# Brussels Airport Transfer Guide (BRU) Practical guide to getting from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to the city center. Train, taxi, and transfer options with real pricing. **Airport:** BRU **City:** Brussels **Country:** Belgium **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bru **Last updated:** 2026-03-26 --- ## Main Guide ### 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**. 👉 AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### 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 **Train (recommended)** — Brussels Airport has a railway station directly under the terminal. Trains to Brussels-Central run every **10-15 minutes**, take **17 minutes**, and cost **€5.40** (includes the Diabolo supplement). This is genuinely the best option for most travelers. **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 **Train:** Take escalators or elevators down from Level 2 to Level -1. The station is directly under the terminal. Ticket machines are near the platforms. **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 👉 This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: Which is the right Brussels airport — Zaventem or Charleroi?** **Brussels Airport (BRU/Zaventem)** is the main airport, 12km from the city. **Brussels South Charleroi (CRL)** is 60km away and used mainly by Ryanair and Wizz Air. They are completely different airports — always check which one your flight uses. **Q: 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**. **Q: 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. --- ## Additional Guides ### Late night arrival at Brussels Airport — what are your options? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bru/late-night Brussels Airport handles late flights regularly. Here's what's actually available when you land after dark. ## What's available late at night | Transport | Available? | Last service | Cost | |---|---|---|---| | Train | Until ~midnight | ~11:45 PM last departure | €5.40 | | Taxi | Yes, 24/7 | Always at the rank | €50-65 (night rate) | | Uber/Bolt | Yes | Variable | €35-50 | | Pre-booked transfer | Yes | Driver waiting | €50-70 | | Bus | No | Ends ~11 PM | N/A | ## The last train The last train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Central departs around **11:45 PM** (check SNCB/NMBS for exact time). If your flight lands after 10:30 PM, factor in 20-30 minutes for baggage and customs, then the 5-minute walk to the station. It's a close call. **Pro tip:** Check the SNCB app before landing. If you know you can make the last train, it saves you €40+. If there's any doubt, don't gamble — pre-book a transfer. ## Taxis after midnight Taxis operate **24/7** at Brussels Airport. After midnight: - The meter runs at the **night tariff** (roughly 20% higher) - City center fare: **€50-65** (vs. €45-55 daytime) - There are usually cabs available, but fewer than during the day - Wait time: 0-10 minutes Always use the **official taxi rank**. Late at night, illegal touts are more active. Look for the marked lane and official vehicles. ## Pre-booked transfer at night This is the premium but stress-free option: - Driver tracks your flight and adjusts for delays - Waiting in arrivals with your name, regardless of the hour - Fixed price (€50-70) — no night surcharge surprises - Pre-heated car in winter (Brussels nights get cold) For flights landing after 11 PM, this is our recommended option. The price difference vs. a night taxi is minimal (sometimes even cheaper), and the certainty is worth it. ## Uber/Bolt at night Both apps work at night in Brussels, typically **€35-50** to the city center. Wait times increase after midnight (10-15 minutes). Surge pricing is possible on weekend nights. These can be a good middle-ground between the taxi and the train. ## Safety at night Brussels Airport is safe and well-staffed around the clock. The terminal stays lit and security is present. The taxi rank is monitored. The drive into Brussels at night takes only 15-20 minutes (no traffic). The city center is generally safe. The area around Gare du Midi can be rough late at night — if your hotel is there, get dropped at the door. ## Airport hotel option The **Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel** is connected to the terminal by a walkway. Rooms from **€100-180/night**. If you arrive extremely late with an early connection, this is convenient but not cheap. There are also several hotels within a 5-minute drive (Novotel, Holiday Inn) with shuttle services. ## Nuit Blanche (night bus) Brussels has a **Noctis/night bus network** on Friday and Saturday nights, but it doesn't serve the airport. This is only for getting around the city center. Don't count on public transport after midnight from BRU. --- ### Taxi vs private transfer from Brussels Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bru/taxi-vs-transfer For Brussels city center, the train beats both. But when you need a car, here's how taxis and transfers compare. ## Side-by-side comparison | Factor | Taxi | Private Transfer | |---|---|---| | **Cost to city center** | €45-55 (metered) | €50-70 (fixed) | | **Wait time** | 0-5 min | 0 min (driver waiting) | | **Booking needed** | No | Yes | | **Meet & greet** | No | Yes — in arrivals | | **Vehicle** | Standard sedan | Sedan, executive, minivan | | **Child seats** | Not standard | Available on request | | **Flight tracking** | No | Yes | | **Payment** | Meter — card or cash | Pre-paid online | | **Language** | French/Dutch (some English) | English guaranteed | ## Brussels taxis — what to expect Brussels taxis are licensed and metered. The vehicles are generally decent (often Mercedes or VW). Drivers operate in a bilingual city — most speak French and Dutch, with varying levels of English. The taxi rank at Brussels Airport is well-organized. You'll usually get a cab within 5 minutes. The route to the city center is via the E40 motorway — about 20 minutes in normal traffic, but 30-45 minutes during Brussels' notorious rush hours. **Important:** Only use taxis from the **official rank**. Illegal touts operate at Brussels Airport. The official taxis have clear markings, a roof sign, and their license displayed. ## When a taxi makes sense - **Daytime arrival, going to city center** — straightforward metered trip - **Solo or couple** — quick and easy - **You're comfortable in a metered taxi** — no surprises with Brussels' regulated system - **Short stay** and you don't want to plan ahead ## When a transfer is better - **Rush hour arrival (8-10 AM or 4-7 PM)** — Brussels traffic is terrible. Fixed price means you don't watch the meter in a traffic jam - **Going to Bruges or Ghent** — long distance, you want a fixed quote - **Family with car seat needs** — taxis don't provide them - **Late night** — driver waiting for you is better than hoping for available taxis - **Language concerns** — transfer drivers are briefed on your details and speak English - **Group of 3-4** — minivan transfer can be more efficient ## The Brussels traffic problem Brussels is one of the most congested cities in Europe. The tunnels (Leopold, Cinquantenaire, Montgomery) create bottlenecks. During rush hour: - A taxi that would cost €45 at 2 PM might cost €60-70 at 5 PM due to time-based meter charges - A transfer at a fixed €55-65 becomes better value - The train at €5.40 becomes an even more obvious choice ## A smart strategy Many experienced Brussels travelers: 1. **Arrive** → Take the train (fast, cheap, unaffected by traffic) 2. **Depart** → Pre-book a transfer (door pickup with luggage, guaranteed timing for your flight) This combines the best of both: maximum savings on arrival, maximum convenience on departure. ## Don't forget Uber/Bolt Both operate in Brussels at **€30-45** to the city center — significantly cheaper than taxis. If you're comfortable with ride-share apps, this sits nicely between the train and taxi in both price and convenience. --- ### Getting from Brussels Airport with kids and family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bru/family-and-kids 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. --- ### How much does it cost to get from Brussels Airport to the city? **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/bru/cost-to-city Brussels Airport has a direct train connection that makes this one of the more affordable major airport transfers in Europe. ## Complete price comparison | Transport | Cost (EUR) | Time | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | Train | €5.40 | 17 min | Most travelers | | Airport Line bus | ~€5 | 30-40 min | Train disruptions only | | Uber | €30-45 | 20-30 min | Door-to-door | | Taxi | €45-55 | 20-30 min | Convenience | | Pre-booked transfer | €50-70 | 20-30 min | Families, late nights | ## The train — clearly the best value The **€5.40 train fare** (including the Diabolo supplement) for a 17-minute ride to Brussels-Central is excellent value. By comparison: - A taxi costs 8-10x more for the same journey - An Uber costs 6-8x more - The bus takes twice as long and saves almost nothing Trains run every 10-15 minutes from about 5 AM to midnight. Buy tickets at the machines (Level -1) or online via the SNCB/NMBS app. Accept contactless and cards. **Cost-saving tip:** If you're continuing by train to Antwerp, Ghent, or Bruges, buy a through-ticket from the airport. It's cheaper than buying separate tickets. | Through-ticket from airport | Price | |---|---| | Brussels Airport → Brussels-Central | €5.40 | | Brussels Airport → Antwerp-Central | €12-16 | | Brussels Airport → Ghent-Sint-Pieters | €15-19 | | Brussels Airport → Bruges | €18-22 | | Brussels Airport → Leuven | €8-10 | ## Taxi fare breakdown Brussels taxis are metered. The airport zone has its own tariff: - **Starting fare:** €2.40 - **Per km:** €1.80 (airport zone), then standard rate in Brussels - **Minimum fare:** €8 - **Night rate (10 PM - 6 AM):** ~20% higher Typical metered fares from BRU: | Destination | Daytime | Nighttime | |---|---|---| | Grand Place | €45-50 | €50-60 | | EU Quarter (Schuman) | €40-48 | €45-55 | | Gare du Midi (Eurostar) | €50-60 | €55-68 | | Ixelles / Louise | €48-55 | €52-62 | | Leuven | €55-70 | €60-80 | ## Uber vs taxi Uber is usually **30-40% cheaper** than a taxi from BRU (€30-45 vs. €45-55). It's a significant saving. However: - Brussels taxi drivers have protested Uber repeatedly — the service has been legally challenged - Uber availability can vary - Pick-up logistics are slightly less convenient than the taxi rank Bolt is also available in Brussels and often cheaper than Uber. ## Cost to other Belgian cities | City | Train | Taxi | Transfer | |---|---|---|---| | Antwerp | €12-16 (35 min) | €100-130 | €90-120 | | Ghent | €15-19 (60 min) | €140-180 | €120-160 | | Bruges | €18-22 (90 min) | €180-230 | €150-200 | | Leuven | €8-10 (15 min) | €55-75 | €50-70 | | Mechelen | €7-9 (12 min) | €45-60 | €45-60 | ## Our recommendation Take the **train**. At €5.40 for a 17-minute ride, it beats every other option by a huge margin. The only exceptions: - Late night (after midnight) — taxi or transfer - Lots of heavy luggage — taxi or transfer - Going to a specific address far from a train station — taxi or transfer - Group of 4+ — a transfer becomes cost-competitive per person --- ## Check before you land 👉 This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Brussels (BRU). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.