How to get from Brussels Airport to Brussels city center and other cities of Belgium and Europe?

Transport in Brussels

Brussels, like other European capitals, has a well-developed transport system. There is the metro, tram lines, ground trains, and buses. Public transport company named STIB (Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) operates not only in the city but in all neighbouring regions. That’s why you can see not only the sights of the city but also those of the nearest areas.
Transport in Brussels has its peculiarities, too. For example, the double system of scanning a ticket in the metro (both when entering the metro station and entering the carriage). Or for example, capacity of buses, which are rather new, but admit fewer passengers than trams, not mentioning the lack of space for baggage. However, unlike the metro and trams, buses also run at night.
Taxi and transfer network is well-developed in Brussels, what allows the locals and tourists to get to their destinations several times faster and with due comfort. Like in many other European cities, there are several taxi companies in Brussels. Cars differ in colour: there are white and black cars. A required attribute of a licensed taxi service is a glowing Taxi sign on the roof.

Transport prices in Brussels

The price for one trip on any type of transport in Brussels will depend significantly on several factors. For example, a bus trip within the city limits costs 2,10 euro, and beyond – 2,5 euro; a day ticket with an unlimited amount of trips will cost 7,5 euro. But these prices are not valid on the routes from the airports as they are considered different price zones, so you will have to pay several times more to get from Charleroi Airport to Zaventem.
If you managed to solve the problem of getting from Brussels Airport to the city, you can buy a tourist transport card for 7,50, 14 or 18 euro to have unlimited trips on all city routes within 24, 48 or 72 hours respectively.
Taxi cost in Brussels deserves special attention. While the price of a trip within the city will make up to 35 euro, the price of a trip to the airport will be several times higher. The same rule applies to night trips, holidays, and big companies, that will not fit in a standard car. It is not only expensive to order a minivan or minibus but rather difficult as well: there are not many such cars in Brussels taxi services.
If you want to order a car and learn the price before the trip, it makes sense to book a transfer. You can pay such a trip in your currency in advance, to avoid problems with currency exchange at the airport of arrival. Besides, the fixed transfer rate will not change because of the time of day or extra large baggage.

A trip with a child in Brussels

Everyone who is planning a trip to Brussels with a child should know that not every type of the city transport is comfortable for trips with children. It is hard enough to find a taxi with a child seat, not speaking about special equipment in buses or on trains. Remember, that the majority of routes in Brussels are complicated, so, sometimes, you have to make several changes in order to get from the airport to your hotel. Young mothers with children, prams and baggage will probably get no help from the strangers, so it is better for young parents not to count much on public transport.
A taxi or a transfer in Brussels will be very suitable both for mothers scared of transport changes and metro maps, and other people who are afraid of getting lost in a new city. It is also a good option for elderly people, tourists with heavy suitcases, and those who do not speak any foreign language. The transfer driver will meet you at the airport or at the address with a name sign, help with luggage and quickly drive you to your destination in Brussels or Belgium, or even in neighbouring countries if it is on your itinerary.

We wish everyone heading to Brussels a light flight, a carefree trip from the airport, and a nice stay in the city and its surroundings. Keep in mind: the less stress you get en route, the more joyful your trip will be.