Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) to Rotselaar

The drive from Brussels Airport to Rotselaar

Rotselaar lies 33 km (21 miles) from Brussels Zaventem Airport, and the drive usually takes about 26 minutes. The route heads out of the airport area and continues northeast towards Flemish Brabant, passing close to Leuven. Outside rush hour the trip is straightforward. On weekday mornings and late afternoons, traffic around the Brussels ring and the Leuven approach roads can slow things down, so add a buffer if you have a tight connection or appointment. This is a regularly booked route, and drivers know it well.

Choosing the right vehicle

For solo travellers, couples and small families, a private taxi for 1-3 or 1-4 passengers is the simplest option. Larger parties with suitcases are better off in a private minibus with 8 seats. For wedding guests, sports teams, company outings or school groups, minibuses with 16, 24, 32, 40 or 48 seats are available. Pick the vehicle by the number of people and the amount of luggage, and leave some spare room if you are travelling with bulky items.

Meeting point at Brussels Airport

Your driver waits at Java Coffee House with a personalised name sign. The spot is easy to find once you have collected your luggage, so you can head there directly after baggage reclaim.

About Rotselaar

Rotselaar is a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, north-east of Leuven. It is a green, mostly residential area with villages, fields and cycling routes. The village of Werchter, home of the well-known Rock Werchter festival, belongs to Rotselaar. If you travel in the festival period, allow extra time on local roads.

Places to stay near Rotselaar

Rotselaar is a quiet place, so many visitors choose accommodation in nearby Leuven, around 15 minutes away by car. Well-known options there include Martin's Klooster Hotel, set in a former convent, the Leuven Marriott Hotel near the city centre and the Pentahotel Leuven. Your driver can take you straight to the hotel of your choice or to a private address in Rotselaar.

Public transport alternative

If you prefer public transport, a scheduled rail connection exists via Leuven: Train to Leuven, then train to Rotselaar, 1 change required, approx. 40–60 minutes total. Trains run from the station at Brussels Airport, and Rotselaar has its own station on the Leuven–Hasselt line. Check the current NMBS timetable before you travel, as services vary by day and time. With heavy luggage or a group, a private transfer to your exact address is usually more convenient.