Brussels Airport (BRU)

Getting Around

How to get to and from Brussels Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.

Transport Options at BRU

Brussels Airport is connected to Zaventem and the wider Belgium transport network by multiple ground transport options.

Rail & Metro

The Diabolo rail link runs direct trains from beneath the terminal to Brussels-North (about 11 minutes), Brussels-Central (about 18 minutes) and Brussels-South (about 23 minutes), six times an hour from early morning until around midnight. A rail surcharge (around €6.90) applies to airport journeys and is usually built into the ticket price rather than charged separately.

Bus & Shuttle

Airport bus lines supplement the train, useful for destinations not directly on the rail route.

Taxi

Official taxis operate from a metered rank outside arrivals.

Rideshare

Uber and Bolt operate at BRU with designated pickup points.

Car Rental

Major rental companies have counters in the arrivals hall.

Insider tip

Buy your train ticket before boarding and scan it at the access gates beneath the terminal — fare enforcement on Belgian rail is active, and a missing ticket is treated as fare evasion, not an oversight.

Transport routes, fares and operators change frequently. Verify current options on the official Brussels Airport website before travel.

Pre-Book Your Transfer

Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from BRU to Zaventem in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.

Recommended · Airport Transfer
BRUZaventem Transfer

Private and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.

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Car Rental at BRU

Exploring Belgium beyond Zaventem? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.

Recommended · Car Rental
Rent a Car at BRU

Compare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.

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Ground Transport Tips for BRU

Only use official taxi ranks or pre-booked apps at Brussels Airport. Avoid unofficial drivers approaching you in arrivals.
If a rail or metro connection exists, it is usually the fastest and most reliable option during rush hour.
Allow extra time for ground transport during peak hours. Zaventem city traffic can significantly extend journey times.
Download offline maps for Zaventem before landing — useful if your data connection is slow on arrival.
If travelling with heavy luggage, a private transfer or taxi is often more practical than public transport.
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