Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to Merkem

The drive from Brussels Airport to Merkem

Merkem lies 144 km (90 miles) from Brussels Zaventem Airport, and the drive normally takes about 1 h 39 m. The route heads west across Flanders, so it is a fairly long transfer after a flight. Morning and late-afternoon traffic around Brussels can add time, so allow a little extra if you have a fixed appointment or an onward commitment. This is a less frequently booked route, but it is available on request like any other.

Choosing the right vehicle

For small parties there are two taxi options: one for 1-3 passengers and one for 1-4 passengers. Pick the larger one if you are travelling with bulky luggage. Larger groups can book a private minibus with 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 or 48 seats. This suits families, sports clubs, school trips or tour groups, since everyone arrives together in one vehicle.

About Merkem

Merkem is a small village in West Flanders, in the municipality of Houthulst. It is a quiet rural area with farmland and open countryside. The wider region is known for its First World War history, and many visitors come to explore the battlefields and memorials of the Westhoek.

Places to stay near Merkem

Merkem is small, so most visitors look for accommodation in nearby Ypres (Ieper), the main base for the Westhoek. Well-established choices there include:

• Hotel Ariane in Ypres
• Albion Hotel in Ypres

Both are a short distance from the town centre and the Menin Gate. Check with your host where exactly you are staying so the driver has the correct address.

Meeting Point

Your driver waits at Java Coffee House with a personalised name sign. The spot is easy to find once you have collected your luggage. Head there and look for your name.