Information and Travel Guide for Brussels National/Zaventem International Airport
Brussels National/Zaventem International Airport (BRU)

Brussels International Airport, also referred to as National/Zaventem Airport, is located in the ideal spot for flights anywhere from Europe to Asia. Handling millions of flights from all over the globe, Brussels Airport is the home of Brussels Airlines. Thai Airways International has recently established a direct route with Brussels Airport between Bangkok and Brussels.

History

In 1940, German occupying forces staked a claim to the 1,500 acres of agricultural land just east of Brussels. This served as a back-up airfield known as "Steenokkerzeel". In 1944 the airport landed in the hands of the British and by 1948 a new terminal was constructed to replace the archaic wooden structures of the German army. By 1955 a train line connected the airport to the city of Brussels and in 1956, a 7,500 foot runway was constructed to take on larger aircrafts. As commercial aviation began to boom in 1960 and 1970, Brussels Airport was reconstructed to take on larger planes and a cargo terminal was created in 1976. Today, Brussels Airport sees over 20 million passengers each year with an annual increase of five to seven percent.

Services and Amenities

  • Financial Services - Currency exchange offices and ATMs are located throughout the airport.
  • Luggage Services - Porters are available as well as baggage wrapping and individual trolley carts.
  • Business Services - Reception rooms are available that can hold up to 600 guests and additional business facilities are available at the Sheraton Brussels Hotel and Regus Skyport Meeting Center located directly next to the airport.
  • Retail Services - Numerous shopping outlets are available throughout the airport including brand name retailers like Tommy Hilfiger and Hermes. Duty-free shops are available in the international terminals.
  • Food Services - Coffee and sandwich shops are located throughout the airport with some restaurants and tapas bars located outside the terminals.
  • Internet - Wi-Fi internet is available, but through paid services online.
  • Additional Services - Travel agencies, hair dressers, pharmacies, petrol stations, churches, meditation rooms, handicap facilities and hotels are available.

Parking

Express Parking is available directly across from the terminals with a limited four-hour parking time. Short-term, economy and long-term lots are available as well as valet services.

Surrounding Area

Travellers can take advantage of the direct train line from Brussels Airport directly into town leaving from Level-1. The train is in operation from 5:00am to midnight and leaves every 20 minutes. Hotels are located directly outside the Brussels Airport, like the Sheraton, as well as others in the city. Travellers are encouraged to visit some of Brussels main tourist spots including the Musées Royeaux des Beaux Arts gallery or the Autoworld Museum that is in Cinquantenaire Park. Since Brussels is relatively small, most tourists can get around by walking or taking buses to and from their attractions, hotels and eateries.

Contact Information:

IATA Airport Code: BRU
Location: 8 miles NE of Brussels
Telephone: 0900 70000 (Brussels) or +32 (0)2 753 7753 (outside of Belgium)
Time Zone: UTC/GMT +1:00