Last checked: October 2026
Safety note: strikes have disrupted Belgian rail and airport operations in 2026. Read the Belgium travel guide and check your flight and transfer before you leave.
Which airport do you fly into for Belgium?
Most visitors fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), about 10 to 11 km from central Brussels, with a direct train to the main stations. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is a budget option further south. According to the Brussels tourism site, Brussels Airport connects directly with around 200 destinations worldwide.
Belgium’s main airports compared
| Airport | Code | Distance to Brussels | How to reach the centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Airport | BRU | About 10 to 11 km | Direct train every 15 minutes: about 12 minutes to Brussels-Nord, 17 to Central and 21 to Midi |
| Brussels South Charleroi | CRL | About 46 to 55 km | Shuttle bus to Brussels-Midi, or TEC bus A to Charleroi-Sud and a train of about 60 minutes |
Journey details come from the Brussels tourism office. Check current timetables, because services change.
How do you reach Brussels from Brussels Airport?
- Train: the station sits below the terminal. Tickets to and from the airport include a Diabolo supplement, so buy the right airport ticket or use the SNCB app.
- STIB airport line and buses: slower than trains, but cheaper.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: useful when trains are disrupted. Agree the fare or use an app before you start.
How do you reach Brussels from Charleroi?
Take the Brussels City Shuttle bus to Brussels-Midi, or combine the TEC A bus to Charleroi-Sud station with a train. The shuttle and trains run less often at night, so check the last departure if you land late. Allow about an hour and a bit for the full journey. For trains, trams and taxis once you are inside the country, see our guide to getting around Belgium.
Which airlines fly to Belgium?
Brussels Airlines is the national carrier, and many European, Gulf, North American and Asian airlines serve Brussels. Charleroi is a hub for low-cost carriers. Routes change often, so compare live fares on your dates and check whether the airline uses Brussels Airport or Charleroi.
How do you reach Belgium by train or bus?
International trains reach Brussels from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne in about two hours or less, according to the Brussels tourism site. Brussels-Midi is the hub for international rail. Long-distance buses also run, for example Amsterdam to Brussels in about 2 hours 45 minutes and Paris to Brussels in about 3 hours 45 minutes on FlixBus services listed by the tourism office.
What time zone is Belgium in?
Belgium uses Central European Time, which is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer. Plan for jet lag if you arrive on a long-haul overnight flight, and keep your first day light.
What strike risks affect flights and transfers?
Belgium had national strikes in October 2026. On 9 October, ground-handling staff joined a national demonstration and around 100 flights were cancelled at Brussels Airport, according to Belgian aviation news. On 12 October, a public-sector strike disrupted trains, trams, buses and the metro, while the airport expected normal air traffic. The UK FCDO updated its advice on 7 October to warn about that strike.
Allow extra time, keep a taxi or shuttle as a backup, and check the airport’s website before you leave your hotel.
Booking tips for flights to Belgium
- Compare Brussels Airport and Charleroi, but factor in the extra transfer time and cost from Charleroi.
- Avoid tight connections on days with announced strikes.
- Check baggage rules, especially on low-cost carriers.
- Check whether your airline needs you to confirm entry paperwork in advance. See our Belgium visa guide.
- Keep your airport ticket details, because a Diabolo supplement applies for Brussels Airport rail trips.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Charleroi because the fare is lower and then paying more in transfers.
- Not checking strike notices before an early train to the airport.
- Forgetting that EES registration can add time to your first border check.
- Booking an overnight arrival without planning how to reach your hotel.
Before You Fly: checklist
- Check your passport validity and whether you need a visa.
- Save airport train and shuttle times.
- Check strike notices on the airport and railway sites.
- Keep a taxi or ride-hailing backup.
- Read the UK advice and US advisory again before departure.
Three quick answers
Which airport is best for most trips?
Brussels Airport (BRU). It has a direct train to the city and the widest route network.
Is Charleroi worth it?
Sometimes, if the fare saving is large and you can accept a bus and train transfer of about an hour or more.
What time zone does Belgium use?
Central European Time, UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer.
Flight Deals
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Flights to Belgium FAQs
How far is Brussels Airport from the city centre?
It is about 10 to 11 km, and direct trains take 12 to 21 minutes to the main Brussels stations. Trains run about every 15 minutes, but strikes can reduce services, so check the SNCB site on your travel day.
How do I get from Charleroi Airport to Brussels?
Use the Brussels City Shuttle bus to Brussels-Midi, or take the TEC A bus to Charleroi-Sud and a train to Brussels. Plan for roughly an hour plus waiting time, and check the last departure if you land late.
Can I get to Belgium without flying?
Yes. Trains from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne reach Brussels in about two hours or less, and long-distance buses also run. Brussels-Midi is the international rail hub.
Do strikes affect flights to Belgium?
They can. Ground-handling action on 9 October 2026 led to cancellations at Brussels Airport, while the 12 October public-sector strike mainly affected transport to the airport. Check your flight and transfer before you set out.
