How to get to Brussels-Midi Train Station

Travel from Saint-Gilles city centre to Brussels-Midi

Brussels-Midi is one of the main train stations in Brussels. It is the hub station for trains serving Brussels and popular international routes like Brussels-Paris, Brussels-Frankfurt, and Brussels-Amsterdam. Intercity and domestic trains are also available to cities like Luxembourg and Ghent, respectively. Brussels-Midi train station is located in Saint-Gilles, one of the municipalities of Belgium.

It is popularly known for its museums like the Horta Museum, art galleries, and modern buildings. It is a cultural hot spot having locals of diverse cultures. Saint-Gilles city centre is only a few miles from the train station. You can easily walk to the station from the city centre, which takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, you can take public transport from the city centre. Trams and buses all head to the train station from the city centre. Tram Line 81 and Line 48 and 136 buses operate along this route, with the bus as the faster and cheaper means to the station. A taxi is faster, taking less than 5min to get to the station, but it is more costly.

How far is it from Saint-Gilles city centre to Brussels -Midi train station?

Saint-Gilles city centre is less than 4 miles (6.5 km) from Brussels-Midi station. The time it takes to travel from Saint-Gilles city centre to Brussels-Midi station will depend on your mode of transport. Generally, buses, trams, and taxis are available from the city centre. The fastest way to get to Brussels-Midi station is by taking a taxi from the city centre. A taxi only takes less than 5min. Buses are also fast, taking about 12min to get to the station. Buses are the most reliable and affordable means of getting to the station from the city centre. STIB is the main bus and tram operator from the city centre to the train station, with buses operating every 30min and trams every 15min. If you’re not in a rush, you can take the tram to the station, a journey of about 15min. If you decide to walk to the station, it will take you about 20min.

What is the best way to get to Brussels -Midi train station from Saint-Gilles city centre?

The best way to get to Brussels-Midi train station is by taking the bus. The bus is affordable and reliable since you can get a bus from the city centre to the station every 30min. The main bus lines that operate between the city centre and the station are Lines 48 and 136. You can take the Line 136 bus from Saint-Gilles Munthofstraat. The bus will leave you at Brussels Zuid Perron 13 station. From here, you can walk to Brussels-Midi station, about 4min away. If you’re taking the Line 48 bus, you can catch the bus at Porte De Hal bus station. This bus will take you to Suede station, which is a 4min walk from Brussels-Midi station. If you decide to take the tram, Line 81 departs from Guillaume Tell every 10min. The tram will take you to Suede, 4min away from the station.

Where is the airport in Saint-Gilles and how to get there

The closest airport to Saint-Gilles is Brussels Airport. The airport is located less than 8 miles (13 km) from Saint-Gilles. The public modes of transit connecting the airport to Saint-Gilles include the bus, train, and taxi. Buses are the recommended mode of transit if you’re looking for the most reliable and cheapest way of getting to the airport. STIB, Blablacar Bus, and FlixBus are the main bus providers for rides to the airport. STIB Lines 116, 134, 140, 145, and 171 are more popular as a bus departs for the airport every 20min.

The ride to the airport from Saint-Gilles will take about 30min. You can also book a train from Saint-Gilles to Brussels Airport. Belgian Railways operates trains to the airport with a train departing from Brussels-Midi station every 15min. The duration of the train journey takes about 30min, similar to the bus journey. If you’re late for your flight, several taxi providers are also available at Saint-Gilles to take you to the airport in about 15min. The subway is also a fast alternative to the airport from the train station, with Lines 2 and 6 operating the route. Tram lines 3, 4, 31, 32, 33, 51, 81, 82, and 83 also operate from Brussels-Midi station to Brussels Airport.

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

Travellers with limited mobility will have no trouble getting around Brussels-Midi train station. The station has wheelchair-friendly facilities to help you get around with ease. These include a mobile access ramp, escalators going up and down, an elevated platform, and a platform lift. Moreover, wheelchair-accessible toilets are also available at the station. You can also get a free wheelchair at the station on early request. Hearing-aid users can also get an induction loop on request.

A welcome point is at the station if you need special assistance while at the station, either booking your train or moving around. The station has trained staff that offers assistance services to people with limited mobility, which you need to book at least 3h in advance depending on your journey. The assistance services include luggage assistance and assistance in boarding and alighting from the train. Special assistance services are available 24h every day of the week.

Brussels Midi Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Brussels-Midi

You can book night trains from Brussels-Midi station for most routes within Belgium and Europe. A night ticket office is operational from 10:00 p.m. to 01:00 a.m. and 04:00 a.m. to 06:00 a.m. every day of the week for travellers who want to travel on late night or early morning trains. A pre-sales ticket office is also available till 8:00 p.m. if you wish to catch a late evening train. Travellers with reduced mobility who have a night train to catch can also get assistance services from the station since the care centre is open for 24h.

Travelling by train in Brussels: Sustainable journey

Trains are the least detrimental modes of travel to the environment. Since most trains now run on electricity, reducing train emissions hence air pollution. Regenerative braking technology has also enhanced sustainability for connecting trains since it saves fuel with each halt the train makes. Trains are also associated with less noise pollution compared to vehicles.

Local tips: Brussels train station points of interest

Brussels-Midi station has plenty of amenities you can take advantage of while waiting for your train. There is a refreshment bar and free Wi-Fi at the station to help you relax. Alternatively, you can explore the several nearby restaurants which are just less than 1 mile (1.6 km) away. You can also opt to leave your luggage at the luggage lockers and take a tour of the station’s vicinity.For more local tips, you can check Omio magazine.There are plenty of things to do near the station.

• Explore the Brussels-Midi market, where you can try out Belgian cuisines, get discounted clothing, and flowers
• Sample some of the finest beers at Cantillon Brewery, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from the station
• Explore the medieval entrance/ guard tower in Brussels by visiting Porte de Hal
• Enjoy fun reality games at the Virtual Room about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the station
• Take a well-curated exhibition tour at the Museum of Letters and Manuscripts

What to do in Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is a modern and multicultural city with an artsy atmospheres thanks to its many nouveau buildings and art galleries. Art and architectural enthusiasts will appreciate this city since it boasts many hidden architectural gems starting with the Horta Museum. Here, you can also take a theme-based stroll, pleasant even if you’re not an art enthusiast. Cultural lovers will also feel right at home since the city is a cultural hot stop. It is also home to people of diverse cultures. You will also enjoy a wide array of cultural events like the annual Parcours d’Artistes and la Foire des Vignerons. The city also has a place for food lovers at the Saint-Gilles Market, where you can sample multicultural cuisines.