Travelling from Brussels (BRU) airport to the city centre is made easy by three different transfer options, bus, taxi and train. The easiest option is to take a Brussels airport taxi which takes around 18 minutes in light traffic and will cost you around 47€ depending on your exact destination in the city centre of Brussels. Another quick option is to take the train. The Brussels Airport Train costs just 12.70€ one-way and the journey will take you just 17 minutes. Your cheapest option is to take either bus line 272 or 471, which will cost 3€ one-way and take around 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Brussels at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.- Nothing Found
Comparison of the options
How to get from Brussels airport to city centre by taxi
Taking a Brussels airport taxi from Brussels (BRU) airport is the most convenient transfer option when travelling into the city centre of Brussels. Taxis are available 24/7 at Brussels airport and the journey will take no longer than 18 minutes in light traffic. Brussels airport taxis don’t have a flat rate free, instead, they charge you via a taximeter which is based on distance.
Taxi fare from Brussels airport to city centre
Taxis at Brussels (BRU) airport don’t have flat rates, they use a taximeter based on distance to calculate your fee. The final cost will depend on your exact destination within Brussels city centre, but the approximate cost is 47€.
(05:00–24:00)
(00:00–05:00)
Cost
47€
Trip Duration
18 Min.
*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Taxis are available 24/7 at Brussels airport
Where do I get it from?
Be aware that taxis at Brussels airport don’t have a uniform look and many different taxi firms operate out of the taxi rank. You can find them queued up just outside of the arrivals hall on the ground floor.
Convenience
A taxi from Brussels airport will leave you directly at the door of your accommodation in the city centre, which makes it the most convenient transfer option. All you have to worry about is planning all the activities you’ll be enjoying during your trip with friends and family.
Editor’s Note
As there's no official taxi company at Brussels Airport, prices and quality of service may vary dramatically. To ensure a fair price, we advise you to book a taxi in advance.
Useful Tips
How to get from Brussels airport to city centre by bus
There are two different bus lines that run from Brussels (BRU) airport to the city centre, Line 272 and Line 471. Line 272 takes 30 minutes and makes more stops within Brussels city centre, whereas, 471 takes only 18 minutes as it’s more direct. The cost for both busses is 3€ one-way.
How much is the bus from Brussels airport to city centre?
Unfortunately, your only option to purchase bus tickets is on the bus directly from the driver. The driver can only accept cash payments in Euros at this time, so be sure to carry some change with you if you decide to take this transfer option. A one-way ticket costs 3€.
Cost
3€
Trip Duration
30 Min.
Waiting time is 30-60 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
Bus Line 272 is available from 05:53 to 22:52. Bus Line 471 is available from 07:17 to 22:07.
Where do I get it from?
Both buses leave from the main bus terminal in Brussels (BRU) airport. Simply make your way to the ground level of the main terminal and you will find the 272 and 471 buses at either platform A or B depending on the time of day.
Convenience
If you’re travelling on a budget then taking a bus from Brussels (BRU) airport is a great transfer option. Tickets are cheap and the journey time is almost as quick as a car, however, once you exit the bus, you will need to look for another form of transportation to get to your accommodation.
Editor’s Note
Before boarding the bus, check where your hotel lies along the bus route as the most convenient stop may not be the final one.
Useful Tips
How to get from Brussels airport to city centre by train
There is a direct train that runs from Brussels Airport – Zaventem station to the city centre of Brussels every 10 minutes practically 24/7. Tickets cost just 12.70€ one-way and the journey takes 17 minutes.
How much is the train from Brussels airport to city centre?
The Brussels airport train costs 12.70€ one-way to the city centre of Brussels. You can buy your ticket in one of the automatic ticket machines in the Brussels Airport – Zaventem station. You also have the option to purchase a KeyCard which costs 23€ and is valid for 10 short journeys, making each individual journey cost 2.30€.
Cost
12.70€
Trip Duration
17 Min.
There's a waiting time of 10 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money
The Brussels airport train is available from 00:00 am. to 23:59 pm.
Where do I get it from?
The train station in Brussels (BRU) airport can be found on Level -1 of the main terminal. From the arrivals hall simply walk through to the second level and from the Departures hall to the third level.
Convenience
As the airport train is available almost 24 hours a day and takes only 17 minutes to reach the city centre of Brussels it’s a highly convenient option. Once being at the main train station in Brussels city centre, you can also easily transfer to the public metro to reach your accommodation.
Editor’s Note
The KeyCard can be used between multiple people, so if you plan to travel more within Brussels on the train, it's worth purchasing this card.
Useful Tips
Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line
If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Brussels. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.
Read morePrices
DAYTIME
€39NIGHTTIME
€39PRICES FOR
Sedan Car
4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage
Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100
We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.
20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car
Frequently asked questions
How far is Brussels airport to the city centre?
Brussels (BRU) airport is located 12 km from the city centre of Brussels. It takes around 18 minutes to travel from the airport to the city centre by car or taxi in normal traffic.
Which Brussels airport is closest to the city?
There are two airports that serves Brussels city centre. The largest and closest to the city centre is Brussels Zaventem airport which is located just 12 km from the city centre. Whereas, Charleroi airport is located 60 km south of the city centre of Brussels.
How to get from Brussels airport to the city centre?
When travelling from Brussels airport to the city centre, you have three transport options, taxi, bus or train. Taxis take 18 minutes and will cost approximately 47€ depending on your exact destination in the city. The airport train takes just 17 minutes to reach the city centre and a one-way ticket costs 12.70€. Your final option is bus Line 272 or Line 471 which both cost 3€. Line 272 takes 30 minutes to reach the city centre and Line 471 takes 18.
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