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Brussels Airport (Zaventem - BRU) to Brussels Central station

Posted by (Boston, MA, United States) on

This is really a single question (How do I get from BRU to Central on the train?), but I'm splitting it into two parts due to the current train situation at BRU.

We will be flying into BRU in mid-September, landing around 1pm. We are staying near Grand Place, so would like to take the train from the airport to Brussels Central station and walk the block or two to our hotel.

Question, Part the First:
Assuming they are allowing trains into BRU by mid-September, is it a straight shot from the airport train station to Central, or is there a change of trains involved? If so, where? Am I correct that the train station is actually at the airport and not a shuttle bus ride away? If not, let me know!

Question, Part the Second: If they have not resumed train service directly to BRU by mid-September, we'll need to follow the advice on the airport website: "Passengers can take the train to the train station of Zaventem Village from where they can use a De Lijn bus free of charge to go to the airport. "
Is Zaventem Village on the same line we'd use if we were going direct to BRU from Central? Has anyone done this and can describe the process for me, what to look for, etc.

Thanks!

P.S. if there is an alternative that is easy, e.g. a no-changes bus to Central Station or Grand Place, I'd be open to not doing the train

Posted by
12040 posts

I don't know the details of the current situation, but in normal circumstances, the trains run directly from the airport to downtown, no transfers.The entrance to the station is in the arrival hall.

Posted by
353 posts

Beautiful, thank you. We will hope for them to have restored train service by then. Partly because it will be convenient for us and also partly so that the Brussels community can feel more completely "back to normal" by then.

Posted by
4684 posts

The airport trains don't usually stop at Zaventem station, but all Brussels area local trains call at the three Brussels central stations (North, Central, and South).

Posted by
1974 posts

The Brussels Airport Express usuall stops in the basement off the terminal, easy to get there with the elevator. Likely and hopefully everything will be back to normal around September, best is asking your question again then to get up to date info. If your hotel is close to the Grand Place you have just walk the major part slightly down hill with your luggage from Brussels Central.

Posted by
3 posts

Wil,

I see they are using an "old terminal" from 22 April until the damaged hall is reopened.

Nothing on the airport website seems to be for arriving passengers, only departing or connecting :-(

Do you have an guess as to how long it would take me after arriving on BA from LHR @ 1110 to pass thru customs and get to the train?
Is trying to catch a 1230 train too tight a connection? If necessary I could only do carry-on (no bags to wait for.)

Tom

Posted by
980 posts

I flew into BRU last month from LHR. I was off the plane and catching a bus within 30 mins. There is no need to plan on any particular train, just catch the next one available when you arrive.

DJ

Posted by
3 posts

DJ,

12:30 train is last one to meet my connection at Midi.

Did you have checked bags or only carry-on for your 30 minute connection?

Thanks,
Tom

Posted by
1974 posts

Usually the 1h 20min you have between landing and catching the train at the airport, even with picking up luggage is enough. However I have not the detailed info about the current situation. Trains to Midi run about 6 times an hour.
Best is to call the airports helpdesk: http://www.brusselsairport.be/en/contact/geninfo/

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