Brussels Airport (BRU), officially known as Brussels-National, is located approximately 12 kilometers northeast of Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. The proximity to the city center makes it a convenient gateway for travelers, with efficient train, bus, and taxi services linking the airport to various parts of Brussels and the broader region.
One of the unique features of Brussels Airport is its dedicated train station located directly beneath the terminal, providing rapid rail service to Brussels Central in just 20 minutes. Brussels Airport is also recognized for its efficiency and passenger services, which include a wide range of shopping and dining options.
Brussels Airport hub information
Brussels Airport is considered a major hub in Europe, particularly for international travel within the European Union and beyond. The airport hosts a wide range of airlines, including Brussels Airlines, which uses BRU as its home base and primary hub.
See all airlines operating at Brussels Airport
At the airport you find everything from shopping and dining to lounges and business services, making it a convenient transit for travelers passing by.
Find your way at the airport – terminals and piers
Brussels Airport consists of a single terminal structure, which handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights through two different piers. The main terminal building houses all the key facilities such as check-in, baggage claim, customs, and airport services. It branches out into two main piers – Pier A and Pier B.
Pier A: Dedicated primarily to flights within the Schengen area, Pier A is accessible via a connector from the main terminal building. It features numerous gates and a modern setup to facilitate easy movement of passengers traveling within the Schengen zone.
Pier B: Used for flights outside the Schengen area, Pier B handles international traffic to non-Schengen countries. It is equipped with additional security and customs facilities to manage international entry and exit protocols effectively.
Luggage routine
The luggage handling process for connecting flights depends on a few key factors, such as whether your flights are on the same ticket and if the airlines involved have an interline agreement. Below is a general overview of what you might expect.
Same ticket connections: If your connecting flights are booked under the same ticket, your checked baggage will usually be tagged to your final destination. This means you won’t need to reclaim and re-check your luggage at Brussels Airport. It will be automatically transferred from your incoming flight to your outgoing flight.
Separate tickets/different airlines: If your flights are on separate tickets or with airlines that do not have an interline agreement, you will likely need to collect your baggage upon arriving at BRU, go through customs and immigration if necessary, and then check in again for your onward flight. This includes taking your luggage to the check-in counter of your next airline.
International to Schengen or Vice Versa: For flights where you change from an international (non-Schengen) flight to a Schengen flight, or the opposite, you will generally need to go through passport control. Brussels Airport is designed with a clear separation between Schengen and non-Schengen areas, so ensure you allow enough time for these procedures.
Always check your baggage allowance and transfer details with the airlines before traveling, as policies can vary, especially if you are flying with different carriers for your connecting flights.
Restaurants at Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport offers a variety of dining choices ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants, featuring both international and local Belgian cuisine. Listed below you find some of the dining options available.
Black Pearls: Situated in the main terminal, Black Pearls serves seafood and grill options.
Panos: Found in multiple locations throughout the terminal and piers, Panos offers quick dining with a range of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, focusing on Belgian flavors.
Starbucks: With locations in both the main terminal and Pier A, Starbucks provides familiar coffee and snack options for travelers looking for a quick bite or a coffee fix.
EXKi: Located in the main terminal, EXKi features natural and fresh food, focusing on organic ingredients and quick service.
Bistrot Brussels Airport: Found in Pier A, this restaurant offers a taste of authentic Belgian cuisine.
Amo: Specializing in Italian cuisine and located in Pier A, Amo offers travelers pizzas, pastas and other Italian favorites.
Hotels at or near the airport – find free shuttle
Several hotels are conveniently located near Brussels Airport, catering to a range of preferences and budgets. Here we present some most popular hotels.
Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel: Located directly in front of the airport terminal and offers immediate access to the airport with soundproof rooms, conference facilities and a fitness center.
Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport: Found about three kilometers from the airport, with a shuttle service provided. The hotel has modern rooms, dining options and meeting spaces.
NH Brussels Airport: Also located approximately three kilometers from the airport, and includes a free airport shuttle service. This option has comfortable accommodations with a gym, sauna and meeting rooms.
Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport: Luxury accommodations with lake views, a well-equipped fitness center and extensive conference facilities. Found roughly three kilometers from the airport and offers a free shuttle service.
Do you want to compare all airport hotels at Brussels Airport? Follow the link below to learn more about the different hotel options.
Getting from the airport to Brussels – taxi or Uber
At Brussels Airport you have access to various taxi and rideshare services that offer convenient transportation to and from the airport. Several licensed taxi companies operate at Brussels Airport. Taxis can be found outside the arrivals hall, and they are typically metered. The fare to central Brussels is generally about €45, depending on traffic and the exact destination.
Rideshare services, such as Uber, are also available at Brussels Airport. The rideshare pickup area is clearly marked outside the arrivals hall. Prices can vary depending on the time of day and demand. An UberX to central Brussels might cost around €30-€40. You can also choose to book a transfer – find available options through the following link.
Brussels, Belgium
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