Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Base City: BRUSSELS (Bruxelles)
www.brusselsinternational.be
City Dialing Code: 2
Brussels (Bruxelles) has stood for more than 1,000 years as a signpost of ideals
and ideas, a crossroad of people and events. Less than 150 miles from Amsterdam
and 200 miles from Paris, Brussels is a bonanza for travelers desiring to see Europe
by train. Few people realize how short distances actually are in Belgium, of which
Brussels is the capital. Its most opposite points are only 195 miles apart.
Latin and Nordic cultures meet in Brussels, making it a city of contrasts. French
is spoken by the Walloon people of French origin, and Flemish is the tongue of the
nation's Germanic inhabitants. French, German, and Flemish are official languages
in Belgium. Consequently, most signs are trilingual in Brussels. English is spoken in
all of the train stations, hotels, and the majority of public places.
Brussels is old; it celebrated its millennium in 1979. Brussels is new; it's the
headquarters of the European Common Market and the North Atlantic Treaty Or-
ganization (NATO). It is amazing that the people of Brussels have been able to pre-
serve the city's quaint atmosphere while immersed in all this international activity.
Arriving by Air
Brussels Airport, B-1930, Zaventem, Tel: (0) 2 753 7753 (0700-2200);
www.brusselsairport.be . Located 14 kilometers from city center.
Airport-City Links: Airport City Express trains depart from the airport terminal
basement level every 20 minutes for Brussels Gare du Midi (South Station), Gare
du Nord (North Station), and Gare Centrale (Central Station). Journey time—about
20 minutes. Fares: €6.90 first class; €5.30 second class. (Eurail pass not accepted.)
Bus station located on ground floor, beneath Arrivals Hall. Take escalators/elevat-
ors through the Diamond Area of the terminal. Fare: €10 adults; €5 children. Three
or four buses per hour.
Taxis about €45, tip included. Available outside Arrivals Hall. Look for yellow and
blue logo on taxi. Save 20 to 50 percent by phoning for a Brussels taxi instead of
using the vehicles waiting at the airport. Tel: (0) 27529800. Avoid using unmetered
taxis!
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