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How to Get to Brussels

How to Get to Brussels

Brussels Brussels Capital, Belgium Travel Guide

Air Travel to Brussels

Major Airports & Airlines

Brussels has two main airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) for international and European flights, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) for low-cost carriers.

Information:

  • BRU: Main international hub for Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Delta, United.
  • CRL: mainly serves Ryanair and Wizz Air, offering budget-friendly flights to European cities.
  • Direct flights from major global hubs (New York, Dubai, Tokyo) arrive at BRU.

Seasonal Availability & Facilities

Flight prices vary by season. Reserve far ahead for peak travel periods.

Considerations:

  • Peak Season (June-August, December): Higher demand, higher prices.
  • Shoulder (April-May, Sep-Oct) & Low (Jan-March, Nov) Seasons: Moderate to lowest prices.
  • BRU Facilities: Shops, restaurants, duty-free, lounges, free Wi-Fi, car rental, currency exchange.

BRU Train Transfer

Direct train to Brussels-Midi, Central, Schuman. ~17-20 min. Fares €12.70-€15.30.

CRL Bus Shuttle

Brussels City Shuttle to Brussels-Midi. ~55-60 min. Fares €18-€20 one-way.

Taxi/Ride-share

BRU taxi to city center ~€45-€55. CRL taxi to Brussels is very expensive (€100-€120).

Airport Transfers

From Brussels Airport BRU:

  • Train: Direct train to Brussels-Midi, Central, and Schuman stations.
  • Bus: STIB/MIVB Airport Line (Line 12) to Schuman and Brussels-Luxembourg.
  • Taxi: Ride to downtown typically costs €45-€55.
  • Ride-share: Uber/Bolt services are available, pricing varies.

From Brussels South Charleroi Airport CRL:

  • Bus (Brussels City Shuttle): Direct fast bus to Brussels-Midi Station.
  • Train + Bus: Local bus to Charleroi-Sud, then train to Brussels (more complex).
  • Taxi: From CRL to Brussels is very expensive, typically €100-€120.
  • (No direct ride-share from CRL to Brussels City Centre)

Airport Facilities

Brussels Airport BRU

Wide range of shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

BRU Additional Services

Car rental desks, currency exchange services, and ATMs are available.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport CRL

More limited facilities but still includes shops, cafes, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Brussels serves as a well-connected hub for land travel across Europe, notably by train and bus.

High-Speed & Local Trains:

  • Eurostar: Direct services to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
  • Thalys: Connects Brussels to Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, Dortmund, and Essen.
  • ICE & Intercity: Services to Cologne, Frankfurt, and all major Belgian cities.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance buses present a budget-friendly alternative to trains for European travel.

Bus Companies:

  • FlixBus: Major international bus line serving Brussels with routes across Europe.
  • Eurolines: Another option for international bus travel, offering connections to various European cities.
  • These services typically depart from Brussels-Midi or Brussels-North stations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Car rental is generally not recommended for exploring the Brussels city center.

Requirements & Tips:

  • Valid domestic driver's license; International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-EU licenses.
  • Credit card in driver's name is necessary.
  • Driving side is right-hand. Belgian roads are generally excellent.

Road Conditions & LEZ

Driving in Belgium is generally safe, but traffic and parking in Brussels can be challenging.

Important Information:

  • Traffic can be heavy in and around Brussels during rush hours.
  • Parking in the city center can be expensive and difficult. Consider Park and Ride (P+R) facilities.
  • Low Emission Zone (LEZ): The entire Brussels city center operates as a LEZ. Check compliance and register.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Brussels is an inland city; sea or travel by river does not serve as a main mode of international arrival.
  • No sea ferry services or cruise ports in Brussels.
  • Closest major ferry terminals like Zeebrugge or Ostend offer access to the UK.
  • River transportation within Brussels is limited to local pleasure cruises on the Brussels Canal.
  • These are for leisure and sightseeing, not for arriving or departing internationally.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not directly applicable to Brussels itself.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure to ensure a stress-free end to your trip.

Airport Departures:

  • BRU: Arrive 2-3 hours before for international (non-Schengen), 1.5-2 hours for Flights within the schengen area.
  • CRL: Arrive 2-2.5 hours before departure, particularly at busy times.
  • Allow time for check-in, security, and passport control (non-Schengen).

Train Departure & Fees

No specific departure or exit fees apply to travelers leaving Belgium by air or land.

Train Station Departures:

  • High-speed international trains (e.g., Eurostar): Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Eurostar requires security and passport control before boarding.
  • Departure Fees: Costs are typically included in your ticket prices.

BRU Facilities

Shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, lounges, free Wi-Fi, tax refund counters.

CRL Facilities

Includes shops, cafes, limited duty-free options, and Wi-Fi.

Brussels-Midi Station

Shops, restaurants, ticket offices, luggage lockers, international departure lounges.

Travel Insurance & Flight Compensation

Travel Insurance

A good travel insurance policy provides peace of mind for your journey.

Considerations:

  • Covers medical emergencies and medical evacuation.
  • Benefits trip cancellation or interruption.
  • Secures against theft or loss of belongings.

Flight Compensation

You might qualify for reimbursement for flight disruptions.

Check Eligibility:

  • AirHelp assists passengers in receiving up to €600 in compensation.
  • This applies for delayed or canceled flights under certain conditions.
  • A good option in case of flight disruptions within or to/from the EU.

Online Security VPN

Public Wi-Fi Risks

Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, exposing your personal data.

Use a VPN

A VPN service encrypts your internet connection, protecting your personal data.

Recommended Services

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are popular choices for travelers.

Flight Tip:

Consider checking Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals to Brussels.
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