Brussels is at the heart of Europe’s high-speed train networks, connected to London by the Eurostar service and to Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne by the Thalys network. These trains have a top speed of 300 kph (186 mph) and have slashed journey times between northern Europe’s major cities significantly, making them a serious challenge to the supremacy of the airlines. Eurostar passengers should

Getting to Brussels from Zaventem

The cheapest way of getting from/to Zaventem to the city centre is the express train from the airport to Gare du Nord, Gare Centrale or Gare du Midi. Tickets (about €2.60) are on sale in the airport complex or, for a small supplementary fee, on the train itself. Three trains run each hour, between 5am and midnight; the journey to Gare Centrale takes 20 minutes. There is a taxi rank outside the arrivals hall and a rent a car office. A one-way fare from here to the centre of Brussels will cost €30–€35 and should take around 20 minutes (though this may be longer at rush hour). If you plan to return by taxi, ask the driver about deals as some companies offer discounts on return fares. An SNCB/NMBS train runs from Charleroi to Gare du Midi. It takes about 45 minutes to/from the station. ARRIVING BY AIR Situated 14 km (8¾ miles) northeast of the city centre, Brussels National Airport is in the Flemish commune of Zaventem (the name by which it is known to most citizens, including taxi drivers).

Flight companies in Zaventem

A centre for Belgian carrier SN Brussels Airlines, the airport is also served by major carriers such as British Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta and Lufthansa. Among the low-cost operators flying to and from Zaventem and not to Charleroi, are Virgin Express (for London and Europe) and British Midland. A typical journey from London takes 45 minutes. Costs for UK flights range from £60 for a student flight to £270 for a scheduled return flight. Reaching Brussels from the US can be more expensive than reaching other European cities. Return flights average US $700 for a charter return from New York. Prices from Canada are comparable.