Getting Around Brussels Without a Car
Brussels is one of the better European capitals for car-free travel. The historic centre is compact and walkable, the STIB/MIVB network covers the city with metro, tram and bus, and the high-speed rail connections at Brussels-Midi make it unnecessary to hire a car for most visitor itineraries.
From the Airport
Brussels Airport at Zaventem has direct rail connections to Brussels-Central and Brussels-Midi operated by SNCB/NMBS (Belgian National Railways). The journey takes around 20 minutes. Train services run through the day; check current timetables and any service disruptions with SNCB before travel, particularly given the ongoing pattern of national strike action that has affected services across 2025 and into 2026.
The Brupass Ticket
SNCB offers a Brupass combined ticket that covers travel on train, tram, bus and metro within the Brussels zone on a single purchase. This is the most practical option for visitors who plan to use multiple public transport modes across several days. Full details and current pricing are available through the SNCB website.
Metro, Tram and Bus
The STIB/MIVB network operates four metro lines, multiple tram routes and an extensive bus network. Bus routes 10 and 33, for example, connect the Dansaert area in the west of the city centre with the Louise/Louiza stop further south — a useful orientation point for visitors exploring beyond the Grand Place. Trams serve the inner and outer ring roads. The metro reaches the Cinquantenaire, the EU quarter and the southern residential neighbourhoods.
Walking
Most of the major attractions in the central city — the Grand Place, Mont des Arts, Horta Museum area in Saint-Gilles, Place Royale and the Dansaert quarter — are within a manageable walking distance of each other for a visitor prepared for some gradient. The city is hilly enough that the walk between the upper and lower city (between the Mont des Arts and the Grand Place level) is noticeable.
Arriving by Eurostar or High-Speed Rail
Brussels-Midi is the terminus for Eurostar services from London St Pancras, and for Thalys and other high-speed services from Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne. The station is connected to the metro network and has regular tram and bus services toward the city centre. Brussels-Midi is a large station with a commercial street level; the neighbourhood immediately outside the station is functional rather than attractive, and most visitors move on quickly into the city centre by metro or taxi.
Always verify current service status before travelling. Strike action has repeatedly affected public transport, international rail and flights at short notice. Check STIB/MIVB for city transport and SNCB/NMBS for intercity and airport rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the airport train to central Brussels take?
SNCB/NMBS trains from Brussels Airport at Zaventem usually reach Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi in about 20 minutes, but check current timetables and strike notices before travelling.
What is the Brupass ticket useful for?
Brupass is useful when a visitor expects to mix train, tram, bus and metro journeys inside the Brussels zone instead of buying separate tickets for each operator.
Does Eurostar arrive at Brussels-Midi?
Yes. Eurostar services from London arrive at Brussels-Midi, where visitors can connect to the metro, tram and bus network for the Grand Place, Mont des Arts and other central districts.
Sources: By public transport - Brussels Capital Region • Things to Do in Brussels - Belgium