Brussels Airport to the City Centre: Every Option

Take the train: direct services run every 15 minutes from under the terminal to Brussels Nord, Central, and Midi in about 17-25 minutes, roughly €9.30 including the airport supplement. Bus 12 is slower but drops you near the EU quarter. Taxis run €45-55 metered — skip anyone soliciting in arrivals.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is there a bus from Brussels Airport to the city?

Yes — STIB's Airport Line, bus 12 on weekdays and bus 21 evenings/weekends, running to the European quarter and Trône/Troon in about 35-45 minutes. Pay €7.90 contactless at the door or €8.40 for a paper ticket. It's handy if your hotel is near Schuman or Luxembourg.

Do trains run from the airport late at night?

Trains run from early morning until around midnight; after that you're down to taxis or ride-hail apps. If you land after 23:30, budget for a €45-plus taxi or check the limited night bus options rather than counting on rail.

What is the Diabolo fee or airport supplement?

It's a surcharge of €6.90 that funds the airport rail link, and it's included in the roughly €9.30 airport ticket price. Don't try to ride on a regular ticket without it — inspectors check on airport trains and the fine isn't worth the savings.

How does the airport train work at Brussels Zaventem?

The station is directly under the terminal at level -1 — follow the train signs from arrivals. Direct trains leave about every 15 minutes and stop at Brussels Nord, Central, and Midi, so pick the station nearest your hotel. Buy in the SNCB app or at machines before boarding.

What is the cheapest way from Brussels Airport to the city centre?

The train, all things considered: around €9.30 one-way including the mandatory airport supplement, and it's also the fastest at about 17-25 minutes to Central or Midi. Bus 12 costs €7.90-8.40 but takes twice as long and doesn't serve the Grand-Place area directly.

How much is a taxi from Brussels Airport to the centre?

Expect €45-55 metered to the city centre, more at night or in heavy traffic; pre-booked fixed-price transfers start around €35-49. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals or the Uber pickup zone — never go with drivers approaching you inside the terminal, who charge wild rates.

Careful — is my flight to Brussels actually landing at Charleroi?

Good instinct to check. 'Brussels South Charleroi' is a separate low-cost airport 60 km away — from there it's a shuttle bus of about an hour to Brussels Midi, not a quick train. Everything on this page applies to Brussels Airport (Zaventem, BRU) only.

Can I use my Brussels transport pass on the airport train?

No — the airport train is SNCB rail and needs its own ticket with the supplement. STIB city passes do cover bus 12/21 toward the airport from the city, but heading into town from the airport the bus requires the special €7.90-8.40 airport fare.