Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to Leiden

The drive from Zaventem to Leiden

The route covers 180 km (112 miles) and normally takes 1 h 58 m. You leave Belgium and cross into the Netherlands, then continue through the Randstad towards the coast. Leiden is not one of our most frequently booked destinations, but it is available on request like any other route. Allow extra time if you travel during the morning or evening rush, as the roads around Antwerp, Rotterdam and The Hague can slow down. If you have a fixed appointment or a train to catch, build in a buffer.

Meeting Point

Your driver waits at Java Coffee House with a personalised name sign. The spot is easy to find after you collect your luggage, so you can go there straight from baggage reclaim.

Choosing the right vehicle

For solo travellers, couples and small families, a private taxi is the natural choice, with options for 1-3 or 1-4 passengers. Mind the luggage: four people with large suitcases are often more comfortable in a larger vehicle. Groups can book a private minibus with 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 or 48 seats, which suits conference delegates, university visiting parties, school trips and family gatherings. Everyone arrives together, and there is no need to coordinate several cars or connections.

Leiden as a destination

Leiden is a compact canal city known for the oldest university in the Netherlands, founded in 1575, and as the birthplace of Rembrandt. The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, with the Hortus Botanicus, the Naturalis museum and the old waterfront streets all close together. The city is also a convenient base for the bulb fields around Lisse in spring and for the beaches at Katwijk.

Where to stay in Leiden

• Hotel de Doelen: a long-established hotel in a historic building on the Rapenburg canal, in the heart of the old town.
• Golden Tulip Leiden Centre: a well-known hotel offering a practical base for visitors who want to reach the city and the surrounding region easily.

Give your driver the exact hotel name at booking, so the drop-off goes smoothly, particularly in the pedestrian-friendly centre where access can be limited.