Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem (BRU), sits just 12 km from downtown — see the full Brussels city guide for more. The airport connects directly to a rail station beneath the terminal, making the trip into the center fast and simple.
🚆 Train — the fastest option
From the station under the terminal, trains reach Brussels' three central stations (South, Central, North) in 15-25 minutes.
- Price: ~$10-12 (€9-11)
- Trains run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day
- Buy a ticket at a machine, through the SNCB app, or tap a card directly at the gate
🚌 Bus — the cheaper alternative
De Lijn bus 12/21 runs from the airport to the center in about 30-40 minutes and costs less than the train — the price of a regular city ticket. A good option if you're traveling light and not in a hurry.
🚕 Taxi
An official taxi to the center costs about $44-55 (€40-50) and takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Only take a taxi from the official stand — unauthorized drivers near the terminal exit have repeatedly been reported overcharging passengers.
💡 Practical tips
- Check the full Brussels city guide before you fly for budget and sightseeing details
- Get an eSIM on arrival — it makes navigating easier
- Belgium is part of the Schengen area — check the visa rules ahead of time
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