Cheap flights to Belgium

Belgium Travel Guide

Belgium is located in the heart of Europe, bordering the Netherlands, Germany, France,

Luxembourg and the North Sea. This kingdom is split between the Dutch-speaking Flemish region in the north and the largely French-speaking Walloon region in the south. As headquarters of the European Union and NATO, it’s not surprising that there are three official languages and English is spoken widely, too. Belgium has elevated chocolate making to an art form and there are more than 400 types of beer. With five airports, it is very well connected.

Flanders, in the North of Belgium, boasts Antwerp, Europe’s diamond capital; Bruges, a popular medieval town, and Ghent, less touristy than Bruges but equally pretty. The Flanders coast has smooth sandy beaches with pretty little resort towns such as Blankenberge, De Haan and De Panne, and has one of the longest tram lines in the world – the Kusttram.

In Wallonia are the Ardennes and Liege, Namur and Tournai. Brussels is capital, a charming cosmopolitan city of cobblestone squares and modern buildings.

Step off your flight to Belgium and immerse yourself in a country full of culture, language and cuisine that feeds the soul of all travelers. When your flight to Belgium arrives, you’ll see that it’s easily divided between the Dutch and the French (the Flanders and the Wallonia, respectfully) but that doesn’t mean visitors to Belgium have to choose sides. Enjoy one of the 400 beers Belgium offers, take part in a Belgium waffle-making class, go shopping in some high-fashion boutiques, and pick up some world-famous chocolate for your Belgium flight back home.

Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but there’s enough packed into this small country to please any tourist. Book a flight to Belgium to surrender to an utterly satisfying way of life.

What’s the weather like in Belgium?

Winters in Belgium are usually cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging between 32 and 43 degrees. Summers are much more pleasant, with temperatures averaging between 54 to 72 degrees.

How long is the flight to Belgium?

Flight times to Belgium range from less than an hour to 10 hours or longer, depending on where you start. If you’re visiting Belgium from New York, plan for a 7 to 8 hour flight. When flying into Belgium from Washington, travel times range between 10 and 11 hours. Flights to Belgium from California are typically 11 to 12 hours long, and flights from Florida are around 9 hours. If you’re flying in from London, plan to be in the air for just under one hour.

Which airlines fly to Belgium?

The Brussels International Airport located in Belgium’s capital of Brussels serves many of the major international and U.S. carriers, so you should have no problem scheduling your trip. Major U.S. airlines served by Brussels International Airport include Delta Airlines and United Airlines, and international carriers include British Airways, Iceland Air, Air France, and Lufthansa.

What should you pack for a flight to Belgium?

The weather in Belgium tends to be mild and slightly wet year-round, with the highest temperatures hovering in the low 70s during the spring and summer months. During the winter months, temps often drop below freezing, so you’ll want to make sure to pack warm outerwear, heavy sweaters, long pants, and a good pair of rain or snow boots.

During the spring and summer season, pack light items such as sundresses, shorts and T-shirts, as well as a few light jackets and a couple of pairs of pants to wear on rainy days. If you’re visiting from the U.S. and planning to bring any type of electronic device or items such as a hair dryer or curling iron, make sure to pack a two-pin socket adapter and a travel voltage converter, as European electrical sockets run on 220-volt Europlug systems.

If you’re taking a carry-on bag on the plane, pack it with items such as books, magazines, digital music players, snacks, and anything else you’ll need quick access to during your flight. While you should be able to find basic hygiene products and toiletries in most Belgium shops, keep in mind that specific brands may not be what you’re used to, so you may also want to pack your favorite brands of travel-sized shampoo, soap, mouthwash and toothpaste.

 Getting to and around Belgium

With the airport only 9 miles away from Brussels, finding your way to the center of Brussels is an easy transition to make after your flights to Belgium. There is a dedicated airport line to take you by train, you’ll need special tickets though, as regular metro tickets aren’t accepted. You can purchase them from Level -1 at the airport railway station though before you board. De Lijn is a bus company which offers regular transportation to and from the airport. It is a cheaper choice than taking the metro, however, it doesn’t provide the flexibility that the metro offers. You can also take a taxi from the airport, if there are a few of you to split the fare then this is a convenient way to travel.

You don’t have to stop with the savings once you’ve paid for your Belgium cheap flight: Belgium’s rail system is incredibly affordable and easy to use.

If your cheap flight to Belgium is the first leg of your European itinerary and you’re ready to hit the ground running, hop on a train to reach destinations beyond Brussels. High-speed Eurostar trains operate between Brussels and London, as do the high-speed Thalys trains between Brussels and Amsterdam and Paris.

What are some things to do in Belgium?

Belgium is known for its delicious chocolate, gorgeous scenery, historic castles, and some of the friendliest residents you’ll ever meet. No matter what time of year you visit this amazing country, there’s always something to do, see, or taste.

If you’re interested in exploring Belgium’s beautiful landscapes and sweeping countryside, take a day trip to the Meuse Valley and sign up for a river cruise to view the quaint little towns tucked away in the valley’s bluffs. After your river trip, head into nearby Namur to do take a peek at the town’s medieval citadel, also referred to as “The Mighty Fortress of Europe.”

For a day filled with history and tasty food and drink, pay a visit to Old Town in the city of  Mechelen. Filled with colorful structures straight out of a storybook that date back to medieval times, Mechelen is the perfect place to spend the day. Stroll the streets and take photos of the beautiful architecture that has stood the test of time, then pop over to the Town Square and enjoy a fantastic meal and a pint of lager at De Keizerin Bistro. For dessert, be sure to sample an authentic Belgian waffle from one of the waffle stands in the square. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t forget to ask for extra whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

One of Belgium’s most well-known landmarks is the Belfry and Halle building in Bruges. Built in the Middle Ages, this lavish structure overlooks Bruge’s old town market hall. Travelers visit Belfry and Halle to hike up the 366-step, extremely narrow staircase and gaze out of the clock tower window at panoramic views of the city. After you’ve worked up an appetite climbing up and down the stairs, head over to the Market Square and grab some potato frites with dipping sauce and a hamburger at Q, a popular open air eatery.

Tips for your stay in Belgium

• The European parliament building in Brusselsstands by the Leopold Park and is often called the “Caprice des Dieux” (caprice of the gods) by locals: both because this whim cost a lot to construct and also because its shape resembles that of the cheese of the same name. Tours in the building are possible.
• Brugesis probably the most picturesque city in Belgium, set on a canal near the North Sea, with perfectly preserved medieval buildings. One of the most romantic ways to see the city is from a canal boat. Book a trip from the tourist bureau or just arrive at the landing stage.
• The historic city of Antwerpcan be reached by train from Brussels in just over an hour. The largest city in Flanders, Antwerp has a lot to offer a tourist, though it is often overlooked. At its center is the Grote Markt, or town square. Similar to the Grand Place of Brussels, the square is surrounded by the town hall and guildhouses. Markets take place here during the summer and in the winter there is an outdoor skating rink.
• Ghentis the capital of East Flanders. One of the best sights in the town is the Gravensteen, a 12th-century castle located right in the middle of the town. The counts of Flanders built huge stone castles, complete with turrets and moats, in all the main cities of Flanders, but the Gravensteen (meaning “castle of the counts”) is the only one which survived.
• The carnival of Binche(a small town in Hainaut) is the most popular carnival in the country and a major draw for tourists; it was even added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2005. If you miss the actual carnival, however, there is a carnival museum in town, with costumes on display
• Belgian beeris popular worldwide. The country boasts around 250 different varieties – more than enough to sample a new one for each drink. Belgian brews include Stella Artois, Leffe and Chimay in bars worldwide. Look into beer tours and organized pub crawls while you’re traveling in Belgium: Not only is it a great way to meet fellow travelers and sample the best of Belgian brew, it’s an opportunity to really get to know a city in a way that’ll expose you to sights and attractions you wouldn’t necessarily find in your guidebook.
• Godiva, the international fine chocolate company, hails from Belgium, as do Callebaut, Cote d’Or, Neuhaus and Leonidas. Belgium produces over 172,000 tons of chocolate annually and more than 2,000 chocolate shops are scattered throughout the country. Several of these chocolate shops and chocolate museums offer tours and demonstrations year round, but try to book your Belgium cheap flight in time for the Bruges Chocolate Festival, which usually takes place in April.
• As one of the founding members of the European Union, Belgium is home to the seat of the European Commission, which holds the right to initiate legislative process with the interest of all 27 members of the European Union in mind. Berlaymont, the primary seat of the European Commission, is located in the European Quarter of Brussels.

Finding Flights from Belgium

Looking to fly out of Belgium to expand your vacation or visit another region? The Brussels International Airport serves a wide variety of carriers, and Cheapflights can help you find an outbound flight at a great deal.

If you need reliable transportation to Brussels International Airport, there are several options available that can help you arrive in plenty of time prior to your departure. Train service from the central stations in Amsterdam, Brussels, Rotterdam and the Hague will take you directly to Brussels International Airport, and many hotels offer complimentary bus shuttles. Zip Car and Drive Now car sharing services are also available throughout Brussels for convenient transport, and you can leave your car at the designated holding areas once you arrive at the terminal. Brussels Airport Taxi cabs are readily available throughout the city at most times of the day, but it’s always a good idea to pre-book your taxi to ensure a timely airport drop off.

To learn more about the Brussels International Airport, check out our helpful online guide.