By Air
Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem, 13 km northeast of the city, is Belgium's main international gateway. A direct train runs from the airport to Brussels-Midi, Brussels-Central, and Brussels-Nord every 15-20 minutes; the journey takes about 20 minutes. Taxis to the city centre cost around €45-50.
Charleroi Airport (CRL), 55 km south of Brussels, is used primarily by budget carriers including Ryanair. Buses connect it to Brussels-Midi (about 1 hour). Don't confuse the two airports when booking.
By Train
Train is the most comfortable and often fastest way into Belgium from neighbouring countries.
From the UK: Eurostar runs from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi in around 2 hours. There are typically a dozen or more departures daily. Book ahead for the best fares.
From France, the Netherlands, Germany: High-speed Eurostar services (the red trains, formerly Thalys) connect Brussels with Paris (1h22), Amsterdam (1h50), and Cologne (1h50). Regular intercity trains also run from Amsterdam and Cologne. Brussels-Midi is the main hub for all international arrivals.
By Sea
Ferry services still connect Belgium to the UK, though they've become less popular since the Channel Tunnel opened. P&O Ferries runs between Hull and Zeebrugge (overnight crossing). Seasonal services may also operate from Ramsgate or Dover to Ostend or Zeebrugge.
By Road
Belgium's motorway network connects seamlessly with France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany. The E40 runs from Calais through Ghent and Brussels to Cologne; the E19 connects Paris with Antwerp and Amsterdam. All motorways in Belgium are free of charge — no tolls.
Driving into Belgium from any EU/Schengen country involves no border formalities.