Travel quickly and comfortably by train to and from Brussels Airport, Belgium’s main airport. The airport is easily accessible from Brussels city centre, other Belgian cities and numerous international destinations.
Station: directly under the terminal
Brussels Airport-Zaventem railway station is located directly beneath the departures and arrivals halls. Ideal for both departing and arriving passengers.
The station, on level -1, is easily accessible by escalator or lift. Scan the QR code on your train ticket (or your MOBIB card) at the access gates to enter and exit the station.
Train: the most convenient way to reach Brussels Airport
Station directly under the terminal (level -1): within minutes, you are in the departures hall or the baggage reclaim area.
High frequency and flexibility: several trains per hour to Brussels and other major hubs.
Comfortable travel, without traffic jams or parking worries, even during peak hours.
Fast connection to Brussels city centre in around 18 minutes. Every hour, 6 trains serve Brussels-North, -Central and -South, and 2 trains run to the European Quarter.
International connections: smooth rail links with neighbouring countries (the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg).
Children under 12 travel for free on the Belgian rail network when accompanied by an adult (maximum of 4 children).
Easy to reach from all directions
Trains to and from Brussels
From Brussels-North (± 11 min), Brussels-Central (± 18 min) and Brussels-South (± 23 min), you can reach Brussels Airport quickly (and vice versa). Six direct trains run every hour, from early morning until around midnight. Two trains per hour also serve Brussels’ European Quarter.
To many Belgian cities
Brussels Airport can be reached without transfers from several major cities, including Leuven (13 min), Antwerp (30 min), Ghent (55 min), Liège (1 h 12), Namur (1 h 11), Bruges (1 h 25) and Charleroi (1 h 35).
International train connections
There are direct trains to Breda (1h08) and Rotterdam (1h39). With a transfer in Antwerp, Brussels or Ghent, you can also easily reach cities such as Amsterdam, Paris or Lille.With Eurostar you can travel on to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris, Cologne, London, or Lille. Buy your tickets beforehand online or at the ticket machines.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct trains between Brussels Airport and Brussels city centre?
Yes. Frequent, direct trains run between Brussels Airport and Brussels-Central, -North and -South stations. The journey to Brussels-Central takes around 18 minutes.
Do children travel for free by train to the airport?
In Belgium, children under the age of 12 generally travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult. Always check the conditions with SNCB/NMBS.
Where can I buy my train ticket? And do I have to pay a surcharge for trains to/from Brussels Airport?
You can buy your ticket in several ways:
Online: via the SNCB/NMBS website or app.
Ticket machines: at the station itself (level -1) or in the baggage reclaim hall while waiting for your luggage.
International tickets: via SNCB International or other international rail operators.
Train journeys to and from Brussels Airport are usually subject to a rail surcharge (Diabolo fee) of €6.90. This fee is often already included in the ticket price.
How do I enter and exit the station?
Scan the QR code on your train ticket or your MOBIB card at the access gates to enter and exit the station.
Is Brussels Airport the main airport for Brussels?
Yes. Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is Belgium’s largest airport. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a secondary airport and is located significantly further from Brussels.
Which airport is easier to reach by train: Brussels Airport or Charleroi?
Brussels Airport is much easier to reach by train. The railway station is located under the terminal, whereas Charleroi Airport requires an additional bus transfer from the nearest train station. At Brussels Airport, the train station, bus station and drop-off zone are all within a five-minute walk of the departures and arrivals halls.
How early should I arrive at Brussels Airport when travelling by train?
We recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours before a European flight and 3 hours before an intercontinental flight.
Is there a metro to Brussels Airport?
No. There is no metro line to the airport. The train is the fastest form of public transport to reach Brussels Airport.