Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Brussels Zaventem Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I wanted to tell them “shush” but no need: an airport agent (was he a cleaner maybe?) approached them and told them to keep it down (!!!) showing the people around that were asleep. -Eleni
BRU Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Brussels Zaventem Airport (Code: BRU).
What to Expect
Brussels Airport consists of a main terminal with three levels and two piers. Pier A serves flights to and from European Union countries (Schengen), Africa and New York, while Pier B serves most others (non-Schengen). The two piers are connected by an above-ground connector building, allowing smooth passage between the piers and to and from check-in and baggage. Both piers contain some shopping and dining options, though Pier B’s are limited, and few shops or restaurants stay open past 9:00 PM. A Starbucks in the Departures Hall is open 24 hours. The airport provides free WiFi and plenty of charging areas. There are lounges in both terminals that can be accessed for a fee by economy class passengers. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.
Sleeping in Brussels Airport
Travellers report that Pier A offers the better option for sleeping, with plenty of benches and some large couches that can sleep up to three or four people. Landside, nice couches have been spotted in Terminal 1, in the check-in A 48. Airside in the Schengen Zone has plenty of benches and mobile charging points. A comfortable couch is in the duty-free area near Tin Tin Rocket, and another is in the B zone transfer area. Airport staff and security are generally accommodating to overnight sleepers, and the terminals stay quiet at night, except for an occasional late arrival flight. Travellers with air mattresses may want to check out the fourth floor, which is noted for its isolation and quiet. For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are located at and near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info, or read some traveller reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Brussels Zaventem Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.
Airport Hours
While the airport is open 24 hours, the airside area is open after 3:00 AM.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
With a view of the planes, the seating areas at Gates A and B are reportedly a great place to relax.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Brussels Airport that provide airport shuttles:
- Sheraton Hotel Brussels Airport – Located opposite the airport terminal, this is the only hotel on airport premises. Their website says it is 39 steps from the terminal. Day rooms are available on request. » Check Rates
- Novotel Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle operates on a schedule. » Check Rates
- Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle is available from 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM. » Check Rates
- Van der Valk Brussels Airport – Airport shuttle is available for a fee. » Check Rates
- NH Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle is available from 4:00 AM – 11:45 AM and 4:00 PM – 11:45 PM. Pick-up on Level 0, Platform E. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Brussels Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Diamond Lounge (Terminal A) – Location: Terminal A, Airside, 2nd Floor, Schengen Flights, Gates B01-B05. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Diamond Lounge (Terminal B) – Location: Terminal B, Airside, Gates B01-B05. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Airline Lounges
If you are flying on Brussels Airlines, you can pay to use these lounges:
- Brussels Airlines The Suite – Temporarily Closed – Location: Terminal B, Airside, near Gate B01. Lounge Access: b flex economy+ passengers on European routes with payment of € 29 at the Airport. Hours: 5.00 AM – 8:30 PM.
- Brussels Airlines The Loft – Location: Terminal A, Airside, near Gate A42. Lounge Access: b flex economy+ passengers on European routes.
- Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge – Showers are available. Location: Terminal A, Airside. Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Elite Status and Business/First Class flyers may be able to access these lounges. For more information, check the airline’s website. Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge – Terminal A, Airside • British Airways Lounge – Pier B.
Related Pages: Brussels Zaventem Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Drinking water fountains are available free of charge. Locations: throughout Piers A (6) and B (3) on the Departures Level. The airport also sells bottles of water for a €1.00 donation to support charities. The stands can be found once you pass through security.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout both terminals operate with varying schedules, with some open as early as 3:00 AM. You will also find a Starbucks in the Departure Hall, open 24/7.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
If you want to spare yourself from carrying around your luggage during your layover, luggage lockers are available. Location: Landside, Ground Floor, outside the airport. Rates: € 10 per bag / 24 hours (payment by card only); an additional charge may apply for oversized baggage. After storing three pieces of luggage, any subsequently stored bag will incur an additional charge of € 2.50. Note: bags may be stored in the lockers for an unlimited amount of time.
Mobile Charging
A reader tells us, “Mobile Charging is now available in the waiting area by the ticket counters check-in 11-14, Departures, (obviously) Floor 3, Landside.” (August 2019). A power bank rental kiosk is also available. Naki Power Bank is available throughout the airport. Rate is €3 per hour or €6 per day.
Showers
Freshen up before your flight. Showers are available in the Regus Brussels Airport Terminal Meeting Centre. Location: Landside 4th Floor, above the Departure Hall. Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon – Fri). Showers are also available in the Diamond Lounge in Terminal B. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
WiFi/Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available at the airport. Connect to the “Brussels Airport free Wi-Fi” network. Use your social network login or enter your e-mail address to start surfing.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, baby change facilities are in restrooms throughout the airport. Additionally, there are changing facilities at the Kids Corner (Concourse A), a quiet environment to breastfeed, and a microwave to warm bottles/baby food. Several of the restaurants will also warm up baby food upon request.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to one of the children’s play areas. Locations: Airside, Gate A57 • Airside, near Gate B15 and B31.
Information Desk – Lost or need some airport information? Information desks can be found in both terminals. Departure Hall, near check-in 8. Hours: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM. • Arrival Hall. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Airport Ambassadors (Airport Crew) can be found roaming the airport. Look for their green shirts with “May I help you?” on them.
Luggage
- Luggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available free of charge.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. TrueStar offers services with rates from € 12 – € 20 per bag, depending on the size. Location: Departures Level, opposite the escalator. Hours: 3:30 AM – 7:00 PM.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – MEDA provides urgent medical assistance to travellers at the airport. Location: Ground Level, Level 0, at the exit towards the bus station. Hours: open 24 hours.
- Pharmacy – Location: Departures Hall. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. A pharma dispenser is also available 24/7
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs operated by Travelex are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Departures Hall • Arrivals Hall • Piers A and B • Baggage Reclaim.
- Currency Exchange – Ria offers currency exchange, international money transfers, traveller’s cheques and tax refund services. Location: Departure Hall, Arrivals Hall, Baggage Reclaim Area, Gate A, Gate B (Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM).
Post Office – PostPunt / Point Poste Location: Arrivals Floor, in the Louis Delhaize Supermarket Hours: 6:30:00AM – 9:00 PM (closed on Sunday). You can also drop off your last-minute postcards at the airport’s mailboxes.
Prayer rooms – The airport offers a Muslim prayer room, Jewish prayer room, Catholic prayer room, Orthodox room, Protestant worship room, and a toom for “Humanist counselling.”Hours: 24/7.
Shopping – Aelia Duty-Free is available. Location: Pier A shopping area. Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM • Pier A close to Gate A55. Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM • Pier B shopping area. Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM. A wide variety of retail shops are also available. There is a small supermarket located on the landside. Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
SIM Cards – SIM Local can be found in the Arrivals Hall.
Smoking – There are three smoking rooms located airside: Pier B, near gate 17 • Pier A, near gate 30 • Pier A, near gate A/T 65/67.
Bus
Buses stop at one of the three platforms inside the airport bus station, located on Level 0, just below the Arrivals Hall.
The airport is well connected to the bus system, offering at least six bus lines to Brussels and approximately 12 lines serving the regional areas. For fares and route information, visit the Brussels Zaventem airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are located on-site in the Arrivals Hall: Avis • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Brussels airport provide airport shuttle service: Crowne Plaza Hotel Brussels Airport • NH Brussels Airport • Novotel Brussels Airport • Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport • Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport.
Hotel shuttles arrive and depart from level 0.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Metered taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall 24 hours a day. Reservations are not required. For safety reasons, use only licensed taxis with the blue and yellow emblem, and do not accept unsolicited offers for a ride from illegal taxis.
Train
BRU Airport has a train station below the airport on Basement Level 1. You must have your train ticket in hand to enter the station’s automated entry gates.
National trains conveniently travel from Brussels Airport to the major cities in Belgium. Some examples include Brussel Central (17 mins), Antwerp (30 mins), and Charleroi (83 mins). For train routes, schedules, fares and ticket information, visit the Belgian Rail website.
Direct international travel is possible with 16 daily departures from the airport to Amsterdam (via Dordrecht), Rotterdam and The Hague. For train routes, schedules, fares and ticket information, go to the SNCB Europe website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.