brussels-Central, taking just 17 minutes. The fare is €5.40 (includes the Diabolo airport supplement). The station is directly under the terminal.
How much is a taxi from Brussels Airport?
A metered taxi to the city center costs €45-55. Fares are regulated. The meter includes the airport zone supplement. All licensed taxis accept card payments.
Which is the right Brussels airport — Zaventem or Charleroi?
Can I get to Bruges from Brussels Airport?
Yes. The easiest way is train — take the airport train to Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi, then change for a train to Bruges (total journey about 90 minutes, €15-25). A private transfer takes about 80 minutes and costs €150-200.
What is the Diabolo supplement?
The Diabolo supplement (€5.40 as of 2026) is an extra fee added to all train tickets from Brussels Airport station. It funds the airport rail infrastructure. It's already included when you buy a ticket at the airport — you don't pay it separately.