Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to Pellenberg

The drive from Brussels Airport to Pellenberg

Pellenberg lies 33 km (21 miles) from Brussels Zaventem Airport, and the drive normally takes around 29 minutes. The route heads east out of the airport area towards the Leuven region, so you leave the terminal zone quickly. Allow extra time during the weekday morning and late-afternoon rush hours, when traffic around Brussels and Leuven slows down. Bad weather can also add minutes, so it is worth keeping a small buffer if you have an appointment on arrival.

Choosing the right vehicle

Couples, solo travellers and small families are usually best served by a private taxi, available for 1-3 or 1-4 passengers. Check the luggage you are bringing when deciding between the two. For larger parties there is an 8-seat minibus. Groups can choose 16, 24, 32, 40 or 48 seats, which suits wedding parties, company teams or conference delegations heading to the Leuven area. Each booking is a private transfer, so the vehicle is yours alone and goes straight to your address.

About Pellenberg and where to stay

Pellenberg is a small village in Flemish Brabant, part of the municipality of Lubbeek and close to the university city of Leuven. It has a quiet, rural character with rolling countryside, and it is known for its hospital and university campus. Most visitors come to see family, to attend something connected to the campus or to stay somewhere calmer than central Leuven.

I cannot name long-established hotels in Pellenberg itself with confidence, so here are well-known options in nearby Leuven, a short drive away:

• Martin's Klooster – a hotel set in a restored historic complex in Leuven.
• Leuven Marriott Hotel – a large, established hotel in the city centre.

Your driver can take you to either of these or to a private address in Pellenberg.

Meeting Point

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