Overview of Brussels Airport Transportation

Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Brussels-Zaventem Airport, is located approximately 12 kilometers northeast of Brussels city center. Multiple transportation options connect the airport with downtown Brussels, including private transfers, taxis, trains, and buses. This comprehensive guide covers all available options, their costs, advantages, and practical information.

Private Airport Transfers & Taxi Services

Private Airport Transfers

Private transfers offer the most convenient door-to-door service from Brussels Airport to any destination in the city. Brussels Express (brusselsexpress.be), operating since 2006, is a well-established transfer company providing reliable door-to-door transportation with professional drivers. Their service includes meet and greet at the arrivals hall, flight monitoring, and fixed prices known in advance, making them a trusted choice for airport transfers in Brussels.

Advantages:

• Pre-booked service with meet & greet
• Fixed prices known in advance
• Flight monitoring included
• Door-to-door service
• Professional drivers
• Available 24/7
• Child seats upon request
• Various vehicle types available

Booking Process:

1. Book online through transfer company websites
2. Provide flight details and destination address
3. Choose vehicle type based on group size
4. Select any additional services (child seats, extra luggage)
5. Receive confirmation with driver details

Average Costs:

- Standard Sedan (1-3 passengers): €45-60
- Executive Vehicle (1-3 passengers): €65-85
- Minivan (4-8 passengers): €50-95
- Large groups (8-40 passengers): €100-450

Brussels Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis are available at designated taxi ranks outside the arrivals hall.

Key Information:
- Licensed taxis only
- Metered fares
- Payment by card or cash
- No advance booking required
- Queue system at taxi stand
- Available 24/7

Costs:
- Starting fare: €2.40
- Price per kilometer: €1.80 (daytime)
- Price per kilometer: €2.20 (nighttime)
- Average total to city center: €45-55

Tips for Taking Airport Taxis:

1. Use only official taxi stands
2. Check for taxi license number
3. Request approximate fare before departure
4. Keep receipt for complaints/lost items
5. Note taxi number for reference

Train Service to Brussels City Center

Airport Train Station

The airport train station is located below the terminal (Level -1).

Train Service Details:
- First train: 05:30
- Last train: 00:20
- Frequency: 4 trains per hour
- Journey time: 17-25 minutes
- Direct service to Brussels Central, Nord, and Midi stations

Ticket Options:
- Single journey: €12.70
- Weekend return: €16.20
- 10-journey card: €87
- First class tickets: +50% of standard fare

How to Purchase Tickets:

1. Ticket machines in station
2. SNCB/NMBS ticket windows
3. Online through Belgian Railways website
4. Mobile app

Main Brussels Train Stations

Brussels Central: Ideal for Grand Place and historic center
Brussels Nord: Business district and North area
Brussels Midi: International connections (Eurostar, Thalys)

Airport Bus Services

Airport Line Bus 12

Connects airport with European quarter and city center.

Service Information:
- Operating hours: 05:00-24:00
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
- Journey time: 30-45 minutes
- Route: Airport → NATO → Schuman → Luxembourg

Ticket Prices:
- Single journey: €7
- 10-journey card: €56
- Airport express ticket: €10

Airport Line Bus 21

Evening/night service to Luxembourg station.

Service Information:
- Operating hours: 20:00-23:00
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Journey time: 40-50 minutes

De Lijn Buses

Regional bus services connecting airport with various destinations.

Key Routes:
- Line 272: Airport to Brussels Nord
- Line 471: Airport to Brussel Noord
- Line 620: Airport to Brussels Nord

Ticket Options:
- Single journey: €3
- 10-journey card: €16
- Day pass: €7.50

Comparing Transportation Options to and from Brussels Airport

Time Comparison

1. Private Transfer: 20-25 minutes
2. Taxi: 20-25 minutes
3. Train: 17-25 minutes
4. Bus: 30-50 minutes

Cost Comparison (to City Center)

1. Private Transfer: €45-60 (fixed)
2. Taxi: €45-55 (metered)
3. Train: €12.70 (per person)
4. Bus: €7-10 (per person)

Best Option By Scenario

Business Travelers:
- Best choice: Private transfer or taxi
- Advantages: Direct service, comfort, reliability
- Cost consideration: Often expense-claimable

Families:
- Best choice: Private transfer
- Advantages: Child seats, door-to-door, fixed price
- Cost consideration: More economical than multiple train tickets

Budget Travelers:
- Best choice: Train or bus
- Advantages: Lowest cost per person
- Cost consideration: Significant savings for single travelers

Groups:
- Best choice: Private minivan transfer
- Advantages: Cost-effective when shared
- Cost consideration: Lower per-person cost than individual taxis

Practical Tips

When to Book in Advance
- Private transfers: 24-48 hours ahead
- Taxis: No booking needed
- Trains: Same day sufficient
- Buses: No booking required

Rush Hour Considerations

Avoid road transport during peak times:
- Morning: 07:30-09:30
- Evening: 16:30-18:30
- Alternative: Use train service

Weather Impact
- Trains: Most reliable in adverse weather
- Taxis/Transfers: May take longer in rain/snow
- Buses: Subject to traffic delays

Luggage Handling
1. Private Transfer: Door-to-door assistance
2. Taxi: Driver usually helps
3. Train: Self-service, stairs/escalators
4. Bus: Self-service, limited space

Location-Specific Information

Popular Destinations & Transport Times

Brussels Airport to Grand Place:
- Private Transfer: 20-25 minutes
- Taxi: 20-25 minutes
- Train to Central: 17 minutes + 5-minute walk

Brussels Airport to European Quarter:
- Private Transfer: 25-30 minutes
- Taxi: 25-30 minutes
- Bus 12: 30 minutes direct

Brussels Airport to Avenue Louise:
- Private Transfer: 25-30 minutes
- Taxi: 25-30 minutes
- Train + Tram: 35-40 minutes

Additional Considerations

Safety Tips

1. Use official transport services only
2. Keep your valuables secure on public transport
3. Note emergency numbers
4. Share journey details when traveling alone

Payment Methods
- Private Transfers: Credit card, online payment
- Taxis: Cash, major credit cards
- Trains: Cash, cards, contactless
- Buses: Cash, transport cards

Language Considerations
- Private Transfers: Often multilingual service
- Taxis: Basic English common
- Trains/Buses: Announcements in Dutch/French

Contact Information
- Airport Information: +32 2 753 77 53
- Train Information: +32 2 528 28 28
- Bus Information: +32 2 515 20 00
- Tourist Help: +32 2 513 89 40