Airport

Zaventem Airport, also known as Brussels Airport, is the main international airport serving the city and one of the busiest in Europe, handling over 25 million passengers annually. It is well-equipped with modern facilities and amenities, including a wide range of shops, restaurants, and lounges, as well as a hotel on-site.

In addition to its commercial operations, the airport also plays an important role in cargo transportation, with a dedicated cargo terminal. It is also committed to sustainability, with a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact, such as the installation of solar panels and the use of electric vehicles.

Distance

The distance from Zaventem Airport to Brussels city center is approximately 12 kilometers, which translates to a driving time of around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Private transfers are a popular choice for many travelers, as they offer a convenient and comfortable way to get to their destination.

Here are three popular routes to reach the city center, along with their distance and advantages and disadvantages:

1. Leopold III-laan: This is the most direct and fastest route from the airport to the city center, covering a distance of around 12 kilometers. The advantages of taking this route include its speed and efficiency, as well as the fact that it is well-signposted and easy to navigate. However, it can be quite busy during peak hours, leading to traffic congestion and delays.
2. E40 / E19: This is another popular route from the airport to the city center, covering a distance of around 16 kilometers. This route avoids some busier roads in the city, and it offers a scenic drive through some greener parts of Brussels. However, it can be slower than other routes, particularly during rush hour.
3. Avenue de Tervuren: This is a longer but more scenic route from the airport to the city center, covering a distance of around 17 kilometers. This route offers beautiful views of some of Brussels' most famous landmarks, but it can be quite slow, particularly during rush hour, and it may not be the best choice for travelers in a hurry.

Price

The Zaventem airport taxi service offers competitive prices, which means that customers can get a ride at an affordable price. Additionally, the pricing is fixed, which means people do not have to worry about the cost increasing due to traffic or other factors.

Public transportation

There are several public transportation options available for travelers who want to get from Zaventem Airport to Brussels, such as:

• Train: there is a direct train connection from Zaventem Airport to Brussels city center, with trains running every 40 minutes on average. The train station at the airport is located on level -1 of the terminal building. The train services are provided by SNCB/NMBS, and the train tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines or at the ticket counters in the airport terminal.
• Bus: the airport is served by several bus lines that connect to different parts of Brussels and the surrounding area. The bus stops at the airport are located on level 0 of the terminal building. The bus lines that serve the airport include the STIB/MIVB bus line 12 and the De Lijn bus lines 272, 471, and 616.

Even though public transportation can be cheaper in some cases, booking a private transfer can be a better choice, since buses and trains are always crowded and unpredictable. A taxi from the airport offers a private and comfortable ride, with experienced drivers who know the best routes to take to get you to your destination on time.