Several roads lead not only to rome, but also to brussels. Whether by plane, by train, by bus or by car – the journey to brussels is possible via different ways. We provide the most important information.
Travel to brussels – air travel to brussels
The airports in brussels are served several times a day by flights from nearby countries. The international airport is about 15 kilometers east of the metropolis. This airport is located in the brussels suburb of zaventum. However, the airport charleroi-gosselies is much more important for low-cost airlines. This junction is located about 50 kilometers to the south of brussels. Regular connections are offered via public transportation, allowing travelers to easily commute between the international airport and the city center. A regional train runs on this route. In addition, the airport city express runs every 20 minutes to stop at stations such as brussels' gare centrale and gare du midi stations. The two train stations are only a few minutes away from the city center. Furthermore, travelers can get from A to B with regular bus lines or an airport line. These means of transportation travel between the airport as well as the city. Buses are also available at charleroi-gosselies airport to transport passengers regularly to the city center of brussels.
Travel to brussels by plane
Getting to brussels by train – regular train connections from various cities in germany
For rail traffic, brussels has established itself as a north-south and west-east hub of the french, german and dutch rail systems. As a result, the rail connections in the direction of brussels are excellent. Deutsche bahn as well as the french thalys offer train journeys to brussels several times a day. Both companies regularly offer special discounts and special offers, so that the trips can be booked especially cheaply. Up to five times a day, the thalys operates on the route from cologne via aachen to brussels. On its journey to brussels, the ICE stops four times a day at the stations in the cities of frankfurt, cologne and aachen. This offer of deutsche bahn is supplemented by additional IC connections in the direction of brussels.
Trains run regularly from austria and switzerland
If you are planning to travel to brussels from vienna, you will be well served by the offers of obb. Obb trains stop at regular intervals at the gare du midi and bruxelles-nord stations. From switzerland, the SBB provides occasional connections to brussels. International trains usually make a stop at one of the four largest stations in brussels. High-speed trains make particularly frequent use of the gare du midi station, which is close to the city center. Trains from the local transport through germany or belgium are mainly on the weekend.
Arriving in brussels by train
Bus travel as an inexpensive option
There are also several bus lines that travel to the belgian capital within europe. Among them are also some bus companies that stop in german cities. Some of these companies are eurolines or deutsche touring. A look at the timetables of the providers will tell you from which city the buses run to brussels and at what time.
Tips on how to get to brussels by car
Arriving by car is possible via several roads. Possible options are the E 40 freeway from aachen to liège, the E 34 from eindhoven to antwerp or the E 411 from luxembourg to namur. Please make sure that you follow the signs in the direction of "brussel centrum" or "brussels city center". "Follow "bruxelles centre. In the city there are several parking garages or underground garages where you can park your vehicles. In the meantime, brussels has set up an environmental zone, for which drivers from germany must register via the internet. Even if vehicle owners comply with the associated requirements, this registration is now mandatory. A sticker is not necessary. The regulation applies in particular to older diesel vehicles with euro emission standards from 0 to 1. These vehicles now only receive day passes for 35 euros, which allow them to enter the city of brussels a maximum of eight times per year. From 2019, only diesel vehicles in categories 3 to 6 and gasoline vehicles in categories 2 to 6 will be permitted. If you disregard these rules, you will be fined between 150 and 350 euros. To be on the safe side, drivers can simply use the park & ride parking lots around brussels. Alternatively, onward travel by other means of transport is possible.
Getting to brussels by car
Traffic rules on belgium's roads
When traveling by car through belgium, drivers should also bear in mind that road traffic conditions are very different from those in germany. Prices for regular and premium gasoline do not differ significantly from each other. The maximum speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 70 km/h in built-up areas. 90 km/h valid in flanders as well as wallonia. On the highway as well as on expressways a maximum speed of 120 km/h is allowed. Only for heavy motorhomes with a weight of at least 3.5 tons, speed limits of 90 km/h on the highway or expressway apply. The blood alcohol limit of 0.5 should be a guideline for every driver. Otherwise fines of up to 5.000 euro due. A speeding violation of 10 to 20 km / h is punished with 100 euros. The fine must be paid directly on the spot.
Helpful information on highway signs
Confusion is caused by the city names shown on belgian highway signs. Different names for the same city (for example "antwerp", "antwerp" or "anvers") are common in belgium. The names of the cities are always shown in the language spoken in the respective region. This example is especially interesting for brussels. Finally, belgium's capital has a dutch and french speaking area within the city limits. In general, belgian drivers are known for not exactly speeding slowly over the roads. However, if you're an out-of-towner and drive as fast as you're allowed, you're always on the safe side. If drivers undercut the speed limit by even the slightest amount, they should not be surprised to be constantly overtaken in built-up areas.