Belgium
This is Belgium's main international gateway. It sits about 25 km (16 miles) northeast of Leuven, making it the most convenient airport for direct access to the city.
Located about 90 km (56 miles) south of Leuven, this airport mainly caters to low-cost carriers. It calls for a longer transfer to Leuven.
Prices for flights typically go up during peak summer (June-August), major holidays, and school breaks. Booking several months in advance usually secures better fares. Travel during shoulder seasons for a good balance of weather and affordability.
Both airports offer various facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental services, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. Amenities are available for your needs before or after your flight.
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Consider providers like World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy.
Your path to Leuven varies by airport of arrival.
Leuven is a significant railway hub. The Belgian national railway company (NMBS/SNCB) provides frequent and efficient train services.
Traffic drives on the right. Road conditions are generally excellent.
As Belgium forms part of the Schengen Area, you will not face routine passport checks when traveling by land from another Schengen country. You move freely across borders within this zone.
Long-distance bus travel within Belgium comes up less often than train travel due to the efficient rail network. However, international bus companies like FlixBus serve Brussels. From Brussels, you easily make onward connections to Leuven by train.
Leuven sits as an inland city; direct sea or river arrivals hold no applicability for passenger transport. Major ferry ports sit on the Belgian coast. If arriving by ferry, you then use train or bus services to reach Leuven.
No separate exit fees or taxes are typically charged at Belgian airports. These costs are usually included in the flight ticket price.
Airports and train stations provide various facilities for departing travelers.
These facilities include shops for last-minute souvenirs, restaurants and cafes for meals, duty-free shopping (at airports), and lounges for relaxing before your journey.
Train stations also provide waiting areas and information desks.
No separate exit fees or taxes are typically charged at Belgian airports; these costs are usually included in the flight ticket price.
Many airlines offer online check-in, which saves time at the airport.
Confirm your airline's baggage limits to avoid unexpected fees.
Verify train or taxi schedules to the airport, especially for early morning departures.
Comprehensive Travel insurance is highly recommended. It safeguards you against unforeseen circumstances.
EU regulations protect air passengers. If your flight is delayed or canceled, you might deserve compensation.
This regulation safeguards passenger rights. It gives compensation for significant delays (3+ hours), cancellations, or denied boarding on flights within the EU or by an EU airline.
Amounts vary from €250 to €600, depending on flight distance and delay length. Check your eligibility.
Services like AirHelp specialize in helping passengers receive compensation for flight disruptions.
