Brussels Zaventem Airport BRU terminal
Airports

How to Get from Brussels Airport (BRU) to City Centre

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Brussels Airport (BRU)

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Quick Answer

Brussels Airport (BRU / Zaventem) to city centre — fastest to cheapest: 1. SNCB train: 17 minutes to Brussels Central, €11.40 single (€7.30 children). Trains every 5-15 min, 5am-12am. 2. STIB Bus 12 or 21: 30 minutes to Schuman/centre, €4.10 single. Every 15-30 min. 3. De Lijn Bus 471/272: 25-35 min to Brussels suburbs (Diamant, Schuman). 4. Taxi: 20-35 min, €40-50. 5. Uber/Bolt: €25-40. 6. Pre-booked transfer: €30-55. Distance: 12 km northeast of Brussels centre. Currency: Euro. Tickets: SNCB single €11.40 covers train. Brussels Card includes transit + attractions. Best option: SNCB train — direct to all 3 Brussels stations (Brussels-Nord, Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi/Zuid). Trains run every 5-15 minutes.

Brussels Zaventem Airport BRU terminal
Brussels Airport (BRU)

SNCB train — best option

  • Duration: 17 minutes to Brussels Central. 12 min to Brussels-Nord. 22 min to Brussels-Midi/Zuid.
  • Operator: SNCB/NMBS Belgian Railways.
  • Frequency: every 5-15 minutes.
  • Hours: 5am-12am daily.
  • Price: €11.40 single. €17.80 same-day return.
  • Children 6-11: €7.30. Under 6 free.
  • Where to board: Brussels Airport rail station — escalators down from baggage hall.
  • Three Brussels stations: Brussels-Nord (north), Brussels-Central (centre — touristic + 5-min walk to Grand Place), Brussels-Midi/Zuid (south — Eurostar terminal + Thalys + ICE).
  • Tickets: SNCB machines + app.
  • Pros: fast, direct, all 3 stations.

STIB + De Lijn buses

  • STIB Bus 12 or 21: 30 minutes to Schuman + centre. €4.10.
  • STIB Bus 12 + 21 alternative: €2.10 with MOBIB card.
  • De Lijn Bus 471 + 272: 25-35 minutes to Diamant + Schuman.
  • Frequency: every 15-30 minutes.
  • Hours: 5am-12am.
  • Where to board: bus station outside terminal.
  • Tickets: driver, machines, MOBIB card.
  • Pros: cheaper than train.
  • Cons: slower + traffic-dependent.
  • Best for: ultra-budget, hotels near specific stops.

Taxi + Uber/Bolt

  • Duration: 20-35 minutes (traffic-dependent).
  • Taxi metered: €40-50.
  • Where to board: taxi rank outside Arrivals.
  • Surcharges: +€2 airport surcharge. Late-night/Sundays surcharge.
  • Uber: €25-40.
  • Bolt: €20-35. Often cheapest.
  • FreeNow: taxi-booking app.
  • Pre-booked transfer: €30-55.
  • Family of 4: Uber XL €35-55 cheaper than 4× train (€45.60).
  • Avoid: unmarked taxis — illegal.

Practical info

  • Single terminal: Pier A + Pier B (international + Schengen). Connected by walkway.
  • From centre back: SNCB train from Central €11.40 (17 min). STIB bus from Schuman €4.10 (30 min). Taxi €40-50.
  • Currency: Euro.
  • Schengen: Belgium in Schengen.
  • EU institutions: Brussels EU + NATO base.
  • Languages: French + Dutch (Flemish) co-official. English universal in tourism + EU.
  • Tipping: service included. Round up taxis.
  • Brussels Card: €30-43 (24-72h) includes attractions + free transport.
  • Apps: SNCB (Belgian trains), STIB (Brussels transit).
  • Late-night gaps: Train + buses close midnight. Taxi/Uber 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheapest BRU to Brussels?

STIB Bus 12 or 21 — €2.10 with MOBIB card / €4.10 cash. 30 min to Schuman/centre. Cheapest. Or SNCB train €11.40 (17 min) faster + simpler.

How long Brussels airport to centre?

SNCB train 17 min to Brussels Central (fastest). Bus 12/21 30 min to Schuman. Taxi 20-35 min (traffic). Uber 20-35 min. BRU 12 km northeast.

BRU taxi price?

€40-50 metered + €2 airport surcharge. Use OFFICIAL taxi rank. Uber €25-40 cheaper. Bolt €20-35 often cheapest. FreeNow app for licensed taxis.

Train BRU to which station?

Brussels Central (5-min walk to Grand Place — most tourists), Brussels-Nord (north), Brussels-Midi/Zuid (Eurostar terminal — south). All 3 stations served. Most tourists choose Brussels Central.

Brussels open 24 hours?

BRU airport open 24h. Train 5am-12am. STIB buses 5am-12am. Night buses limited. Taxi/Uber 24/7. Late arrivals: taxi €40-50.

BRU vs Charleroi Brussels-South?

BRU = main Brussels Airport (Zaventem, 12 km from centre). CRL = Charleroi Brussels-South (Ryanair + low-cost, 50 km from Brussels — actually 1h drive). Don’t confuse.

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See also

Last reviewed: April 2026
Author: Kir Rud, Grandgo editorial
Sources consulted: official tourism authorities, government health and law publications, peer-reviewed travel references. This article is for informational purposes; for formal advice, consult the relevant authority.

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