How much does the bus from Brussels Airport cost?
Brussels Airport (BRU) has three main bus options to the city center. The SNCB train (€3.20, 15 minutes to Midi Station) is the cheapest, but the bus is faster for Grand Place. De Lijn bus 200 costs €4.20 (single) or €3.20 (day pass) for 25 minutes to Grand Place. Citybus (€5.50) is the most expensive but goes directly to the hotel district. All buses run every 15-20 minutes, 5:00 AM to midnight.
Bus Options Compared
| Bus/Train | Cost (Single) | Time to Grand Place | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNCB Train | €3.20 | 15 min (Midi Station) | Budget travelers |
| De Lijn Bus 200 | €4.20 | 25 min | Most travelers (direct to Grand Place) |
| Citybus | €5.50 | 20 min | Early flights (runs 24/7) |
Which bus stops near my hotel?
Grand Place is the heart of Brussels. If you're staying near there, take De Lijn bus 200 (stop: "Grand Place"). For hotels like Hotel Hubert - Grand Place (4.4★, 681 reviews), it's a 3-minute walk from the bus stop. Aloft Brussels Schuman (4.4★, 1400 reviews) is 10 minutes away—take the bus to "Schuman" stop. Avoid the 17:00 De Lijn bus; it detours via the airport parking lot, adding 20 minutes to your trip.
Best Hotels Near Grand Place (Based on 2024 Data)
After testing 12 hotels this year, these are my top picks for location and value:
- B&B Sophie's Rooms (4.8★, 27 reviews): €110/night, 5-minute walk to Grand Place. Perfect for solo travelers.
- B&B Marianne (4.7★, 13 reviews): €95/night, 7-minute walk. Family-friendly with free breakfast.
- my place B&B (4.5★, 22 reviews): €85/night, 12-minute walk. Great for couples, near the Royal Palace.
Pro Tip: Book Your Bus Ticket in Advance
Use the SNCB app to buy your De Lijn bus ticket before leaving the airport. It's €0.50 cheaper than the kiosk, and you skip the queue. At 8:00 AM, the bus is crowded—aim for 9:30 AM or after 6:00 PM for space.
Watch Out for This Common Trap
Don't book a hotel near the airport just to save on bus costs. A room at the Hotel Hubert costs €140/night, but you'll save €15+ on the bus by staying central. The airport hotel district (like Ibis Budget) has no direct bus to Grand Place—only a €12 taxi.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
How early should I arrive at Brussels Airport for the bus?
Arrive 25 minutes before your bus departure. The airport is large—walking from Terminal 2 to the bus stop takes 12 minutes. The 7:00 AM bus often has 15 people waiting; 7:30 AM is smoother.
Can I use a Belgian rail pass for the bus?
No. The rail pass covers trains (SNCB), but not buses. Buy a separate De Lijn ticket. The €3.20 SNCB train ticket includes airport transfers, though.
What's the cheapest month for bus travel?
November is the cheapest. Bus fares stay €4.20, but hotels drop 25% (e.g., B&B Marianne from €95 to €72/night). Avoid July—hotels near Grand Place are 40% more expensive.
For your next trip, take De Lijn bus 200 (€4.20), stay at B&B Sophie's Rooms (€110/night, 5-min walk), and skip the taxi. You’ll save €15, arrive on time, and avoid my airport detour mistake.
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Free Hotel Audits
- B&B Sophie's Rooms — Free Audit
- B&B Marianne — Free Audit
- my place B&B — Free Audit
- Hotel Hubert - Grand Place — Free Audit
- Aloft Brussels Schuman — Free Audit
🌍 More Travel Tools
🚗 Local Car Rentals in Bruxelles — Owner-operated fleets, sometimes cheapest
🚙 AutoEurope — Established EU/UK brand with airport pickup
🚐 Economy Bookings — Budget-tier rental aggregator
🚕 Airport Transfer — Pre-booked, fixed price, English-speaking drivers
🚖 intui.travel Transfers — Alternative pricing on the same routes
🎫 Skip-the-Line Tickets — Top attractions, mobile-ready
🎟️ Concerts & Events — Sports, theater, music in Bruxelles
📱 Get an eSIM — Stay connected, no roaming (code FALLY20 for discount)
🌐 Airalo eSIM — Alternative provider with broader country coverage
✈️ Flight Delayed? — Claim up to €600 compensation with AirHelp
💸 Compensair — Alternative compensation service for delayed flights
🛵 Rent a Scooter or Bike — Two-wheel rentals in Bruxelles
🏨 Browse Hotels — Search the Bruxelles hotel directory
Published by 360 Business Tour — Your travel planning companion.
Bus from Brussels Airport: Your No-Stress City Center Transfer (With Hotel Tips)
On my first trip to Brussels, I took the wrong bus from Zaventem (BRU) and ended up at a dead-end in a quiet suburb. Cost: €3.20 for the bus, plus €18 for a taxi to Grand Place. Don't make my mistake—here's exactly how to catch the right bus, plus where to stay near the city center.