Planning a layover, a red-eye connection or simply looking for the smoothest route through Brussels Airport? Travel Code has assembled the most up-to-date guide to services, facilities and insider tips so you can maximise your time on the ground. From flight booking to last-minute duty-free shopping, we’ve got you covered.
Terminal Layout & Facilities
The airport features a single terminal spread across three public levels (Arrivals – Level 2, Departures – Level 3, Ground Transport – Level 0) and two airside piers:
- Pier A – Schengen flights, Africa routes and select U.S. services (e.g., Delta to New York).
- Pier B – Non-Schengen and most intercontinental traffic.
Both piers are linked by an above-ground connector, making transfers hassle-free. Amenities include free unlimited Wi-Fi, plentiful power outlets/USB ports, prayer rooms, children’s zones, medical care and multiple info desks staffed by the friendly Airport Crew.
Atmosphere & Overnight Experience
Pier A consistently wins traveler praise for comfortable benches and oversized couches, especially near the Tin Tin rocket in duty-free. Landside, plush seating hides around check-in A 48, while the elusive 4th-floor corridor offers peace for those with travel mats or inflatable beds. Do bring layers – nightly temperatures drop and PA announcements can be loud.
Security is tolerant of sleepers, yet standard vigilance applies. Secure valuables, stick close to fellow travelers and locate CCTV cameras for added peace of mind.
Airport Hours
- Landside: Open 24 / 7
- Pier A security: 03:30 – 01:00 (or last departure)
- Pier B security: 03:30 – 00:00 (or last departure)
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated nap pods exist, yet travellers report soft benches near gates A30, A57, B15 and B31. All feature charging points close by.
Cots
BRU does not routinely distribute emergency cots. If this policy changes, please let Travel Code know so we can update fellow flyers.
Airport Hotels
Prefer a real mattress? Several airport hotels sit adjacent to or within a 5-minute shuttle of the terminal:
- Sheraton Brussels Airport – Literally opposite Departures; day-rooms by request.
- Novotel Brussels Airport – Complimentary shuttle.
- Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport – Free shuttle 04:00-23:00.
- Van der Valk Brussels Airport – Paid shuttle; many rooms overlook the runway.
- NH Brussels Airport – Free shuttle at set times (Level 0, Platform E).
For budget or boutique digs farther afield, TripAdvisor lists dozens more properties sortable by price, rating or distance.
Lounges
Pay-Per-Use & Membership Access
- Diamond Lounge (Pier A) – Schengen Gates A01-A05, 05:00-21:00.
- Diamond Lounge (Pier B) – Gates B01-B05, showers available, 05:00-22:00.
Airline-Branded Lounges
- Brussels Airlines The Loft (Pier A, Gate A42) – open to Business, Star Alliance Gold and paid walk-ins.
- Brussels Airlines The Suite (Pier B) – temporarily closed.
- Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge (Pier A) – 08:00-13:00, showers available.
- British Airways Lounge (Pier B) – oneworld status required.
Drinking Water
Refill stations: six in Pier A, three in Pier B. Pre-screen €1 charity water bottles also line most concourses.
Food & Drinks
Concessions begin opening at 03:00. Starbucks in the main Departures Hall operates around the clock, making it a reliable beacon for caffeine and quick bites.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Self-service lockers sit landside (Ground Floor, outside). Rates: €10 per bag / 24 hrs (cards only). After three pieces, extra bags cost €2.50. Unlimited max stay.
Mobile Charging
Power bars, wall outlets and USB pillars are sprinkled on both sides of security. Look under seating clusters and high tables for sockets.
Showers
Landside: Regus Brussels Airport Meeting Centre (4th floor above Departures) Mon-Fri 08:30-18:00.
Airside: Diamond Lounge in Pier B.
Wi-Fi / Internet
Join “Brussels Airport free Wi-Fi” and log in via e-mail or social profile for unlimited surfing.
Security & Safety Tips
- Locate the nearest security post and CCTV cluster.
- Sleep near other passengers if travelling solo.
- Conceal valuables; lock zips and tether bags where possible.
- If uneasy, stay awake with coffee—catnap once onboard.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Rooms – In most restrooms plus Kids Corner (Pier A) with microwave and feeding chairs.
- Play Areas – Gate A57 (Schengen) and gates B15/B31 (Non-Schengen).
Luggage Services
- Baggage trolleys – free everywhere.
- TrueStar wrapping – Departures opposite escalator, €12-€20.
Medical & Pharmacy
MEDA clinic on Level 0 next to the bus exit operates 24 / 7. Full-service pharmacy open 07:00-19:00; a vending dispenser handles after-hours basics.
Money Matters
- ATMs (Travelex) – Arrivals, Departures, Piers A/B & Baggage Reclaim.
- Currency exchange (Ria) – 06:00-21:00 at multiple landside and airside desks.
Post & SIM Cards
PostPunt in the Louis Delhaize supermarket (Arrivals) 06:30-21:00, closed Sundays. SIM Local also located in Arrivals for European eSIM or physical cards.
Prayer & Reflection Rooms
Multi-faith centre open 24 / 7 offering Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Humanist spaces.
Shopping
Aelia Duty-Free (Pier A & B) 04:30-21:00 plus designer labels, Belgian chocolate specialists, tech kiosks and a small supermarket landside (06:30-21:00).
Smoking
Designated lounges: Pier B Gate 17, Pier A Gate 30 and Pier A Gate 65/67.
Airlines Serving BRU
Aegean • Aer Lingus • Air Belgium • Air Algérie • Air Arabia • Air Baltic • Air Canada • Air Europa • Air Malta • Air Serbia • Air Transat • ANA • Austrian • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Bulgaria Air • Corendon • Croatia Airlines • Delta • easyJet • EgyptAir • Emirates • Ethiopian • Etihad • Finnair • Freebird • FlyOne • Hainan • Iberia • Icelandair • ITA • KLM • LOT • Lufthansa • MEA • Nouvelair • PLAY • Qatar • Royal Air Maroc • RwandAir • Ryanair • SAS • SKY Express • SunExpress • Swiss • TAP • Tarom • Transavia • TUI fly • Tunisair • Turkish • Ukraine International • United • Vueling.
Ground Transportation
Bus
Over a dozen De Lijn and STIB routes depart Level 0 for Brussels city centre and regional towns. See the airport site for timetables.
Car Rentals
Desk counters (Arrivals Hall) for Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Most nearby hotels, including Crowne Plaza, NH, Novotel, Park Inn and Van der Valk, collect passengers from Level 0.
Taxis
Metered cabs line the Arrivals curb 24 / 7. Official vehicles carry the blue-yellow emblem; refuse unofficial solicitations.
Train
Basement Level 1 station connects to Brussels-Central (17 min), Antwerp (30 min), Charleroi (83 min) plus 16 daily services direct to Amsterdam via Rotterdam and The Hague. Buy tickets before descending to the automated gates.
Need Business Support?
For corporate itineraries, negotiated fares and detailed reporting, Travel Code offers a tailored corporate travel service that keeps your team moving efficiently.
This Travel Code guide is for planning purposes only. Facilities, hours and prices can change without notice. Found an error or have a tip? Drop us a note so we can keep fellow travelers informed.
