Brussels Airport Layover Guide
Brussels Airport · BRU · Layover Guide
Things to Do at Brussels Airport During a Layover
Brussels is one of the best-connected layover airports in Europe. The city centre is 20 minutes by direct train. Grand Place, Belgian chocolate and three airport lounges are all within reach.
20 min
To city centre
3
Airport lounges
3h+
Minimum for city trip
2
Terminal food halls
Key Facts
Airport Express, 20 min to Brussels Central
Runs every 30 min, 06:00 to 23:30. Buy tickets at machines in the arrivals hall or online. Three city centre stops.
Aspire Lounge in Pier A (Priority Pass)
Schengen departures. Breakfast, hot food and showers. Walk-in available. Brussels Airlines Lounge also open to status passengers.
Grand Place, 25 min from airport
UNESCO World Heritage site. Lined with guildhalls and the Town Hall. Belgian chocolate shops on every nearby street.
Airport or City?
Choose based on your layover length and what you want to do.
Lounges
Aspire Lounge, Pier ASchengen departures. Priority Pass and pay-on-entry. Hot food, showers, good wifi.
Brussels Airlines LoungePier A and Pier B. Available with airline status or paid day pass. Good coffee and quiet seating.
Terminal Options
The Cloud Food CourtTwo terminal food halls covering both landside and airside. Open from 05:00. Wide choice including Belgian waffles.
Kids Play AreaPlay area in the terminal, airside. Good for families on longer layovers.
WifiFree wifi across the full terminal. Good and consistent coverage.
Step 1
Take the Airport ExpressTrain runs every 30 minutes. Tickets from machines in arrivals hall. Journey to Brussels Central is 20 minutes, Brussels Midi is 25 minutes.
Step 2
Walk to Grand PlaceTen minutes on foot from Brussels Central station. UNESCO-listed main square lined with ornate guildhalls and the Gothic Town Hall.
Step 3
Chocolate and nearby sightsManneken Pis is a 5-minute walk from Grand Place. Neuhaus and Godiva chocolate shops are on the surrounding streets. Belgian waffles available at street stalls.
Step 4
Atomium (optional)Located north of the city. About 30 minutes by metro from Central Station. Only worth it on layovers of 6 hours or more.
Who is This For?
Solo
Aspire Lounge then Grand Place
With 4 hours or more, use the lounge for an hour then take the train to Grand Place. Back at the airport with 90 minutes to spare.
Couple
Train to city, Grand Place and Belgian beer
Take the Airport Express together, walk Grand Place, stop at a cafe on Rue des Bouchers. Delirium Cafe is a 10-minute walk from Grand Place.
Family
Stay at the airport
The terminal food hall and kids play area keep families comfortable. Less stressful than rushing through the city with bags and children.
Layover Itineraries
3-Hour Layover
Stay airside and make the most of the terminal.
0:00
Clear securityAllow 30 minutes for security at BRU during busy periods.
0:30
Aspire LoungeBreakfast or a hot meal. Shower if needed. Relax for 90 minutes.
2:00
Terminal walk and duty freeBrowse the terminal shops airside. Good selection in the departures area.
2:45
GateHead to your gate with 15 minutes to spare.
6-Hour Layover
Enough time for a proper city visit.
0:00
Arrivals and trainCollect bags if needed. Take the Airport Express from beneath the terminal building.
0:20
Brussels CentralArrive at Central station. Grand Place is a 10-minute walk north-west.
0:30
Grand PlaceWalk the square and the surrounding streets. Allow 45 minutes minimum.
1:30
Chocolate and lunchNeuhaus or Godiva on the Galeries Royales. Lunch on Rue des Bouchers or at the Galeries Saint-Hubert.
3:00
Return trainTake the Airport Express back from Central. Allow 30 minutes before your check-in cut-off.
3:20
Back at BRUSecurity and gate with time to spare.
Airport hotels at Brussels
Seven hotels serve Brussels Airport. The Sheraton Brussels Airport is the closest at 0.3km. ibis Brussels Airport is the budget option at 1km. For Park and Fly, Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, NH Brussels Airport, Novotel Brussels Airport, and Radisson Blu Brussels Airport all have shuttle transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Place worth visiting on a short layover?
Yes, if you have 4 hours or more. The train takes 20 minutes and Grand Place is 10 minutes on foot from Brussels Central. Allow 90 minutes total travel time there and back.
Are there showers at Brussels Airport?
Yes. Showers are available in the Aspire Lounge airside. Access requires a Priority Pass or pay-on-entry.
Can I leave the airport without a visa during a layover?
This depends on your nationality and the countries involved. Check your visa requirements before arriving at BRU.
Does the Aspire Lounge require booking?
No. The Aspire Lounge in Pier A is walk-in with a Priority Pass or by paying at the door. No booking required.
What is the last train from Brussels Central back to the airport?
The Airport Express runs until 23:30 from Brussels Central. Check the exact last departure on belgiantrain.be before you travel.