Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Brussels Zaventem Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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I wanted to tell them “shush” but no need: an airport agent (was he a cleaner maybe?) approached them and told them to keep it down (!!!) showing the people around that were asleep. -Eleni
BRU Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Brussels Zaventem Airport (Code: BRU).
What to Expect
Brussels Airport consists of a main terminal with three levels (Level 2: Arrivals, Level 3: Departures, Level 0: transport) and two piers. Pier A serves flights to/from Schengen destinations, Africa, and some U.S. flights like New York via Delta; while Pier B serves non-Schengen and most intercontinental flights). The two piers are connected by an above-ground connector building, allowing smooth passage between the piers and to and from check-in and baggage. Both piers contain some shopping and dining options, though Pier B’s are limited, and few shops or restaurants stay open past 9:00 PM. A Starbucks in the Departures Hall is open 24 hours. The airport provides free WiFi and plenty of charging areas. There are lounges in both terminals that can be accessed for a fee by economy class passengers.
Sleeping in Brussels Airport
Travellers report that Pier A offers the better option for sleeping, with plenty of benches and some large couches that can sleep up to three or four people. Landside, nice couches have been spotted in Terminal 1, in the check-in A 48. Airside in the Schengen Zone has plenty of benches and mobile charging points. A comfortable couch is in the duty-free area near Tin Tin Rocket, and another is in the B zone transfer area. Airport staff and security are generally accommodating to overnight sleepers, but the terminals can get noisy with announcements and cold, so bring earplugs and dress in layers. Travellers with air mattresses may want to check out the fourth floor, which is noted for its isolation and quiet. For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are located at and near the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read some recent traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Brussels Zaventem Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
While the landside (public) areas of Brussels Airport are open 24 hours, access to the airside (post-security) areas depends on flight schedules. Security checkpoints typically open early in the morning and close after the last departures of the day.
- Pier A: approx. 3:30 AM – 1:00 AM, or until the last flight
- Pier B: approx. 3:30 AM – midnight, or until the last flight
Overnight sleepers should expect to remain landside if arriving late at night, as airside access is limited once security closes.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no official free rest or sleep zones at BRU. That said, travellers report finding informal resting spots with padded benches in some airside gate areas. Availability and comfort vary, and these are not designed for sleeping. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Brussels Airport that provide airport shuttles:
- Sheraton Hotel Brussels Airport – Directly opposite the terminal and the only hotel located on airport property. Day rooms may be available on request. » Check Rates
- Novotel Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle, operates on a schedule. » Check Rates
- Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle generally available 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM. » Check Rates
- Van der Valk Brussels Airport – Airport shuttle available for a fee. » Check Rates
- NH Brussels Airport – Free airport shuttle typically runs early morning and evening hours; pick-up is on Level 0, Platform E. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Brussels Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.
- Diamond Lounge (Terminal A) – Location: Airside, Terminal A (Schengen), near Gate A42, opposite The Loft. Hours: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€42) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Select airline and tour operator partnerships.
- The View Lounge (Terminal B) – Location: Airside, Terminal B (Non-Schengen), near Gates B04–B05. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (€42) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Select airline and tour operator partnerships.
Airline Lounges
If you are flying on Brussels Airlines, you can pay to use these lounges:
- Brussels Airlines The Loft – Location: Airside, Terminal A (Schengen), Pier A, near Gate A42. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Business Class passengers on Brussels Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines • Star Alliance Gold members.
Elite Status and Business/First Class flyers may be able to access the Brussels Airlines Sunrise Lounge (Terminal A, Airside). Check the airline for entrance requirements.
Drinking Water
Free drinking water fountains are available throughout the airport, primarily on the Departures Level:
- Pier A: approximately 6 fountains
- Pier B: approximately 3 fountains
After security, travellers may also encounter low-cost bottled water stands, where bottles are sold for a €1 donation supporting charitable causes.
Food & Drinks
Food and drink outlets are spread throughout the terminal and operate on varying schedules. Late-night and overnight food options are limited, so travellers should plan accordingly. A Starbucks, located in the Departure Hall (landside), is open 24/7. [ read more ]
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Brussels Airport offers 24-hour self-service luggage lockers for short-term storage. The lockers are located landside, making them accessible even if you are not checked in. Rates vary by locker size and storage duration.
- Large (max. L57xW35xH43): €8 per item
- XL (max. L77xW50xH58): €10 per item
- XXL (max. L78xW50xH88): €12 per item
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB charging points are available in both landside and airside areas, though availability varies by seating area.
Showers
Showers are available inside select airport lounges. Access typically requires lounge entry via airline status, lounge membership, or paid entry. See Airport Lounges section above for details.
WiFi/Internet
Unlimited free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Connect to “Brussels Airport free Wi-Fi” network, then log in using a social media account or an email address to get online.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Baby changing tables are available in restrooms throughout the airport. Additional facilities are located at the Kids Corner (Concourse A), which also offers a quiet space for breastfeeding and a microwave for warming bottles or baby food. Some restaurants may warm baby food on request.
- Children’s Play Area – Several small play areas are available airside, allowing kids to burn off some energy before boarding.
Information Desk – Information desks are available in both the Departures and Arrivals areas during daytime and evening hours. In addition, Airport Ambassadors (wearing green “May I help you?” shirts) regularly roam the terminal to assist passengers.
Luggage
- Luggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the terminal.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – A plastic luggage-wrapping service is available in the Departures area to help protect bags during travel.
Medical Services
- Medical Services – Urgent medical assistance is available on site and operates 24 hours a day.
- Pharmacy – A pharmacy is located in the Departures Hall during regular daytime hours. A pharmacy dispenser is also available 24/7 for basic items.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the terminal. Fees may apply, so check with your bank before travelling.
- Currency Exchange – Currency exchange and related services are available in key passenger areas during daytime and evening hours.
Post Office – A post office counter is located inside the landside supermarket, and mailboxes are available throughout the airport for postcards and letters.
Prayer rooms – Multi-faith prayer and reflection rooms are available 24/7, including dedicated spaces for several religious denominations as well as humanist counselling.
Shopping
- Duty-Free – Aelia Duty-Free shops are available airside in both piers during most flight operating hours.
- Retail Shops – A variety of retail stores are located throughout the airport. A small landside supermarket is also available for snacks and essentials. [ read more ]
SIM Cards – SIM Local can be found in the Arrivals Hall.
Smoking – Designated smoking rooms are available airside in both Pier A and Pier B.
Bus
Buses stop at one of the three platforms inside the airport bus station, located on Level 0, just below the Arrivals Hall.
The airport is well connected to the bus system, offering at least six bus lines to Brussels and approximately 12 lines serving the regional areas. For fares and route information, visit the Brussels Zaventem airport website.
Car Rentals
The following car rental agencies are located on-site in the Arrivals Hall: Avis • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Brussels airport provide airport shuttle service: Crowne Plaza Hotel Brussels Airport • NH Brussels Airport • Novotel Brussels Airport • Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Airport • Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport.
Hotel shuttles arrive and depart from level 0.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Metered taxis are available outside the Arrivals Hall 24 hours a day. Reservations are not required. For safety reasons, use only licensed taxis with the blue and yellow emblem, and do not accept unsolicited offers for a ride from illegal taxis.
Train
BRU Airport has a train station below the airport on Basement Level 1. You must have your train ticket in hand to enter the station’s automated entry gates.
National trains conveniently travel from Brussels Airport to the major cities in Belgium. Some examples include Brussel Central (17 mins), Antwerp (30 mins), and Charleroi (83 mins). For train routes, schedules, fares and ticket information, visit the Belgian Rail website.
Direct international travel is possible with 16 daily departures from the airport to Amsterdam (via Dordrecht), Rotterdam and The Hague. For train routes, schedules, fares and ticket information, go to the SNCB Europe website.
Related Pages: 7 things to do on a layover at Brussels Zaventem Airport
Last updated: 2025-12-01
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.