Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Brussels, Belgium

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Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Brussels, Belgium

1. Brussels Airport (BRU)

The main international airport serving Brussels, offering direct flights to numerous destinations worldwide.
  • Direct Flights: Offers a wide variety of direct flights to many international destinations.
  • Shopping and Dining: Features numerous shopping and dining options, including duty-free stores.
  • Transport Links: Well-connected to the city center via train, bus, and taxi services.

2. Charleroi Airport (CRL)

A secondary airport serving Brussels, offering low-cost flights to various destinations.
  • Low Cost Flights: Provides affordable travel options through low-cost airlines.
  • Shuttle Service: Offers shuttle buses to Brussels South Charleroi Station for train connections to the city center.
  • Smaller Scale: Smaller and less crowded than Brussels Airport, making it a more relaxed travel experience.

3. Airport Express Train (Thalys or ICE)

High-speed trains connecting the city center with both Brussels and Charleroi Airports.
  • Speed: Travel time from the airport to Brussels city center is approximately 15-30 minutes.
  • Frequency: Trains run multiple times per hour, ensuring convenience and reliability.
  • Comfort: First-class comfort with spacious seating, onboard services, and Wi-Fi availability.

4. Bus Services

Affordable bus options connecting both Brussels and Charleroi Airports to various city locations.
  • Affordability: Cost-effective transportation option for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Frequency: Bus services run regularly, ensuring availability and convenience.
  • Variety of Routes: Offers multiple routes connecting the airports to various city locations.

5. Taxis

A reliable and flexible transportation option for traveling between the airports and Brussels city center.
  • Convenience: Can be booked in advance or hailed on the street, providing flexibility.
  • Availability: Taxis are available at all hours of the day and night.
  • City Knowledge: Drivers are familiar with Brussels' streets, ensuring a smooth journey.

6. Car Rental Services

Offering the option to rent a car for independent travel around Brussels and beyond.
  • Independence: Allows for flexible and self-guided sightseeing in Brussels.
  • Convenience: Car rentals are available at both airports, making it easy to pick up or drop off a vehicle.
  • Variety of Cars: A wide selection of cars, from compact economy vehicles to luxury models.

7. Hotel Shuttle Services

Some hotels in Brussels offer complimentary shuttle services to the airports.
  • Complimentary: Provides a cost-free transportation option for hotel guests.
  • Ease of Use: Simply arrange pick-up or drop-off in advance with the hotel.
  • Peace of Mind: Relieves the stress of finding transportation from the airport to the hotel.

8. Bicycle Rentals

An eco-friendly and cost-effective way to explore Brussels after arriving by plane.
  • Environmentally Friendly: A greener alternative for travelers who want to minimize their carbon footprint.
  • Cost-Effective: Bicycle rentals are relatively inexpensive compared to other transportation options.
  • Health Benefits: Exploring Brussels by bicycle offers the added benefit of light exercise.

9. Tram Services

A convenient and affordable public transportation option connecting both airports to various city locations.
  • Affordability: Trams offer an economical way to travel around the city.
  • Frequency: Trams run regularly, ensuring convenience and reliability.
  • City Exploration: A great way to explore Brussels while traveling between airports and city locations.

10. Light Rail Services (Metro)

Fast and efficient public transportation connecting the city center with both Brussels and Charleroi Airports.
  • Speed: Travel time from the airport to Brussels city center is approximately 30-45 minutes.
  • Frequency: Metro trains run multiple times per hour, ensuring convenience and reliability.
  • City Sightseeing: A great way to sightsee while traveling between airports and city locations.

11. Walking Tours

Guided or self-guided walking tours of Brussels, offering a unique and immersive way to explore the city.
  • Immersive Experience: Allows travelers to truly immerse themselves in the local culture.
  • Variety of Tours: Tours cater to various interests, from historical sites to food and drink tours.
  • Knowledgeable Guides: Guided tours offer in-depth knowledge of Brussels' history, culture, and landmarks.

12. Ferry Services

Boat services connecting the city center with various locations along the River Scheldt.
  • Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Brussels' riverside and landmarks.
  • Relaxation: A relaxing way to travel around the city, perfect for unwinding after a flight.
  • Variety of Routes: Ferries connect multiple locations along the River Scheldt, making it easy to explore Brussels.

13. Car Sharing Services

Short-term car rental services for those who need a vehicle for a limited time.
  • Flexibility: Allows for short-term use of a car, perfect for trips within the city.
  • Affordability: Car sharing services are often more affordable than traditional car rentals.
  • Sustainable Travel: Promotes sustainable travel by reducing the need for individual car ownership.

14. E-scooter Services

A fun and eco-friendly way to explore Brussels, with electric scooters available for rent.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Provides an environmentally friendly alternative to car travel.
  • Cost-Effective: E-scooter rentals are relatively inexpensive compared to other transportation options.
  • Convenience: E-scooters can be rented and returned at various locations around the city.

15. Shared Bike Services

A cost-effective way to explore Brussels using shared bicycles, available for short-term rentals.
  • Affordability: Shared bike services are often more affordable than traditional bike rentals.
  • Convenience: Bikes can be rented and returned at various locations around the city.
  • Health Benefits: Exploring Brussels by bike offers the added benefit of light exercise.