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Bruxelles-Midi (French) or Brussel-Zuid (Dutch) (ZYR IATA) is the hub of Belgium's train network in the south of Brussels. The station lacks a single common English term, and it's usually common to see both used interchangeably.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Station layout
[edit | edit source]Brussels-Midi/Zuid can be roughly divided into three sections.
| Channel Terminal (UK platforms) (Platforms 1 and 2) All UK-bound trains via the Channel Tunnel will use this terminal. It includes a completely secluded area from the rest of the station after passport control. |
| International HSL platforms (Platforms 3–6) International high-speed services within the Schengen Area by either Eurostar Red, SNCF's TGV or DB's ICE. Services are primarily towards France and Germany, but it is also possible to travel to the Netherlands using Eurostar (including Eurostar Blue). |
| SNCB/NBMS and NS platforms (Platforms 7–22) Where almost all SNCB/NBMS and NS trains arrive and depart to either Belgium, the Netherlands (unless you're not taking the Eurostar) and Luxembourg. Occasionally, some ICE trains to Germany may also use this section, but it's not common. |
Services
[edit | edit source]Local transport
[edit | edit source]Metro
[edit | edit source]Zuidstation / Gare du Midi (the metro for the station) sits in the middle of the southern ring portion of metro lines 2 and 6. This means that from most of the inner city, as well as Heysel / Heizel, it is only a single line away. From lines 1 and 5, change at Gare de l'Ouest from the west end of Brussels or Arts-Loi / Kunst-Wet from the east. From the centre, take either the S-Train from Brussels-Central or change for tram/premetro lines 4 and 10 at De Brouckere and head south.
Tram
[edit | edit source]Tram lines 4 and 10 are the main premetro routes that run north-south passing the station. However, various other lines, including the 37, 48, 49, 50, 73, 81 and 96, either pass by or terminate at Gare du Midi / Zuidstation.
Get around
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The station has a single main concourse which connects all of the platforms. All shops and restaurants are in this area. There's another small walkway close to Rue de l'Instruction/Rue de France, but this is merely a connecting passageway.
Signage is usually clear and bilingual in French and Dutch, though it isn't hard for an English speaker to understand. However, English announcements are provided.
Unlike stations in the Netherlands, there are no fare gates at the station; you do not need to scan your ticket to enter the station. However, there are fare gates to enter the metro station.
Wait
[edit | edit source]For a station of its size, seating availability is rather limited. There are a few seats scattered around throughout the main concourse and a larger waiting area near the Eurostar/HSL concourse, but you are unlikely to find a seat when the station is busy.
For travellers using Eurostar Premier, there are two lounges. The main lounge, 1 Eurostar Premier Lounge Brussels, is at Rue de l'Instruction 158 (outside the station), for travellers using Eurostar Red (i.e. intra-Schengen destinations). For travellers heading to the UK via the Channel Tunnel, there is a separate lounge after you've passed immigration and security.
Eat and drink
[edit | edit source]- 1 Banh Mi Express (Midi), Av. Fonsny 47B. Daily 08:00–20:00.
- 2 Häagen-Dazs (close to Eurostar terminal), ☏ +32 2 523 13 01. Daily 06:00–21:30. Ice cream and waffle shop.
- 3 Pokawa Poké bowls, ☏ +32 2 335 84 73. Su–F 09:00–21:30; Sa 09:00–21:00.
Food court
[edit | edit source]There is a small food court and dining area beneath platforms 15–20. Variety isn't exceptional, and the dining area isn't the cleanest either, but it will suffice if you're after a quick bite.
- 4 Sbarro, ☏ +32 2 522 73 35. Sa–Th 09:00–21:00; F 09:00–22:00. Chain pizza shop.
- 5 Wok-A-Way. Chinese takeaway-style shop.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Carrefour Express, ☏ +32 2 526 93 30. M–Th, Sa 06:00–21:00; F 06:00–22:00; Su 07:30–21:00.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]See Brussels/Molenbeek and surroundings for surrounding accommodation.
Connect
[edit | edit source]Stay safe
[edit | edit source]Put simply, the area surrounding the station and the station itself are spots notorious for pickpockets, theft and antisocial behaviour. Keep your valuables and your luggage safe with you at all times.