BRU - Brussels

Getting from Brussels Airport with kids and family

Last updated: April 2026

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: an SNCB ticket plus the Brussels Airport Supplement per adult; young children travel free and older children at a reduced fare — SNCB sets the age bands and the prices, so check belgiantrain.be
  • 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: metered — no fixed airport fare, and Brussels traffic drives it up
  • 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 (refundable coin deposit)

Luggage with a family

Family sizeLuggageBest transport
2 adults + 1 child2 bags + strollerTrain or taxi
2 adults + 2 children3 bags + strollerTaxi or minivan transfer
2 adults + 3+ children4+ bags + strollersMinivan transfer

Fixed-price private transfer

BRU Brussels City Center

From70for 2 passengers

See vehicles and book
3 verified local suppliersAll BRU routes and prices

Going to Belgian cities with kids

Belgium is small — everything is close:

DestinationBest family transportCostTime
Brussels city centerTraincheck belgiantrain.be17 min
Antwerp (zoo!)Traincheck belgiantrain.be35 min
BrugesTrain + changecheck belgiantrain.be90 min
Walibi Belgium (theme park)Transfer€40-6025 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.

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