Brussels Airport is modern, clean, and well-equipped for families. The city center is close, so the transfer won't be long regardless of your transport choice.
Belgian child car seat rules
In Belgium, children under 135cm (about 10 years) must use an appropriate car seat:
- Rear-facing for babies
- Forward-facing for toddlers
- Booster for older children
Taxis are exempt from car seat requirements in Belgium. However, private hire vehicles (transfers) can and should provide them on request.
Best transport for families
Train (surprisingly family-friendly)
- Cost: €5.40 per adult, free for under-6s, reduced for 6-11
- Time: 17 minutes to Brussels-Central
- Strollers: Can be brought on board — trains have wider doors and luggage areas
- Best for: Families with 1-2 kids and manageable luggage
- The walk: 5 minutes from arrivals to the station with escalators and lifts
Pre-booked transfer (recommended for larger families)
- Cost: €50-70 sedan, €65-90 minivan
- Why: Child seats, luggage help, door-to-door service
- Book: Specify ages/weights of children for correct car seats
- Driver meets you in the arrivals hall — no navigating with kids
Taxi
- Cost: €45-55 metered
- Good for: Smaller families in a hurry
- No child seats available
- Space: Standard sedan fits 2 adults + 2 kids + luggage (tight with stroller)
Airport family facilities
Brussels Airport is well-equipped:
- Family washrooms with baby changing facilities throughout
- Pharmacy in the arrivals area
- Food options — cafes and shops for snacks
- Free Wi-Fi for keeping kids occupied
- Elevators to all levels (train station, arrivals, departures)
- Trolleys available (€2 deposit, refundable)
Luggage with a family
| Family size | Luggage | Best transport |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1 child | 2 bags + stroller | Train or taxi |
| 2 adults + 2 children | 3 bags + stroller | Taxi or minivan transfer |
| 2 adults + 3+ children | 4+ bags + strollers | Minivan transfer |
Going to Belgian cities with kids
Belgium is small — everything is close:
| Destination | Best family transport | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels city center | Train | €5.40/adult | 17 min |
| Antwerp (zoo!) | Train | €12-16/adult | 35 min |
| Bruges | Train + change | €18-22/adult | 90 min |
| Walibi Belgium (theme park) | Transfer | €40-60 | 25 min |
Chocolate tip
Brussels Airport has excellent chocolate shops in the arrivals area. After a long flight with kids, a small chocolate bribe for good behavior in the transport queue is completely acceptable parenting.