Brussels Airport (BRU)

Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium’s primary international hub, lies 12 kilometres northeast of Brussels and 20 kilometres from Mechelen. The most efficient connection is the direct train from the airport’s underground station (accessible via lifts/escalators from departures). The ride to Mechelen takes under 20 minutes, with frequent departures. For road transport, licensed taxis, identifiable by blue-and-yellow logos and ‘T’ licence plates, queue outside arrivals. Fixed fares to Mechelen average €50-60 for the 25-minute journey. Budget travellers can opt for DeLijn buses (stop at level 0), though routes to Mechelen require transfers. Those continuing internationally will find FlixBus coaches at the same level, serving major European cities.

Information

addressLuchthaven Brussel, Leopoldlaan, Zaventem
moreInfoSometimes called Brussels-Zaventem Airport.
phone+32 2 620 91 40
websiteVisit website
facebookVisit website

Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Charleroi Airport, somewhat confusingly called Brussels South Charleroi Airport, is the second-busiest airport in Belgium, with the majority of flights operated by Wizzair and Ryanair. Several bus lines connect the airport to Charleroi Central station. The ride takes 20 minutes and the buses run from 4:30am to 11:30pm. The trip between Charleroi Airport and Mechelen usually takes less than 2 hours.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Antwerp Airport offers a streamlined alternative to larger hubs, with ultra-efficient processing times. Passengers can check in as late as 20 minutes before departure, while arrivals typically exit the terminal within 10 minutes of landing. The compact layout eliminates lengthy transfers between gates and aircraft. Most services are seasonal charter flights operated by Tui Fly. Ground connections are straightforward: a combination of bus and train reaches Mechelen in under 30 minutes.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Belgium, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

Public Transport

From one side of Mechelen city centre to the other is approximately 1.5 kilometres, so easily walkable. It takes just 15 minutes from the outskirts to the heart of the city and you can enjoy the city along the way. There are several places where you can rent a bicycle in Mechelen. You would be well advised to check in advance that the firm has bicycles available. Bicycles cost about €10 a day to hire, but the price varies greatly from one supplier to another. Mechelen lends itself perfectly to short bus rides. There are even special cheap fares to cover short journeys, a single ticket costing €3. A day ticket, which allows you to use the bus as many times as you like, costs €9, and a 3-day pass is €18. De Lijn operates regional and city buses. On the regional lines, buses depart approximately once an hour on the urban lines usually every fifteen minutes. There is a reduced service at weekends and during the school holidays. Central Station is walking distance from the Grote Markt, but buses do run between the two locations.

Taxi

Taxis are expensive. For a short ride of 5 kilometres you will easily pay €10. But if you are planning to have a drink while you’re out, a taxi is the perfect solution. A TOV ticket enables you to combine the bus and the taxi. You get €2 discount on the taxi journey on presentation of your bus ticket. Note that not all the taxi companies accept the TOV ticket. At Mechelen station you will find one or more taxis at the taxi ranks near the station exit on Koning Albertplein. There are also parking places for taxis in other parts of the city, but you will not necessarily find a taxi there. You might do best to book a taxi with one of Mechelen’s taxi companies.