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How to get to Antwerp

How to get to Antwerp

Antwerp is located in the centre of Belgium and is easily accessible by plane, train, car and bus. The international airport of Brussels (Zaventem) is the most frequently used gateway to Antwerp, but you might also want to consider the low-cost airport of Brussels South or the very nearby airport of Antwerp itself.

Antwerp is also very easy to reach by train. International railway lines link Brussels and Antwerp to several other major European cities. Did you know that Antwerp's Central train station was awarded as the most beautiful railway station in the world by New York's Mashable in 2014? 

Lastly, Eurolines and Flixbus buses also frequent the city centre of Antwerp, which might be the cheapest option to get here. 

By car

Antwerp lies at the crossroads of the E17, E19, E34, and E313 motorways.

  • Roadworks
    Please consult Smart ways to Antwerp to plan your trip.
     
  • Low emission zones
    As of 1 February 2017, Antwerp's city centre (where the Stadscampus is situated) and part of Linkeroever on the left bank are low emission zones. The most polluting cars are no longer welcome in the city. Check your car

By air

Brussels Airport (Zaventem Airport)

Brussels Airport is the most frequently used gateway to Antwerp. From Brussels Airport you can travel to Antwerp: 

  • By train
    The direct train to Antwerp takes approximately 37 minutes and runs twice an hour. Time schedules and fares are available on the Belgian Railways website.
  • By bus
    Travel in 45 minutes from Brussels Airport Zaventem to Antwerp with Airport Express. 
    There are two stops in Antwerp: 
    • Franklin Rooseveltplaats (Platform B5 - on the side of the opera house and 400 metres from the Grand Central Station).
    • Crowne Plaza Hotel (Gerard le Grellelaan 10, Antwerp)
  • By taxi 
    Taxi service

Brussels South Charleroi Airport

If you fly with Ryanair, you will probably arrive at Brussels South Charlerloi Airport. From Brussels South Charleroi Airport you can travel to Antwerp by train: first take a bus to the Charleroi train station. To travel to Antwerp, check the time schedules and fares that are available on the Belgian Railways website.

Antwerp Airport - Deurne

Antwerp Airport is a small international airport situated in Deurne (about 6 km from the center of Antwerp). Antwerp Airport offers regular flights between Antwerp and several European cities. 

  • Bus routes 51, 52 and 53 from De Lijn provide a regular connection with the railway station Antwerpen-Berchem from where national and international train connections will bring you to your destination.
  • Take tram 9 at Antwerpen-Berchem to go to the city centre. 
  • For more info on destinations and flight schedules, visit the Antwerp Airport website. 

Eindhoven Airport - The Netherlands

Many low cost airline companies like Ryanair, JetairFly and Transavia operate to and from Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands. From Einhoven Airport it's an one hour ride to Antwerp by car. The train takes you in approximately 2:15 h to Antwerpen Centraal. For more info consult the website of Eindhoven Airport. 

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - The Netherlands

From Schiphol Airport you can travel to Antwerp Central Railway Station by train. The average journey time by train between Schiphol and Antwerp Central Station is 1 hour and 42 minutes, with around 34 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays.

Düsseldorf Airport - Germany

Since there are no direct train connections between Düsseldorf Airport and Antwerp-Central Station, it is recommended to take a bus to or from the airport.

Frankfurt Airport - Germany

Since there are no direct train services from Frankfurt (M) Airport to Antwerp-Central Station, it is recommended to take a long-distance bus to or from the airport. Various bus companies serve the long-distance bus station at Frankfurt Airport P36.

Aéroport de Paris-Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) - France

From Airport Roissy Charles de Gaulle there are several ways to travel to Antwerp-Central Station: by high speed train Thalys, by regular train, or by other public transport.

By train

Antwerp and the University of Antwerp Stadscampus are easy to reach by train.

Antwerp has two main stations:

  • Antwerp-Central Station (15 minutes walk or 5 minutes by taxi to reach Stadscampus)
  • Antwerp-Berchem Station (to reach Campus Middelheim, Campus Groenenborger and Campus Drie Eiken).

If you arrive in Antwerp Central Station, take your time to look around. Many have rated it as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world! From the station, you can walk straight onto de Keyserlei and Meir shopping district. The entire center of Antwerp is within walking distance when you step outside the Central Station. 

International railway lines link Brussels and Antwerp to several other major European cities. The European high-speed train project includes the Thalys, the Eurostar and the Eurotunnel. There are direct rail links with different cities in France, the Netherlands and Germany. Antwerp can be reached from the UK by Eurostar via Brussels.

For more information consult the Belgian Railways website.

By bus

  • Eurolines
    Read more on Eurolines for destinations, timetables and prices.
     
  • Flixbus
    Read more on Flixbus for destinations, timetables and prices.
     
  • De Lijn
    Within the province and the city of Antwerp transport is organised by the public transport company De Lijn. Buses leave to all parts of the city from Antwerp Central Station. From the bus station Rooseveltplaats which is close to the Central Station. There are direct bus links to various other towns and cities.
    Read more on De Lijn for information about trams and buses.