Antwerp or Brussels Airport/Hotel questions
 

After a visit to Amsterdam, I will be returning to the US from Brussels. I would like to spend our last 2 nights in Belgium, preferably in Antwerp so that I can see both Antwerp and Bruges. How difficult is it to travel to the Brussels airport from Antwerp? I understand there is a bus from Antwerp to the airport - it seems more convenient than the train - is it reliable? Does the bus stop near the Antwerp Hilton? We will have minimal luggage.

Our flight does not depart from Brussels until 3:00 p.m., I'd like to spend the morning walking in Antwerp before departing for the airport. Is this realistic, or should we just spend our last night in an airport hotel?

Thanks in advance,

Chels.

The countdown is on... Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,
Chels

try www.bahn.de

It will give schedules for trains throughout Europe..but not prices.
There is a direct rrain fron Antwerp Central to Brussles airport.

You might want to use this url instead for the English version

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

Chels,

Actually, you would need to change trains at Brussels Nord if going from Antwerp to Brussels airport. There are very frequent connections and the journey takes just over an hour. Check
www.b-rail.be
for all belgian train info.

Here's some info on the bus service:
http://www.brusselsairport.be/bus/bus.cfm#antwerp

I think you're best off asking what the best option is at the hotel when you get there - it's not a big deal either way.

If you want to explore both Antwerp and Bruges and are flying out of Brussels, you might consider basing yourself in Brussels instead.

Hope this helps,
Andre

There is indeed a shuttle service from Antwerp to Brussels Intl. Airport. Much easier than the train! The SN Brussels Airlines Express Bus stops at the de Keyserlei, close to the Central Station.
You can take the metro at Groenplaats (Hilton), either line #2 (direction Hoboken) or line #15 (direction Mortsel) and get off at the stop 'Centraal Station', which is only a 4 min. ride.
Of course you can also have the hotel call a taxi to take you to the bus stop.
The bus goes every hour, on the full hour. Ride to the airport takes about 50 min.
Price one-way is 8 euro pp.

Thank you for responding - this information was exactly the information I was seeking.

A further query, however. Which is the practical city to maximize my last few hours on the morning of my departure? Brussels or Antwerp?

I know in Brussels there is a morning tour that drives about the city showing you sights from the tour bus. Antwerp would be a walk about on Monday morning until we depart for the airport at noon. (Please note that I am well aware of the fact that we could and should spend more time in either of these cities; I just cannot do it on this trip, and I must work within my time constraints.)

Any thoughts from those with experience? I would especially love to hear (or read!) your thoughts, Myriam, as I know you are a resident of Antwerp.

Thanks in advance,
Chels

Chels,
I'm not familiar with Brussels so I'll speak for Antwerp only. If you stay at the Hilton you're in the middle of the historical centre. I would suggest to just walk around in the little streets around Groenplaats and Grote Markt, maybe peek into Our Lady's Cathedral (it IS beautiful!).
If your flight leaves at 3pm you won't have that much time 'cause you'll have to catch the 12 o'clock bus. Too bad you will miss having lunch in Antwerp!

Question for Myriam or anyone else who can answer: How convenient is this bus service in the other direction (from BRU airport into Antwerp)? Is the bus stop at the airport easy to find? I'm assuming the schedule is similar and the drop-off in Antwerp is at the Keyserlei. I'd be staying at a hotel in or close by the old city center in Antwerp. Thank you!

Sorry, meant to specify the shuttle - SN Brussels Airlines Express Bus. Not the tour bus, obviously! Thanks.

Dovima,
The SN bus service is as convenient in the other direction. Buses go from 7 am until 10 pm (one every hour). Don't know where the bus stop is at the airport but I'm sure it's clearly indicated.
In Antwerp the bus will also stop at de De Keyserlei.

Thanks Myriam - I'm looking forward to visiting your hometown!