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Brussels Airport

European hub with Belgian charm

Airport in Belgium

Brussels (11 km)

164 destinations

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Brussels Airport serves as Belgium’s main air travel hub, connecting the country to destinations across Europe and beyond. Located in Zaventem, it operates under a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights efficiently. The facility provides essential services like baggage claim areas, retail shops, dining options and transit connections to central Brussels via train or bus. As a key transportation node, it supports business travel, tourism and cargo operations while maintaining modern security protocols and passenger amenities tailored for diverse travelers.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Brussels Airport Summary

Brussels Airport is an airport near Brussels in Belgium. It currently offers regular passenger service to 164 destinations operated by 65 airlines.

Top airlines

Brussels Airlines (SN)

746 flights per week

TUI Airlines Belgium (TB)

180 flights per week

Vueling Airlines (VY)

66 flights per week

Top destinations

BCN Barcelona

MAD Madrid

AGP Málaga

Cheapest destinations

MAN Manchester

DUB Dublin

KRK Kraków

Best destinations

NRT Tokyo

SIN Singapore

JFK New York City

Belgium – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E Type C: Type E: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted, though some smaller establishments may prefer cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill is common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed, and beer culture is an important aspect of Belgian life.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, with designated outdoor areas.

National Day (July)	Festivities and closures occur.
Christmas (December)	Markets and festive events are held.
Easter (March/April)	Cultural celebrations and closures happen.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Bolt, Uber
Other:	Belgium is famous for its waffles, chocolates, and beer. Public transport is efficient and reliable.

Brussels Airport, located in Zaventem about 12 km northeast of Brussels city, acts as Belgium’s main international hub connecting over 200 destinations worldwide. It’s a busy airport with modern facilities spread across a single terminal with two main piers handling Schengen and non-Schengen flights.

The airport blends functionality with a dash of Belgian cultural pride, seen in its dedicated shopping areas featuring chocolate, local beer and iconic Belgian comics such as the Smurfs and Tintin displayed throughout the terminal. Seasonal events like photo spots and mini festivals add unique charm to the traveler’s experience.

However, travelers should be aware of some less smooth moments. Non-EU passport holders often face long queues at border control, especially during peak seasons when wait times can stretch to hours. Security lines, while generally efficient, may slow down during busy travel days. Also, the airport can be pricey when it comes to dining and shopping, so planning ahead is wise.

Despite these hiccups, the staff are mostly polite and facilities well-maintained. The airport’s layout and clear signage make navigation easy and excellent rail and bus connections link the airport to Brussels city center and even other European cities efficiently.

Helpful tips for Brussels Airport

Arrive two hours early for security and customs clearance.
Use the free Wi‑Fi to download maps, flight updates and local transport schedules before boarding.
Check Brussels Airport’s baggage policy online; overweight items may incur extra fees at check‑in counters.
Explore the airport’s art installations and duty‑free shops early in the day to avoid crowds during peak travel hours.

Available airport lounges

The Loft by Lexus

Located near Gate A42 and open from 5:00 to 21:00, this exclusive lounge is for Brussels Airlines and Star Alliance members. It features a stylish lounge-bar atmosphere, buffet service, and runway views.

Diamond Lounge Terminal B

Featuring all amenities of Terminal A’s Diamond Lounge plus individual shower rooms and quieter dedicated zones, this lounge is ideal for premium travellers seeking extra comfort.

Diamond Lounge Terminal A

Open from 5:00 to 23:00, this lounge offers complimentary food and drinks, free internet access for an hour, newspapers, and magazines. It has a private resting room, TVs, and flight monitor screens for passengers seeking relaxation or productivity.

Sunrise Lounge

Available to Star Alliance and Brussels Airlines passengers travelling to Africa, the Sunrise Lounge is open from 8:00 to 13:00. It offers a buffet with drinks, quiet zones, nap boxes, and ambient lighting for a restful environment.

Where to stay near Brussels Airport

The area around Brussels Airport has a good range of mid-level hotels suited for short stays and business travelers. For more variety including boutique and luxury accommodations, Brussels city center is easy to reach within 20-30 minutes by train or taxi.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Tangla Hotel Brussels

8.5

NH Brussels Airport Hotel

8.7

Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport

8.3

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

8.7

pentahotel Brussels Airport

7.9

Novotel Brussels Airport

8.3

Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport

8.4

Holiday Inn Hotel Brussels Airport By IHG

8.5

The Belson Brussels, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

8.0

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport

7.7

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Brussels Airport to popular destinations

To Brussels City Center:
Brussels Airport is connected to the city centre by frequent train services departing from the underground station at level -1. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes, taking about 20 minutes, with tickets costing around €9 (£7.58) one way. Alternatively, buses such as lines 12 and 21 connect the airport to downtown with varying travel times depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-sharing options are also readily available, with journeys taking roughly 20-30 minutes and costing approximately €35 – 50 (£29.48 – 42.12).

To Paris:
Direct train connections to Paris are possible via Brussels-Midi station accessible from the airport by train. Eurostar services run frequently, making high-speed travel to Paris in about 1 hour 22 minutes. Travellers should account for transferring trains and allocating enough time for security checks at the airport and stations.

To Amsterdam:
Travellers can take a direct train from Brussels Airport or Brussels Central station to Amsterdam, with journey times ranging from 1 hour 50 minutes to over 2 hours depending on service. Train tickets should be booked ahead, and transfers might be needed depending on the route.