How to get to Brussels-Central Train Station

Travel from Brussels city centre to Brussels Central train station

Brussels is Belgium’s capital and its largest municipality. It is the commercial and administrative heart of Belgium. In addition, it is a popular European attraction with many tourist destination sites ranging from museums, parks, nightclubs, architectural landmarks, and markets. Brussels is popular for its Belgian chocolates and beers. The city is Belgian railways’ focal point, with the train as a popular public transit in Brussels and Belgium at large. You can get trains to and from Brussels from Brussels Central train station.

Both regional and international trains operate to and from Brussels Central station. Some of the popular destinations of trains from Brussels Central includeAmsterdam, Paris, Antwerp, and Ghent. The train time from Brussels will vary for each destination, and you can view details about your train journey from Brussels on Omio’s magazine, Omio The Window Seat. Brussels city centre is close to the station, less than a mile away. Common public transit from the city centre to the station include the Metro and bus.

How far is it from Brussels city centre to Brussels Central train station?

Brussels Central is the closest train station to Brussels city centre, less than a mile (1.3 km) away. The distance will depend on the mode of transit you use to get to the station. The Metro provides the shortest route to the station covering only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) between Brussels city centre to Brussels Central. Metro Line 1 and 5 operate every 5min from the city centre. Brussels Central is 0.6 miles (1 km) from the city centre by road. The bus takes about 5min to cover this distance, with Lines 29 and 89 as the main operators. If you decide to walk, you will cover about 0.6 miles (0.9 km), which will take about 10min.

What is the best way to get to Brussels Central train station from Brussels city centre?

The best way to travel from Brussels city centre to Brussels Central train station is by taking the Metro. Line 1 Metro is the fastest to the station, taking about 2min. Line 5 Metro also operates along this route. STIB operates the Metro, which departs De Brouckere in the city centre for the station every 5min. You can also book a bus ticket from the city centre with Line 29 and 89 as the main operators. STIB is also the main bus provider, operating a bus to the station every 10min. The bus also departs from De Brouckere station and takes about 5min to get to the station. Many taxi companies also service rides from the city centre to Brussels Central station. You will spend about 4min on the road when you take the taxi. You also have the option of walking to the station from the city centre, which will take about 10min.

Where are the airports in Brussels and how to get there?

Brussels has two airports serving Brussels and surrounding cities, Brussels Airport and Charleroi Airport. Brussels Airport is seven miles (11 km) from Brussels Central station. The train is the recommended public transit connecting the airport to the station. Belgian Railways operates a train every 10min from the airport to the station, which takes about 20min. Line 12 bus is also available from the airport, taking about 40min to get to the station. It operates every 20min. Charleroi Airport is further from Brussels Central station, being 26 miles (42 km) from the station. The popular public transit connecting the airport to the station is the bus, taking about 1h to complete the journey.

How accessible is Brussels main train station for those with limited mobility?

Passengers with limited mobility will conveniently get around the station thanks to its accessibility features. There are mobile access ramps at most of the exits and entrance points of the station to help you get into and out of the station. You don’t have to worry about using the stairs as there are platform lifts at many station points. Escalators are also present at the station if you want to access the upper floors. You can get a free wheelchair at the station upon request. The station also has trained staff to offer special assistance services, which you need to book ahead. The staff will help you with heavy luggage, getting around the station, and boarding and disembarking from the train.

Brussels Central Train Station . Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Brussels-Central

Night trains are available from Brussels Central station if you want to travel at night. However, make sure to book your tickets from the ticket office before 10:00 p.m. as the ticket offices close at this time. Night trains are also an option for people with reduced mobility because the special assistance offices are open 24/7 at the station to help you at any time of the night.

Travelling by train in Brussels: sustainable journey

Trains are one of the most eco-friendly modes of travel available. Trains emit about 70% less carbon footprint compared to cars. They also transport more passengers per trip, saving the environment from the emissions produced by the number of cars needed to transport the same number of passengers. Trains also have lower noise levels, hence lower noise pollution. Trains also tend to consume less energy during trips thanks to regenerative brakes and efficient traction systems.

Local tips: Brussels train station points of interest

Brussels Central train station has many amenities, so you will not get bored when waiting for your train or during your transfer. A restaurant with a bar is on-site if you want to grab a bite before your train leaves the station. You can also relax with entertainment at the waiting lounges thanks to the free Wi-Fi. The station has Blue-Bike, a bike-share company where you can hire a bike and explore Brussels Central's vicinity. Some of the things to do near the station include:

• Enjoy the action-packed and amusing comic stories at the House of the Comic Strip just a few minutes from the station
• Explore the exhibition of some of Horta’s work at Claude Mont, The Immersive Experience
• Have a taste of Belgian Chocolates handmade on the spot at Chocopolis, one of the biggest chocolate shops in Belgium, which is less than a mile from the station
• Have a memorable time at the most interactive museum in Belgium, Illusion Brussels
• Discover beers, chocolates, and foods in the old town in Brussels by joining the walking tour of Hungry Mary.

What to do in Brussels

Brussels is a vibrant city with a versatility of attractions guaranteeing a fun time for everyone who visits the city. You can start your Brussels tour with good humour at Manneken Pis, a statue of a mischievous boy peeing into a fountain that locals dress up on holidays. Visit the most memorable landmark in Brussels, the Atomium. Art lovers will enjoy the breathtaking work of Victor Horta at Hotel Solvay or Maison and Atelier Horta. They can also embrace daring architectural styles at Villa Empain, a masterpiece by a swiss architect. Shopping lovers can head out for a shopping spree at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of the first covered shopping arcades in Europe.

Alternatively, you can get the best second-hand steals by heading to the marketplace of Jeu de Balle Flea Market, open throughout the year. Brussels also boasts a couple of museums like the Musical instruments Museum, Mont des Arts, and MIMA, where tourists can learn and shop. You can breathe fresh air away from the bustle of the city and enjoy breathtaking views at Van Buuren Museum and Gardens.