The train to Brussels Airport

No, you do not need to purchase the Brussels Airport Supplement separately, except for the following tickets, for which it is mandatory to purchase the supplement separately:

• Multi (Youth Multi, Standard Multi, Local Multi, etc.)
• Eurostar ticket with "Any Belgian station" suppliement
• 65B and 65C vouchers for Proximus and Bpost 
• Yellow free tickets Federal Public Service of Mobility Transports and BIPT
• Vouchers with code 901, 903, 904 or 909 (the amount of the Brussels Airport Supplement is displayed on the ticket that is issued in exchange for the voucher)

With the new fare offer, we will now make a clear distinction between peak and off-peak hours. Are you travelling to Brussels Airport during off-peak hours or at the weekend? Then you can enjoy a 40% discount on the standard fare. This discount does not apply during peak hours, unless you are eligible for a reduced fare (such as senior citizens, young people or people with an increased allowance). With Train+, you receive an additional discount on top of these fares.

These discounts only apply to the ticket price; the Diabolo supplement remains unchanged and is the same for everyone, regardless of any ticket discounts.

No, you don't need to buy a separate Brussels Airport Supplement for children under 12 years old:

• Children under 12 years who accompany another traveller travel for free do not need any ticket at all and do not have to pay the Brussels Airport Supplement. Accompanied children can pass through the gates at Brussels Airport-Zaventem station together with another passenger.
• If your child is travelling alone with a Kids Ticket with Brussels Airport-Zaventem as departure or arrival station, the Brussels Airport Supplement is already included in the price of the Kids Ticket. You don't need to buy a supplement separately. Your child can open the gates at Brussels Airport-Zaventem station with the QR code that appears on his Kids Ticket.

The Diabolo surcharge was introduced in 2009 as part of a large-scale rail project: the Diabolo project. The aim? To simplify train connections to Brussels Airport – not only for Brussels residents, but also for travellers from Antwerp, Leuven, Namur or Liège. Thanks to the new direct rail lines, the train journey to Brussels Airport is now a lot easier and faster.

The new railway line to the airport was developed by Northern Diabolo NV in a public-private partnership and is financed by the Diabolo surcharge / Brussels Airport Supplement: an additional cost that is automatically added to your train ticket.

See above for the exceptions where this supplement is not automatically included.

Brussels Airport-Zaventem station is fitted with access gates.
Passengers travelling to or from Brussels Airport need to scan their travel ticket at the gates in order to get into the station.

Either by scanning the QR code printed on their train ticket (paper or electronic versions), or by scanning their MOBIB card. If you are travelling to Brussels Airport-Zaventem station, it is important to keep your ticket handy to be able to access or leave the station easily.

1. Go to a gate with a green arrow.
2. Hold your MOBIB card over the reader or scan the QR code on your ticket. 
   If you are travelling with a Mobile Ticket, please display the QR code on the screen of your smartphone or tablet.
   Make sure that your screen's contrast is set correctly to ensure optimal readability.
3. The gate will open and you're free to enter or leave the station.

Practical info

Accompanied children under the age of 12 travel free and can pass through the gates with the assistance of the staff present. The same applies to those carrying a national discount card for the blind and partially sighted.

Specific gates are provided for persons with reduced mobility. Standard gates are regulated to allow one person through, but there is sufficient space to pass through with small objects and luggage.

It is still possible to take a connecting service at Brussels Airport-Zaventem station, without having to pass through the gates.

Please note that a member of staff will be present at all times. Our staff are available to answer any questions or respond to any problem you may have. Assistance posts are also available fitted with a call button, allowing you to contact ticket counter staff.