Brussels has two airports, and they could hardly be more different to get into town from. Brussels Airport (also called Zaventem, after the suburb it sits in) is large, well connected and served by a direct train into the city in under 20 minutes. Brussels South Charleroi Airport, used by some low-cost carriers, is roughly 50 kilometres south and requires a longer transfer by bus or a combination of bus and train. Here is how both work.
Brussels Airport (Zaventem): the direct train
The Airport Express train — officially just called the airport train in Belgian Rail's (SNCB/NMBS) network — is by far the fastest and most convenient way from Zaventem into central Brussels. The station is directly below the terminal building, connected by a short walk through the arrivals hall; you cannot miss the signs.
Trains run roughly four times an hour throughout the day and take about 17 to 22 minutes to reach Brussels-Midi/Zuid (where Eurostar and Thalys arrive and international connections depart), Brussels-Central (closest to the Grand-Place and historic centre), and Brussels-North/Noord. Most travellers want Central or Midi. The train continues beyond Brussels to other Belgian cities, so it is also a useful option if you are connecting directly to Ghent, Bruges or Antwerp without going into the city first.
Tickets are available from SNCB machines in the terminal and on the platform, or via the SNCB app and website ahead of arrival. There is a small airport surcharge on top of the standard fare, making it slightly more expensive than a regular Belgian rail journey — but it is still modest by western European standards. Validate your ticket before boarding at the yellow validators on the platform.
Buses from Brussels Airport: routes 12 and 21
De Lijn (the Flemish regional bus operator) runs buses from Zaventem into the city and the wider Brussels region. Route 12 and Route 21 are the most useful for city-bound travellers, connecting the airport with the Brussels metro network and several city districts. The bus stop is outside the terminal building, clearly signed from arrivals.
Buses are cheaper than the train but considerably slower — allow 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, and Brussels traffic can be unpredictable, especially during morning and evening peaks. They are useful if the train is not running (engineering works, strikes) or if your destination is better served by the bus network than the rail termini.
De Lijn tickets can be bought on the bus (cash, or contactless on many vehicles) or through the De Lijn app. If you are staying in the city and plan to use public transport widely, a multi-journey card or day ticket offers better value than paying per trip.
Taxi and ride-hail from Zaventem
Taxis are available from the official rank outside arrivals. Journey time into central Brussels is typically 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic, and the metered fare will be considerably higher than the train — usually several times more. Taxis are most useful late at night when train frequency drops, or for groups sharing the cost.
Uber and similar ride-hail services operate in Brussels and can be booked from the airport. Pick-up is from the designated area outside arrivals — check the app for the specific location, as it changes periodically.
Connecting onward from Brussels by train
Brussels is one of Europe's most important rail junctions. From Brussels-Midi in particular, you can pick up Eurostar to London, Thalys (now rebranded as Eurostar) to Paris and Amsterdam, and ICE to Cologne and Frankfurt. If your final destination is not Brussels itself but somewhere further along these lines, it is worth checking whether you can book an airport-to-destination through-ticket.
The Brussels to Amsterdam route guide and Brussels to Paris guide cover the onward legs in detail. For those doing a wider European trip, the Benelux by train guide puts Brussels in the context of the wider Low Countries network.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Charleroi is marketed as a Brussels airport by some carriers — most notably Ryanair — but it is about 50 kilometres south of the city. Do not confuse it with Zaventem; the transfer is very different.
The standard connection is a coach shuttle operated by TEC and other operators between Charleroi Airport and Brussels-Midi station. The journey takes about 50 to 60 minutes on a good day, longer in traffic, and departs from directly outside the terminal. Tickets are bought at the terminal or online. This is the main option recommended by Ryanair and is straightforward, if time-consuming.
An alternative is to take a local bus from the airport to Charleroi-Sud railway station (about 10 minutes), then an SNCB train to Brussels-Midi (about 50 minutes). This combination can work well and gives you a rail connection you can book in advance, though the local bus timing requires checking carefully against your flight arrival.
Which option should I choose from Zaventem?
For almost all travellers arriving at Brussels Airport (Zaventem), the direct train is the right answer: it is fast, predictable, reasonably priced and runs frequently. The buses are a backup for unusual circumstances. Taxis make sense only late at night, for large groups, or when your destination is inconveniently located relative to the three main Brussels stations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Brussels Airport to the city centre take?
About 17 to 22 minutes to Brussels-Midi or Brussels-Central. Trains run roughly four times an hour throughout the day, reducing to about two per hour late at night and early morning.
Is Brussels Airport the same as Charleroi Airport?
No. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is 12 kilometres north-east of the city and has a direct train link. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is about 50 kilometres south of Brussels and requires a shuttle bus or a local bus-plus-train combination — allow at least 75 to 90 minutes for the transfer.
Can I buy airport train tickets on the platform?
Yes. SNCB ticket machines are available in the terminal and on the platform, and accept card and cash. You can also buy via the SNCB app. Validate your ticket at the yellow machines before boarding.
Is there a direct bus from Charleroi Airport to Brussels city centre?
Yes. TEC and other operators run a direct coach shuttle from Charleroi Airport to Brussels-Midi station, taking roughly 50 to 60 minutes. This is the most straightforward option from Charleroi. Tickets are available at the terminal or online.
Sources and further reading:
- Train times and tickets: SNCB/NMBS (belgiantrain.be).
- Bus routes from Zaventem: De Lijn (delijn.be).
- Charleroi shuttle information: TEC and Brussels South Charleroi Airport official website.