The airport and Eurostar

Brussels Airport (Zaventem)
Tel: +32 (02) 753-4200
Flight information: 0900-70000 (Belgium only)
Website

Zaventem, the international airport, is 14km north-east of the city. Outside rush hour, a taxi ride from the European quarter will take 20 minutes and cost about €30; during rush hour, allow twice the time and 50% more money. There are regular trains and buses to the main railway stations in Brussels (Gare Central, Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi). The airport opened a spanking new terminal, Terminal A, a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, Terminal A's opening coincided with the bankruptcy of Sabena, the flag-carrier, which resulted in a significant decrease in traffic. Terminal A is certainly smart, but it is a long way from check-in; allow at least 20 minutes to get to the gate. Fortunately, flights to the United States and Britain still leave from Terminal B. Duty-free shopping at the airport is now quite good, although the prices (even without VAT) can be higher than those in town, save for alcohol and tobacco.

Eurostar
Website

Eurostar trains run between Waterloo Station in London and the Gare du Midi, just south-west of the centre of Brussels. The journey between the cities takes two hours and 20 minutes. Return fares start at roughly £70/€85 for a weekend day return but are outrageously expensive if you have to travel at short notice in the week—you will get the best deals if you stay over on Saturday night or book two weeks in advance. A taxi to the centre costs roughly €15.

Gare du Midi
Tel: +32 (02) 555-2555 (Belgian rail enquiries)

Eurostar (Brussels)
Tel: +32 (02) 528-2828 (press 4 for English)

Eurostar (London)
Tel: (08705) 186-186 (UK only) or +44 (01233) 617-575