I'm going to Antwerp next week and need to get from the airport in Brussels to the Hilton Antwerp. I have read that there is a Sabena coach service from BRU to the Sabena Antwerp office. What about car services? Or are there only taxis? How much would a taxi to Antwerp city cost?

thanks!

You can get to Antwerp by train, with one change at Brussels-North. The train station is within the terminal at BRU.
For timetables: www.sncb.be

I haven't done a bus or taxi transfer from BRU to Antwerp, but have done it via train. It's pretty easy and inexpensive, but probably not the quickest route if you have a meeting, or particularly good for someone with a lot of luggage. Hope this helps anyway...

Trains leave BRU for Brussels city center (Nord or Central stations) every 15 minutes, and the ride takes about 20 minutes (3 Euros one way). Trains leave from Brussels-Nord or Centraal twice an hour for the 40 minute ride to Antwerp (about 20 Euros round trip). The Hilton Antwerp is at the Grand Place (main square), accessible by either taxi from the Antwerp train station (it's under 3 kilometers away), or a quick ride westward toward the river on their tram/metro system (2 Euros).

If you want a seat on the train, I would suggest getting on a train at either the midi station or the gare centrale to Antwerp.

I think for a weekend return in 2nd class we paid 5.60 euros each, not bad.

The Hilton Antwerp is fabulously located, but I would suggest taking a cab if you have lots of luggage.

lala

I've taken this train dozens of times; the only time that there's an issue with seats is at afternoon peak hour (5.30-6), and even then you'll get a seat after the 1st stop (Vilvoorde or Mechelen). Starting from the airport, it would be silly to think of connecting at Midi.

There are 4 trains/hour; 2 of those trains only stop at Mechelen, the other two make one or two more stops.

You could theoretically also take the Thalys from Brussels to Antwerp, but that train stops at the Berchem station, which is not downtown.

my experience was based on a saturday where the train was packed with whiny and loud GWU students on their way to a party weekend to AMS.

It was a long 45 minutes.

lala

The hilton offers a limo service, but its not cheap.. call them for details.. if I remember right its about $120.. although rates have changed alot since I was there..

The easiest is simply to rent a car at BRU, its a straight drive (follow signs to antwerp) then follow signs to historical town centre, then to Groenplatz parking.. the hilton has pay-parking in the basement of GroenPlatz and a private elevator to the lobby..

Sabena-what Sabena???
Train is a snap.

There is also an express bus that leaves every half-hour between the airport in Brussels and Antwerp. I forget the name of that bus, though, but the fare is reasonable and the seats are ok, though I am sure this bus is not as fast as the train, especially during rush hour. I am not sure if the bus is less expensive than the train either. Anyway, I have taken this bus and have no complaints about it, and there is room for luggage.

I am just suggesting and recommending an alternate option in case you need it.

[This message has been edited by Canarsie (edited 02-09-2003).]