Do you know the great feeling of flying to another European country's capital and just knowing you can count on a tram or a metro to take you straight into the city centre?
Whether you're flying to Lisbon, Copenhagen, Rome or pretty much any other European capital, there is always a metro or a tram (sometimes both!) waiting for you and your suitcases.
In the capital of Europe, though, not so much.
Those landing at Brussels Airport (which is not actually situated in Brussels, but in Flanders) first have to get on a train to take them into the Capital Region before they can continue their journey into the city.
While the regular train between Brussels Airport Zaventem and the three Brussels stations works just fine, there also is a €6,40 surcharge (one way) on tickets taking you to or from the airport. On top of that, the trains run several times per hour, but it is not the same as knowing there is a connection every 5 to 10 minutes that will drop you off at the stop closest to your home or hotel.
However, improvement is in sight: an urban development permit has been granted to build a stretch of tramline running from the NATO roundabout to the border with Flanders, bringing a tram connection between the airport and the city centre one step closer.
"With more than 19 million passengers in 2022, Brussels Airport is the gateway to Brussels for many visitors," said Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning Pascal Smet, underlining the importance of the connection for travellers and Brussels residents alike.
The authorities have "no doubt" that the new tram line will be the missing link. "Thanks to its six new stops and the residential and activity areas between the capital and the airport, the Airport Tram will appeal to many people."
Let's hope so. Next on the to-do-list? A better connection to the airport in Charleroi, hopefully.
What are your experiences with getting to/returning from Belgium's airports? Let @Maajtee know.
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