BRU Airport Insights & Guide
Key BRU Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know BRU Airport
Welcome to Brussels Airport, not only Belgium's largest but also home to the iconic Atomium structure visible from its runways, making it a unique gateway to Europe. Catering to over 24 million passengers annually, BRU stands as a vital hub for both seasoned and first-time flyers. This concise guide aims to streamline your airport experience.
From flight updates to parking and dining options, our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com is your go-to resource for a hassle-free journey, covering everything you need for a smooth transition from the entrance to your gate.
iFly Tip: Get quick access to important travel information with our air travel reference guide.
Navigating BRU's Terminals
BRU, with the airport code BRU, has four terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and the Main Terminal. Concourse A has 14 gates and is primarily used by Star Alliance airlines, including Lufthansa and United Airlines. Concourse B has 21 gates and is used by airlines such as British Airways, Air France, and KLM. Concourse C has 12 gates and is used by airlines such as Ryanair and TUI fly. The Main Terminal has 44 gates and is used by a variety of airlines, including Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Qatar Airways.
When navigating the airport terminals, it's important to pay attention to the signs and follow the directions provided. The airport also offers a free shuttle service between the terminals, which can be helpful if you have a connecting flight in a different terminal. Additionally, there are plenty of amenities available throughout the airport, including restaurants, shops, and lounges.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
BRU Airport has four main terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and the Main Terminal. Passengers can easily navigate between the terminals by foot as they are all connected by a covered walkway. The walking time between the Main Terminal and Concourses A, B, and C is approximately 5-10 minutes.
For those who prefer not to walk, there is a free shuttle bus service available that runs every 5-10 minutes between the terminals. The shuttle bus stops can be found outside of the arrivals hall in each terminal. Additionally, there is a train station located in the airport that connects to different parts of Belgium.
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at Brussels Airport (BRU) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BRU-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"Brussels Airport has two main piers: Pier A and Pier B. If you’re flying within the Schengen Area, you’ll likely be using Pier A. For non-Schengen flights, head to Pier B. The signage is clear, but if you’re ever in doubt, the information desks are very helpful." — Marie D., Zaventem, Belgium, August 2023
"The airport has a straightforward layout, but it can get busy. Use the moving walkways to save time between gates, especially if you have a tight connection." — Thomas V., Vilvoorde, Belgium, September 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The train station is directly below the airport, making it super convenient to get to Brussels city center in just 20 minutes. Trains run frequently, and it’s much faster than taking a taxi during rush hour." — Sophie L., Diegem, Belgium, October 2023
"If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, consider booking a shuttle service in advance. It’s more comfortable and can sometimes be cheaper than a taxi." — Johan K., Leuven, Belgium, November 2023
Parking
"For short-term parking, the P1 Front Parking is the closest to the terminal. If you’re planning to leave your car for several days, opt for P3 Holiday Parking. It’s more economical and still within a reasonable walking distance." — Anouk M., Mechelen, Belgium, December 2023
"Always book your parking spot online in advance. It not only guarantees you a spot but also usually offers a discount compared to paying on the day." — Lucas P., Grimbergen, Belgium, January 2024
Inside the Airport
"The airport has a great selection of shops and restaurants, especially in Pier A. If you have some time before your flight, I recommend grabbing a Belgian waffle from one of the kiosks. It’s a delicious way to start your journey." — Emma J., Zaventem, Belgium, February 2024
"For a quieter place to relax, head to the Diamond Lounge. It’s worth the entry fee for the peace and amenities, especially during peak travel times." — Olivier R., Machelen, Belgium, March 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Check the live wait times for security on the Brussels Airport app. It gives you a good idea of how early you should arrive. Also, try to avoid peak hours if possible." — Nathalie B., Tervuren, Belgium, April 2024
"If you’re traveling with kids, use the family lanes at security. They’re usually quicker and less stressful for everyone involved." — Peter S., Overijse, Belgium, May 2024
"Keep an eye on the flight information screens. Delays and gate changes are common, and the screens are updated frequently." — Laura W., Kortenberg, Belgium, June 2024
iFly Tip: Find the best seats and more with advice from our overweight passengers guide.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
BRU Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. The airport has designated curbside areas for passenger drop-off and pick-up, but parking is not allowed in these areas. Drivers can only stop for a maximum of 10 minutes to drop off or pick up passengers. Violators may be fined or towed.
If you need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport has a cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area is free of charge and allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive before proceeding to the curbside pick-up area. It is important to note that drivers cannot leave their vehicles unattended in the cell phone waiting area.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are several parking lots and garages located near the airport terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and the Main Terminal. The parking facilities are conveniently located and easily accessible for travelers.
For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow drivers to park for a short period of time while waiting for their passengers to arrive. This is a great option for those who want to avoid circling the airport or paying for parking.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport parking facilities. These spaces are located near the entrances and exits of the parking garages and lots. There are also wheelchair-accessible shuttles available to transport passengers to and from the parking facilities.
Off-airport parking is also available near Brussels Airport. This is a great option for those who are looking for a more economical parking option. The off-airport parking facilities offer shuttle service to and from the airport terminals and are often less expensive than the on-airport parking options.
Get details about Brussels Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
BRU is the largest airport in Belgium and serves as a hub for several airlines. The airport is located about 12 km northeast of Brussels and offers several transportation options for travelers.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. The car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of the terminal building.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with a designated drop-off area located outside the arrivals hall. The fares are regulated by the Brussels Capital Region and vary depending on the time of day and distance traveled.
Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport, with pickup areas located outside the arrivals hall. However, these services are subject to certain restrictions and may not be available at all times.
Airport shuttles are available for travelers who prefer a more convenient and affordable option. The shuttle service operates between the airport and several destinations within Brussels, with pickup areas located outside the arrivals hall. The fares vary depending on the destination.
Public transportation options are also available at the airport, with a train station located within walking distance of the terminal building. The train service operates between the airport and several destinations within Brussels, with fares starting at €8.90.
iFly Tip: Stay informed with essential carry-on baggage tips to avoid airport surprises.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. From luxury accommodations like the Sheraton to budget-friendly options like Verac Flats, there's something for everyone. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as sound-proofed rooms, fitness centers, and round-the-clock room service to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Plus, their close proximity to the airport provides easy access for air travelers. Some establishments are also situated near local attractions, ideal for those who wish to explore the city. Check out our BRU Hotels for more information.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at the airport, you won't be disappointed. With a variety of dining and shopping options, there's something for everyone.
For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks or Panos, both located in the Main Terminal. If you have more time, sit down for a meal at Belgorama, which serves traditional Belgian cuisine, or at Exki, which offers healthy and organic options. Both restaurants are located in Concourse A.
When it comes to shopping, Brussels Airport has a great selection of stores. Pick up some Belgian chocolates at Neuhaus or Leonidas, located in the Main Terminal. For fashion and accessories, check out Hugo Boss or Michael Kors, both located in Concourse B. And for electronics and gadgets, visit Media Markt in Concourse A.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Brussels Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, see your options here.
Passenger Services
BRU Airport is a modern airport that provides a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll find everything you need to make your journey stress-free.
For those who need to stay connected, the airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal buildings. You can easily connect to the airport's Wi-Fi network to check your emails, browse the web, or stay in touch with your loved ones.
If you've lost something during your travels, you can visit the airport's lost and found office, located in the main terminal building. The friendly staff will do their best to help you locate your lost item and reunite you with your belongings.
Traveling with children? The airport has dedicated children's areas where your little ones can play and have fun while you wait for your flight. The areas are equipped with toys, games, and other activities to keep your children entertained.
The airport is committed to providing special-needs services to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The airport has a range of facilities and services to ensure that all passengers can travel comfortably and safely. If you require special assistance, you can contact the airport's special assistance team before your flight.
If you need to do some banking before your flight, you'll find several banks and ATMs located throughout the terminal buildings. You can easily withdraw cash or exchange currency before you board your flight.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the main terminal building. The center is staffed by trained medical professionals.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight at Brussels Airport. Fortunately, there are several ways to do so.
One option is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and take note of any changes or updates.
Another convenient option is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. This is a great way to stay informed about your flight status while on the go.
Finally, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Brussels Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com. This website provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to stay informed about their flight status.
By using these methods, air travelers can stay informed about their flight status and avoid any unexpected surprises at BRU.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at BRU Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Brussels Airport Zaventem (BRU) is located in the Flemish Brabant province, Belgium.
- Terminals: The airport features four terminals: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and the Main Terminal.
- Airlines Served: The airport is primarily served by Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and Ryanair. For a comprehensive list of airlines, visit the BRU Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Brussels Airport handles approximately 90,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 600 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from BRU are Barcelona, Madrid, Geneva, London, and Lisbon.
- Hub Status: Brussels Airport is a hub for Brussels Airlines and TUI fly Belgium.
Airport History
The airport, located in Zaventem, Belgium, has a rich history dating back to the early 1940s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1940: The airport was built by the German occupying forces during World War II.
- 1944: The airport was liberated by Allied forces and used as a military airfield.
- 1948: Brussels Airport officially opened for civilian air traffic.
- 1958: The first jet aircraft, a Sabena Boeing 707, landed at Brussels Airport.
- 1994: A new terminal building, Pier A, was opened to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
- 2001: The airport was renamed BRU.
- 2016: The airport was targeted in a terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of 32 people.
- 2018: BRU Airport announced plans for a new terminal building, set to open in 2023.
Today, the airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Brussels Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: BRU
- Airport Website
- Phone: +32 2 753 77 53
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Brussels Airport Company, Brussels Airport, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Brussels Airport Q&A
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