Convenient starting point to travel around Belgium . Brussels Central Train station has a ticket office and several kiosks to purchase tickets . During the peak hours, we benefited from having staff who helped explain how to purchase tickets, what the Train Plus option is: Well worth the Euro 6 cost since subsequent trips for the next 30 days are discounted and you don't have to repeatedly type in your name and date-of-birth. Large but not humongous station. read more

This train station is massive! Yet it's the hub for to go anywhere. I utilized it to get a train to the airport. The signage is pretty straight forward, but since it's operating at full capacity it can get confusing. Thankfully workers are everywhere to assist! So I did seek help at the kiosk in purchasing my ticket. Amex was accepted here. Then I asked another worker for assurance on what platform to go to for my destination. Everything flowed smooth for the most part. I think their rail system has been the easiest to navigate in Europe so far. read more

The locker signs are so difficult to find. If you enter the main entrance (ground floor or floor 0). The lockers are one floor below the ground floor (floor -1). If you walk down the stairs, they are behind the stairs. There is no small size. The middle size is only good for a backpacks. For carry on size luggage, you need at least a L size, which is 9 euro for L size. There are bigger sizes, which will cost more. The instructions are clearly stated in the locker room. No staff are there to help you. Credit card is accepted. read more

Gare Bruxelles Centrale - Train Stations Near Me - Brussels, BRU

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I have to be honest - if I was writing this review about the Belgian rails system as a whole I would likely give FIVE STARS - the prices are VERY affordable (£8 each way to Antwerp which is a 50 Minute ride - so I chose first class for £11 each way), I can buy the tickets using my U.K. Trainline App (which is why I list the prices in £'s), the trains all seem perfectly on time and are clean. The station itself could do with a little spring cleaning and an upgrade on the food offerings. I was alarmed to see FOUR soldiers in full gear all with semi-automatic rifles at the ready this morning at 11am (Sunday) - see pic - Yikes! Review 5 2019 read more

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This was our destination station coming from Amsterdam. I somehow lucked out and found a decent hotel with an equally decent price walking distance from here, so it was a no-brainer to arrive here, rather than the other train station. The platforms area looks just like any other train station, but there is a somewhat large stairwell to ascend to exit. When you come up the stairs, the "grand hall" reminds me of an old bank or office atrium, not a train station. If you don't know where you need to go after getting off the train, your best bet is to stand off to the side to get your bearings, because it is a very busy station (but easy to navigate). I love the location near the middle of the city; perfect to start your exploring! 23/2020 read more

What would help Central a lot would be escalators from the ticket hall down to the platform and vice versa. It's really no fun having to lug a suitcase or two up and down those bloody steps. Less so when it's rush hour and it's a sea of people. There is also a permanent smell of drains and if your very lucky sewage that wakes up the morning commuter on both the train platforms and the metro platforms. Least you can buy tickets to European destinations at the handy dandy ticket office to the left of the main ticket sales. Though you'd be told to go to Midi 9 times out of 10. read more

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"Meh" is about what I would rate this station as. I usually do not review too many train stations except for the main ones in countries and the Gare Bruxelles Centrale is the second largest in Belgium. So one would expect Brussels to have a grand train station being in the capital of the country, but sadly it has seen better days. First off, it decently situated in terms of location (Near downtown-ish). Second and most important to me are the cheap fares to various other nearby cities (10 bucks to Antwerp!). After those two pro's it takes a major downturn sadly. Whether picking on the lack of elevators, un clean station, lack of food options, safety in terms of thieves, and everything being in a foreign language (Which you can figure out after a moment). All of that leaves you walking away wishing for a better experience, especially if you have been to Antwerp's station which is downright gorgeous. Oh well though, it does its job! read more

Gare Centrale though is a little bit "boring" both in architectural or cultural but it is really functional for visitors to the City Centre. Just step away from Grand Palace and 5 minute walk from the hotel I was staying! Direct access by train from BRU and to other part of Belgium. A short underground pedestrian walkway will led you to Line 1 and 5 of Metro line. There is also a bus station just right outside with buses that connect to the rest of the City. For me a 3 star because of its location and easy accessibility. And for faculties, I cannot really comment on that as none of the shops or restaurants looked interesting enough. read more

Gare Bruxelles Centrale - Train Stations Near Me - Brussels, BRU

Just an OK train station not designed for people with disabilities for example. I did not see many escalators or elevators and looks outdated. Also I did not have anyone to help me when i was charged twice for my ticket. Basically someone bought a ticket before me and then did not finalize the transaction and i was the next person, so i got 2 tickets and there was no open counter anywhere where i can ask for my money back. Actually the train staff (inside the train) helped me with that and they were super nice). Trains are clean and nice but the station itself was not to the stature of the city. Brussels center deserves some improvement. read more

on Monday October 28, 2024 I boarded a train on Churchill at 8am. My destination was Gare Du Midi. From Gare Du Midi i was to take a train to Gent to meet an old friend. When I reached my destination ( Midi ) I soon realized that I didn't have my backpack. I panicked as I saw the train pull away. I immediately proceeded to the ticket window upstairs to seek help. The 3 agents on duty were with customers. I finally got to the window and tried to explain to a female service rep what had happened. We were barely able to communicate since I don't speak french and she did not speak fluent english. I know she was trying hard to help. She suggested I take the next train to the end of the line, Hopital Militaire, and hope that the conductor would have found my backpack where i left it. I did just that. Got to Hopital Militaire stop but didn't find my bag or anyone that could help me. I need to add that my work computer, my ipad, my personal camera and other important items were in this backpack. I was desperate to locate it. Fortunately I walked inside the next train going from Hopital Militaire towards Chruchill ( train # 10 ). I tried to explain to the female conductor what my issue was. She, in her limited english, offered to help me. She contacted someone or put out an alert. Not sure exactly what she did. Within 10 minutes she was able to update me on my backpack. Apparently an honest soul had turned it in to another conductor. The lady that helped me indicated that we were moving towards the stop where the conductor that had my backpack was located. I hadn't fully grasped that that's what she was trying to convey but somewhat made sense. When we got there she pointed me towards the conductor that had my backpack. I stepped out and he walked towards me to handed to me. This was a true miracle that it was located. Granted over and hour had elapsed but a good person had turned my backpack to the conductor. I was in disbelief. I was able to proceed on that same train to Midi station and continue my journey to Gent. At this point I was only 30 minutes behind schedule. I will forever be indebted to all the people that were part of my backpack recovery, particularly that lady conductor that truly went above and beyond. Also the honest person that turned it in. THANK YOU Brussels and its fine people that helped me prevent a disaster during my time there. Please if you're able to identify that lady conductor please THANK her for me. I can never repay what she did. read more

As Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and Belgium recognizes French and Dutch ("Flemish") as official languages, the central station of Brussels is recognized as such: - French: (Gare) Bruxelles Centrale - Flemish: (Station) Brussel Centraal Thus whenever you are in the Brussels region the train announcements will be made in French first, followed by Flemish. For trains heading to Brussels Airport, there will be an announcement in English. *** In Brussels there are three major train stations but most people need to be concerned of only two: the central station and Brussels Midi/Zuid (south) station, which is the point of departure and arrival of your high-speed trains like Thalys or Eurostar. Distance to Grand Place/Grote Markt: 5 minutes downhill. You can take the shortcut that cuts through Galerie Horta (Marché aux Herbes/Grasmarkt) if it's open or Rue Infante Isabelle/Infante Isabellastraat at all hours. Exterior: Art Nouveau style per the plans of Victor Horta, one of the cofounders of the style. Buying tickets was relatively straightforward. If you have a card that has a pin, you can buy your tickets at any one of the kiosks all around the station. If you don't you can buy it at the ticket counter, where you'll experience a 5-15 minute wait. The machines also take contactless. The staff spoke excellent English and if a connection isn't obvious from the board they'll point out what train you need to get on. While there are lifts that take people to the ticket-buying counter as well as to the stations themselves, there aren't enough escalators to help people get around the station, especially when they are carrying heavy luggage. It seemed that walking the stairs was the more convenient option. As my family was carrying around heavy luggage we had one person guard luggage but according to them they had no problem with potential pickpockets. read more

This train station was the lesser of the two (we preferred Midi). It's only one or two stops away so really not as big of a deal to get off where you prefer. Anyway, this station is big and bustling. The trains, as far as we could tell, do run pretty much on time. The guy who sold us our tickets was very helpful and also answered our questions about the last train back, etc. I found this station to be a little more dirty and a little less inviting. There were a lot of dark areas and alleyways that made me a bit apprehensive from a safety standpoint. But it was fine. We got where we needed to go all the same. read more

It seems as if a lot of people indicate that Brussels Midi is the main station however this one if actually much closer to the action than the other station, which happens to be the next stop to the south. Like many of the stations, though one fully caters for the traveller, and as well as the regional trains you can also interchange with buses and with the metro. However many of the international trains actuallystart and finish as Brussels Midi and don't even come through this station, so it is a pretty good idea to check before you end up wasting your time standing at the platform wondering when your train is going to arrive. The other thing is that most of (no actually all of) the platforms are underground so you do need to descend into the depths to get to them. read more

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It's a pretty straightforward train station. It connects the center of Brussels with other cities, like Brugge. One "meh" factor was the apparent lack of elevators or escalators to the platforms. I caught myself cursing away as I hauled my suitcase full of beer down the steps. It was, at that point, that a guy next to me helped me. And then I felt like a jerk for complaining. But otherwise it was easy to figure out which train to get on. read more

Centrally located, easy access to midi or airport. Airport is only 17 mins away, and train departs every 15 mins. From midi (if you travel by Eurostar or Thalys), it's only 3 mins. Train to Germany by ICE also departs from this station. From this train station, only short walk to the Grand Palace, many restaurants and museums. I came in/out of this train stations several times during my short stay in Brussels. I sometimes purchased a ticket from the ticket counter, the other time I purchased a ticket from a vending machine. Attendant at the ticket counter spoke good English and he was very helpful. I had difficult time paying at a vending machine (for some reasons, they didn't like my credit card and I had to find coins to pay for my ticket...I had 20 euro bill but they only accepted coins. Once again I borrowed money, hahaha.. Thank you darling I still owe you.) but instruction to purchase a ticket was easy as they have English as optional language. They announced platform number earlier than other train stations around, and it was easy to find where I needed to go. Starbucks is located on the ground floor, I stopped for latte macchiato for my train ride. No wifi at the train station but there is one at the Starbucks. They have some shops between platform and ticket counter floor, selling some odds and ends. Each time a train came on time when I was there, so arriving 5-10 mins before departure was sufficient, assuming no queue for buying tickets. read more

Yah, I would recommend that you watch your bags very carefully. I was distracted holding my baby and trying to watch our luggage when a guy started sizing up my stuff. He then tried to make a b line for our stuff until my husband luckily came by. Don't put it past someone to rob a mom with a small child. When we came back to this train station, some guy was also following us a little closer for our comfort. The train station is located right in town and appears to be safe during the day but I would be more cautious. read more

The central station is the busiest station in Brussels, it is not only a railway station also a metro station. Therefore, many different trains form different places and cities will stop by. Since such as busy station, it must required a good system, otherwise it will just turned out a mess. Luckily, this station managed to do so. The station itself is quite big, lots of entrances/exits, as long as you follow the signs, you won't be lost. Although the station always seem to be full of people, it was still ok to get around. Inside the station also got cafes and some shops to make life easier for passengers. Upon the ticket windows, you will be able to find all the trains arrival and departure schedule. There are some tools inside the station help up the passengers to find train info instantly, quite convenient. If it is not working, just try to ask Travel Centre, which right next to the ticket windows. For me, the train station is ok, very close to Grand place. But there is still many thing can be improved, such as better sign system and more info machines. read more

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One of the big stations in Brussels with lots of connections to other inter-city and also international trains. The quality of art on this platform is amazing - tons of cubism and art-deco. The stations are also well laid out with good directions and I found staff very helpful even if English wasn't very well spoken. read more

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The lines are long and the announcements are never clear. The elevators didn't work, they are not handicap Friendly and the train space is tiny. Just don't think American think small spaces. Ticket prices are cheap and you can get to almost anywhere you want. I suggest buying tickets in person and not online train tracks do change frequently and they take credit card read more

Brussels Central Station. I always feel conflicted passing by this station. It's a hub that perfectly summarizes Brussels situation: you have the Hilton Hotel with lots of taxis close to it and right across you have the station with at its entrance a multitude of homeless people & beggars asking bystanders for help. Occasionally there's a protest or gathering between the two worlds. The station is big & cold, always smells bad and has multiple restaurants and vending machines. The contrast is heartbreaking and growing bigger as more time passes by. It feels like a labyrinth, in a sort: many passages, nooks and hallways, newcomers might feel confused, but feel safe knowing that when you see a congregation of people playing checkers in the cold, that you are at the entrance. Other than that all transportation mediums are available: trains, metros, buses & taxis: hopefully you'll get to your destination. read more

Gare Bruxelles Centrale - Frappuccino Strawberry & Cream - Train Stations Near Me - Brussels, BRU

Arriving at Gare Centrale through the Airport Line we made our way out efficiently. Along the way, nothing in particular would entice you to stick around further. Maybe a small shop selling pre-made Waffles IF you're in such desperation, otherwise it's a good idea to stroll out 5-minutes or less for everything fresher. Such a Central Station aesthetically resembles the one we have back home known as Union Station[Toronto]. Why we had to line-up to purchase tickets at the service counter rather than at a Ticket Machine, I'm still pondering... Previous: Station Brussel-Nationaal-­Luchthaven http://www.yelp.ca/biz/station-brussel-nationaal-luchthaven-zaventem#hrid:WHA4n3cewoPOdlwtJPd9aA Next: Hotel Ibis Brussels http://www.yelp.ca/biz/hotel-ibis-brussels-bruxelles-2#hrid:9mgfrKPJgSQ0_rCF-nB7Og read more

Seems its all been said in the reviews below although I don't think its a bad station. Its an old one but by no means a grand station like north in Antwerp. The building, if I remember correctly, was designed by the art nouveau architect Victor Horta. Obviously it wasn't one of his greatest days at the drawing board. There are a few places to get something to eat and drink, including the aforementioned Starbucks. The place is clean, warm in the winter and not a bad place to wait for a train, although it does lack places to sit, as you would expect a train station to have. If you're coming into Brussels, this is the place to wait when you're trying to leave Brussels because the other stations aren't up to much either, especially Gare du Nord. Just don't get there too soon before your train is scheduled to depart! read more

Brussels Central Station is a metro and railway station in Brussels, the busiest train station in the country. Easy access through a pedestrian tunnel connects to the Metro station, also called Gare Centrale - Centraal Station. read more

Took the train from Amsterdam to this dump. Kidding, this spot is huge and redic ornate. Its right up the block from The Grand Place and all the restos and stores. Yeah, I still got lost getting to my hotel from here. read more

If you consider just how unwelcoming the three main stations in Brussels are (Nord, Centrale, Midi) this place actually scores a lot higher than it would otherwise. Firstly, it's the best location for visitors wishing to go downtown, as it's a 5 minute walk downhill to the Grand Place. It's also got a good bus service outside which connects to much of the city, as well as the metro station beside it. Recent improvements in parts of the station have modernised it significantly, as have the addition of services like Starbucks etc. although there's no denying its still not nice at all in some parts. For instance, why the long yellow smelly tunnel leading to the metro station of the same name remains as bad as it is...I guess we'll never know. The new entrance is finally done and looks a lot more welcoming than before, with the Hotel Meridian across the road. Definitely recommended as the best way to enter, rather other small entrances such as Ravenstein above. If you arrive by train - as you walk up the steps from the platforms, turn left when the ticket booths / main timetable are in front of you. Official taxis and buses are just outside of the main door to the right. The platforms are downstairs so it's relatively comfortable to wait for a train without getting too wet or blown away by the wind. Shops inside (mostly downstairs) are ok - basic food, drink and newspapers are easy to get. Don't expect much more. Probably the best of the three main stations if tourists need to take a train to places like the airport (every 15 mins), Antwerp, Bruges, etc. Unfortunately Midi remains the primary international station for Thalys, Eurostar and ICE, which is such a shame. I'd pay to continue on to Centrale any day if I could. There always seems to be a lack of a real police presence in Centrale. Watch your pockets (as you would in any railway station) and not exactly recommended at night, particularly the smaller exits and tunnels which can be deserted. read more

From Brussels Airport, Gare Centale is only 3 stops of a train ride away. This is the stop to get off and explore the city of Brussels. There are small delis and food shop on the lower level, but you are better served walking across the street towards Grote Markt to grab and bite or drink. read more

Gare Bruxelles Centrale - Train Stations Near Me - Brussels, BRU

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Very no-frills, dark, underground railway station. I prefer Midi/Zuid just because it's way bigger and there are actually shops there. Our tour guide told us that this station was actually created after the north and south stations, which makes sense. There are TV screens telling you what platform to be on, but if your train is delayed, you only have a few minutes to rush to the correct platform, which is annoying. read more

Not really what you would expect from a central station. There are minimal services and food locations but has decent architecture on the inside. Unfortunantly there is not much else to say about this station. read more

The station itself is kind of a dump, but it's my favorite to travel to Belgian destinations. This is also a good Metro stop to get off at for Gran Plaz. There's also one of only two Starbucks in Brussels (that I know of) so its a good place if you're jonesing for a 4€ venti coffee. read more

Stairs stairs stairs stairs. But they have a Starbucks with free wifi and a carrrefoure for grocery needs right next to the station so you can get what you need. This is also close to the fine arts center and tons of chocolate shops and good restaurants, so I prefer this to Brussels midi. Beware the "shopping center" in this station, as it's just an abandoned construction area that leads you to nothingness, and then a smurf store, which is also somehow depressing. There is also a "moof museum" attached to the station, which is a comic book museum in the narrow definition of Belgian comics that might be interesting to some people, but probably not to you. If you can figure out which of the dozens of exits to take that leads to where you want to go, you will be lucky. But be prepared to wander around in circles a bit first. read more

this is a crowded station but unlike Midi/Zuid it has atmosphere and charme, and is actually very conveniently located in downtonw Bruxelles. I avoid Midi and take Central whenever possible. read more

This is a rather unfriendly train station. For a country that could use some tourism dollars, it was surprising to see how bad the attitude was. 1. You have to pay to get into the toilets. Seriously??!! No attendant on duty to give change. 2. No shopkeeper will actually give you change to go to the toilet. Tried 3 different shops. 3. Had to buy a bottle of water to be able to get change and then pay to use the restroom. Ridiculous. 4. By far, the worst attitude was of the two clerks sitting in the "travel center". Absolutely zero respect for the customers' time. The guy was chit chatting for 7 mins after the purchase was done with someone while there was a long line of passengers waiting. There was a long line of people waiting and everyone was frustrated. But everyone including myself were too polite to make a scene. I saw a couple of people roll their eyes and walk out. 5. Half the auto ticket vending machines were not working. At least the guy who was at the main ticket window was much nicer than the grumpy entitled travel center folks. That was a saving grace. 6. And yeah...when you did go into that paid toilet, there was graffiti all over the doors. If you are going to charge people to use the bathroom (which you shouldn't to begin with) at least maintain the premises. In short, if this outfit was a private company, it would have to shut down by now due to sheer incompetence of the management in addressing the issues above and the lack of customer focus by the employees. FWIW, I found this behavior and bad attitude only at this place. The rest of the city and the people were *so* nice. Very friendly, very traveler friendly. Loved it. read more

As with most train stations in Belgium, not much to see or do at Central/Centraal (depending on your choice of official language) but get in and out as quickly as possible with the visually poor state of the Belgian rail system. Adjacent properties and location make the train station worthwhile, but the most significant routes only run as far as Midi- the next major city station to the south. All other routes seem to hit all three and I wouldn't want to find myself alone in either Nord/Noord or Midi/Zuid at any time of day. Central seems the most OK of the three. read more

This is, as the name would suggest, the central train station for Brussels. It's close to the Grand Place and has a metro station. However, its advantages end there. It's full of people begging every two feet or trying to steal your wallet or handbag. I've had several colleagues who have had their belongings stolen there. The bathrooms are too terrifying to be described. I tried to get near the ladies room but the crush of men making inappropriate or even obscene comments and gestures dissuaded me. The only reason to go near it is if you must get a train that does not stop at any other station in Brussels. read more

Bad experience with the brussels central station today. I bought a regular ticket to amsterdam central station at the counter. At first, the man who issued my ticket said that it cost 87 something euros. I was surprised because i remembered i paid 42 euros for my ticket from amsterdam central to Brussels. So i asked him if the amount was correct and he said that it's two tickets to ams. I told him that i only needed one ticket. He retyped on his computer and said that it cost 45.50 for one ticket. I paid, said thanks and took the ticket w/o checking it. He put the ticket into a kind of brochure. Later when i arrived at my hotel in ams, i looked at the ticket before i threw it to the trash bin and found out that it only cost 42 euros written on the ticket. It disappointed me because such thing could happen while i was on a holiday there. I am not talking about the amount of money that he stole from me. 3.5 euros is not that much much. Being fooled that disappointed me. read more