Transfer Ghent to Brussels Airport

Ghent (Gent), magnificent medieval city and third largest city in Flanders, is located 55 kilometers from Brussels-Zaventem Airport. This transfer is highly popular with business travelers from Ghent'​s tech sector and tourists discovering Flanders. Taxis offer the most direct solution, avoiding train connections and guaranteeing a comfortable door-to-door journey.

Ghent - Brussels Airport Rates

The fixed rate for a taxi from Ghent to Brussels-Zaventem Airport ranges between €110 and €140 for a 50-60 minute journey. From Ghent'​s historic center (Korenmarkt, Sint-Pieters Station), expect €115-135. From the modern business district (Ghelamco Arena, Tech Lane) in the south, rates are €110-130. For Gentbrugge and eastern industrial zones, expect €115-140.

Suburban municipalities benefit from adapted rates: Drongen in the northwest (60 km) €120-145, Mariakerke (58 km) €115-140, and Destelbergen in the east (52 km) €110-135. For Merelbeke and De Pinte in the south (50 km), expect €105-130. We offer a special "same-day return" package with 20% discount, ideal for business meetings in Brussels with evening return flight from Zaventem.

Routes and Optimized Itineraries

Two main routes connect Ghent to Zaventem. The classic route takes the E40 towards Brussels (Zaventem exit), a direct 55 km route taking 50 minutes under normal conditions. During peak hours (7:30-9:30am, 5-7pm), traffic around Brussels can extend the journey to 70-80 minutes. The alternative via E17 south then E40 is preferable during Ghent events (Gentse Feesten) or E40 roadworks.

From Ghent center, access to the E40 via the R4 (Drongen exit) takes 10-15 minutes. The Brussels Ring (R0) is often the congestion point: our drivers use alternative routes via Ternat or Zellik to avoid R0 west traffic jams. For very early departures (before 6:30am) or late departures (after 8:30pm), the journey takes only 45 minutes thanks to minimal traffic - the best time to travel.

Served Ghent Neighborhoods

Our service covers all of Ghent and its agglomeration. In the historic center, we provide pickups from Graslei/Korenlei (historic quays), Korenmarkt (central square), and the Sint-Pieters district around the station. Residential neighborhoods like Ledeberg (southeast), Sint-Amandsberg (north) and Wondelgem (northwest) all benefit from quick access to the E40 via the R4.

For Ghent'​s technology and business hub (Tech Lane, incubators, Ghelamco Arena), motorway access via E40-Merelbeke exit is optimal. Ghent port (Zeehaven) and Desteldonk industrial zones require 15-20 additional minutes but remain well connected. Universities (UGent Sterre campus, Hogeschool Gent) are 10-15 minutes from departure to Zaventem depending on their location.

Practical Tips and Timing

For a flight from Zaventem, depart from Ghent 3h before for international flights and 2h30 before for Schengen flights, accounting for 50-60 minutes journey plus 10 minutes margin. During Gentse Feesten (mid-July), add 30-45 minutes to cross Ghent - we then recommend departure 4h before flight. Our drivers know alternative routes to avoid festival areas.

For regular Ghent-Zaventem travelers (executives, consultants), we offer a loyalty card with 10th trip free. Payment is monthly invoice for companies. Our vehicles (Mercedes, BMW, VW Passat) are equipped with WiFi and USB ports, allowing work during the journey. For groups of 5-7 people, we offer Mercedes Vito minivans with a €25 supplement.

Train vs Taxi Comparison

The train from Ghent Sint-Pieters to Brussels Airport officially takes 40-50 minutes (direct or via Brussels-North) for €11-14. In reality, count: 10-15 min taxi/tram to Sint-Pieters + 45 min train + 5 min walk in Zaventem = 60-65 min minimum. With train waiting time (10-20 min), total journey reaches 75-85 minutes, longer than direct taxi.

For a family of 3 people (€33-42 by train + €10 Ghent taxi = €43-52), the taxi (€115-135) costs €20-27 more per person but eliminates all stress: no connection, no luggage carrying, guaranteed timely arrival. For business travelers, being able to work 50 minutes in the taxi instead of 20 minutes on the train justifies the investment. Return from Zaventem late evening (after 10:30pm) makes taxi essential as trains become sparse.

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