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Brussels Airport

Brussels, Belgium · Europe

Solid mid-tier European airport with efficient train links but occasional security queues and limited lounge options during renovations.

Airportist Score

7.2/ 10

Passengers

24M

Security

18 min

10 photos

The main terminal buildings and aircraft parking areas at Brussels Airport in Zaventem, seen from outside on a clear day. — Photo: Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens . Example: © Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons If you use this work outside of the Wikimedia projects, a message or a copy is very much appreciated. This image is not in the public domain. A statement such as "From Wikimedia Commons" or similar is not by itself sufficient. If you do not provide clear attribution to the author you do not comply with the terms of the file's license and you may not use this file. If you are unable or unwilling to provide attribution you should contact Ad Meskens to negotiate a different license.
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A long indoor passenger corridor at Brussels Airport with ceiling lights, shopfronts, and travelers walking toward the gates. — Photo: Fawaz.tairou
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A wide security screening hall at Brussels Airport with multiple lanes, conveyor belts, and x-ray equipment. — Photo: Lars Plougmann from United States
CC BY-SA 2.0 Source

The glazed ceiling and steel framework of Brussels Airport's historic glass departure hall, photographed from inside the terminal. — Photo: Hooft, Elise
CC BY 4.0 Source

Several international airline jets parked at Pier B jet bridges at Brussels Airport, including Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, and United aircraft. — Photo: Sjenghai
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The street-level entrance to the underground Brussels Airport-Zaventem railway station beneath the terminal complex. — Photo: Nenea hartia
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A Benelux intercity train stopped at the platform of Brussels Airport's underground railway station. — Photo: Smiley.toerist
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

An aerial view of Brussels Airport showing parallel runways, terminal buildings, aprons, and surrounding countryside. — Photo: Abxbay
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

The curved glass-and-steel facade of the Brussels Airport Skyhall building above the departure level. — Photo: Nenea hartia
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

A large model of Tintin's red-and-white rocket on display inside Brussels Airport as a Belgian cultural landmark. — Photo: Fawaz.tairou
CC BY-SA 4.0 Source

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2.5 hours early for non-Schengen

Security and passport control can add 20-40 minutes at peaks.

Fast Lane pass (€10-20) or Star Gold skips the main queue.

Terminal

One terminal, two piers connected airside

Walk between A and B takes 10-15 minutes via central area.

Check boarding pass for pier; connections are straightforward but allow buffer.

Food

Landside options before security beat airside prices

Grab coffee or sandwiches pre-security to save €3-5 per item.

Airside has standard chains but limited variety and higher markups.

Status

Check Fast Lane or lounge access pre-arrival

Buy Fast Lane or lounge pass online for guaranteed entry.

The View and Diamond are the main paid options; The Loft is closed.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for BRU.

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Single main terminal with Schengen (Pier A) and non-Schengen (Pier B) piers
Hub for Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance)
Serves ~24M passengers annually
Direct train to city center in ~18 minutes
Fast Lane security available for purchase or eligible passengers
The Loft lounge closed for renovation until late 2026

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.0

Navigation7.5

Food6.8

Transport8.2

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

24M

Terminals

1 main terminal

On-time departures

75%

Avg security

18 min

Best For

Fast city-center train accessStar Alliance connectionsPriority security options

Watch Out For

The Loft lounge closed until late 2026Morning and evening security peaksAirport train supplement adds to cost

Nearby airports

Other airports within about 150 km.

10 photos

Most important tips

Know before you go

A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.

Timing

Arrive 2.5 hours early for non-Schengen

Security and passport control can add 20-40 minutes at peaks.

Fast Lane pass (€10-20) or Star Gold skips the main queue.

Terminal

One terminal, two piers connected airside

Walk between A and B takes 10-15 minutes via central area.

Check boarding pass for pier; connections are straightforward but allow buffer.

Food

Landside options before security beat airside prices

Grab coffee or sandwiches pre-security to save €3-5 per item.

Airside has standard chains but limited variety and higher markups.

Status

Check Fast Lane or lounge access pre-arrival

Buy Fast Lane or lounge pass online for guaranteed entry.

The View and Diamond are the main paid options; The Loft is closed.

Live airport status

Current operations

Guide quick facts

Pulled from the editorial markdown guide for BRU.

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Single main terminal with Schengen (Pier A) and non-Schengen (Pier B) piers
Hub for Brussels Airlines (Star Alliance)
Serves ~24M passengers annually
Direct train to city center in ~18 minutes
Fast Lane security available for purchase or eligible passengers
The Loft lounge closed for renovation until late 2026

5 official sources

Airportist Score Breakdown

Comfort7.0

Navigation7.5

Food6.8

Transport8.2

Disruption resilience7.0

Key Stats

Annual passengers

24M

Terminals

1 main terminal

On-time departures

75%

Avg security

18 min

Best For

Fast city-center train accessStar Alliance connectionsPriority security options

Watch Out For

The Loft lounge closed until late 2026Morning and evening security peaksAirport train supplement adds to cost