Wondering what is the easiest, cheapest or fastest way to get from Brussels Airport to the city center?
Below I have collected all of the information you need to make a decision and get on with your vacation or business trip!
Price From Brussels Airport To The City Center
The price from Brussels Zaventem Airport to the city center varies depending on what method of transport you use. Here is a quick comparison:
| Mode of Transport | Price |
| Local Bus | €2.50 |
| Express Bus | €7 |
| Train | €10.30 |
| Uber | €35-50 |
| Taxi | €45-50 |
Cheapest Way From Brussels Airport To The City Center
The cheapest way to get from Brussels Airport to the city center is with the local bus 272. It costs €2.50.
Fastest Way From Brussels Airport To The City Center
The fastest way to get from Brussels Zavatem Airport to the center of Brussels is 16-18 minutes by train. Although it takes a similar amount of time by taxi or Uber, you cannot be assured that there will be no traffic.
However, there it will likely take more time to get to your final destination from the Brussels-Central train station, so keep that in mind.
By Bus From Brussels Airport to City Centre
Bus Line: 12 Express
- Journey Time: 30 minutes
- Departure Intervals: varies from 15-30 minutes
- Operating Hours: 5:08 am – 00:30
- Journey Cost: €7-€7.50
- Location: Level 0
- Timetable: Bus 12
There is a direct bus from Brussels Airport to the city centre. The bus runs from the Airport to Trone station in the center of Brussels and takes approximately 30 minutes to arrive. Take the Express Bus 12 from Level 0, one level below Arrivals.
Bus tickets cost €7 when you purchase them on the bus via credit card. You can also buy them for €7.50 via the ticket vending machine on Platform C at the Bus Terminal. If you have a local MOBIB card, the ride also costs €7.
Bus Line: 272
- Journey Time: 38 minutes
- Departure Intervals: every 8 minutes
- Operating Hours: 6 am – 11 pm
- Journey Cost: €2.50
- Location: Level 0
- Timetable: Bus 272
Another bus that runs from Zavantem Airport to downtown Brussels is the local Bus 272. This is a local bus and takes significantly longer to reach the center of town because it stops a lot along the way. It also leaves from the bus terminal on Level 0 below the arrivals hall.
Bus 272 from Brussels Airport to the center of Brussels is the cheapest way to get there.
There is another Bus 471 that also leaves from the Airport and travels to Brussels Nord, however, that is some distance from the center of town and only useful if you are staying in that area of Brussels.
By Train From Brussels Airport to City Centre
- Journey Time: 16-18 minutes
- Departure Intervals: every 10 minutes
- Operating Hours: 4:40 am – Midnight
- Journey Cost: €10.30
- Location: Level -1
Taking a train from Brussels Airport to the city center is one of the fastest ways to get there. It takes between 16-18 minutes to get from Zaventem, Brussels Airport to Brussels-Central train station in the center of the city.
Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and run from around 4:40 am to midnight.
To get to the Brussels Airport train station follow the signs in the airport and take the lift or multiple escalators down to the entrance. You need a valid ticket to get through the turnstile. From there, it is one further floor down to the train lines.
Check on the information boards which track your train to Brussels Central is leaving from before heading down the escalators.
By Taxi From Brussels Airport to City Centre
- Journey Time: 18 minutes (without traffic)
- Journey Cost: €45-50
- Location: Arrivals
One of the most expensive ways to get from Brussels Airport to the city center is with a taxi. However, It is certainly convenient and will get you right to your destination.
Official Airport Taxis are located outside the Arrivals hall on Level 2 where you will see a line of taxis there waiting for passengers.
By Uber From Brussels Airport to City Centre
- Journey Time: 18 minutes (without traffic)
- Journey Cost: €35-50
- Location: P1 Car Park (Levels 4 or 5) – Ask your driver
A slightly cheaper way to get to the center of Brussels from the Airport is with Uber. Rides can cost as little as €35 with UberX, depending on how busy it is. I have seen Uber prices change a lot, and quickly when there is a rush at the airport.
Pickup is a little less convenient than a taxi because you have to walk across from the Arrivals to the P1 Parking Lot. Depending on where your driver is, you may be picked up on Levels 4 or 5. Be sure to communicate with them to ensure you are at the right spot as there is no specific location.
By Bus From Brussels Airport to City Centre Distance
The distance from Brussels Airport to the city center is 14 km by car.
