As you are planning your bicycle trip and beyond, you will certainly wonder how to best get around. We’re here to help and have put together some general information and tips for you. You will find tour-specific travel information in the online itinerary specific to your tour. Note that any fares and timing mentioned are estimates.
We also recommend Rome2Rio, which is an excellent route and travel planning resource.
Brussels / Bruxelles
Brussels Airport (BRU)
The Brussels Airport is well-connected by international flights with the most common connecting hubs being London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Check the airport website for carriers. The airport is 14km northeast of Brussels and is well-connected by bus, train, and shuttle to the city center.
To and From the Airport
- By Taxi: Licensed taxis displaying a blue and yellow emblem are available outside the arrivals hall of the airport. Cost of the trip from the airport to the city center is approximately EUR 50.
- By Train: The airport train station is located in the basement level (Level -1) and has daily connections to the Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi stations. Check the Belgian Rails website for time schedules; enter BRUXELLES NAT AIRPORT as your departure station.
- By Bus: The airport bus station is located on level 0 which is one level below arrivals. The express Airport Line of MIVB/STIB company provides a 30-minute connection between the airport and the European district of Brussels. See www.stib.be.
The De Linj bus company offers many regional transfers. The Airport Express provides daily direct service between the airport and Antwerp. - By Hotel Shuttle: Area hotel shuttles pick up at level 0, platform E.
Other Types of Transportation
- Metro: The Brussels metro system entrances are marked by blue and white “M” signs with the station name listed underneath. It is part of the MIVB/STIB system and allows interchangeable use of the metro, bus, and tram. Tickets need to be validated at the orange boxes located on the bus and tram, and at the metro stations. Single trip, 1 day and 3 day passes are available for purchase at staffed windows or at kiosks. Announcements are made in French, Dutch, and English.
- Taxis: Taxis can easily be found outside airports and train stations. It is good practice to ask for an approximate fare before the ride and pay meter start. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on traffic in the city. You can check the meter to see if the tip-”extra” is being included in the fare.
- Bike Rental: The Brussels Villo easy-to-use system has stations approximately every 450 meters and allows self-service bike rental 24 hours a day.
- Rental Car: If you decide to rent a car, we suggest arranging this from the U.S. – it’s cheaper. Be sure to find out the exact address of the location to pick up your rental car, (preferably at your arrival airport). It’s best to make these arrangements in advance.
Belgium Train Information
Eurail Passes may be purchased for travel in Belgium. The Belgium national rail system (NMBS/SNCB) connects all the major Belgium tourism cities and international destinations. Check the Belgium railway website for types of trains, services, and schedules at www.b-europe.com.
Expect travel times of:
- Brussels/Bruges: 1 hour
- Brussels/Antwerp: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Brussels/Amsterdam: 2 hours 35 minutes