Brussels-Midi/Zuid travel guide

Bruxelles-Midi (French) or Brussel-Zuid (Dutch) (ZYRIATA) is the hub of Belgium's train network in the south of Brussels (by Molenbeek). The station lacks a single common English term, and it's usually common to see both native names used interchangeably.

Understand

Station layout

Brussels-Midi/Zuid can be roughly divided into three sections.

Services

International

All long-distance international train services to the UK, France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands, plus the night trains to Austria and Czechia, as listed in Rail travel in Belgium § International, serve Midi/Zuid. Most will use platforms 1–6, but some, particularly to the Netherlands and sometimes Germany, can use the rest of the station.

Domestic

Midi/Zuid, being the centre of the Belgian rail network, has trains to almost the entire country. Almost all of the greater Brussels region can be reached from this station, and the station has multiple departures an hour to other major Belgian cities including Antwerp, Bruges, Charleroi, Ghent and Liège.

Local transport

Metro

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

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

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

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, 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.

Lockers

Locker facilities can be found between the Eurostar/high-speed platforms and platforms 7–8. There are a range of different sizes (M, L, XL and XXL) and can be rented for up to 7 days.

Eat and drink

Banh Mi Express (Midi), Av. Fonsny 47B. Daily 08:00–20:00.

• Häagen-Dazs (close to Eurostar terminal), ☏ +32 2 523 13 01. Daily 06:00–21:30. Ice cream and waffle shop.
• Pokawa Poké bowls, ☏ +32 2 335 84 73. Sun–Fri 09:00–21:30; Sat 09:00–21:00.

Food court

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.

• Sbarro, ☏ +32 2 522 73 35. Sat–Thu 09:00–21:00; Fri 09:00–22:00. Chain pizza shop.
• Wok-A-Way. Chinese takeaway-style shop.

Buy

• Carrefour Express, ☏ +32 2 526 93 30. Mon–Thu, Sat 06:00–21:00; Fri 06:00–22:00; Sun 07:30–21:00.

Sleep

The Pullman Brussels Midi (an upscale business-oriented hotel) is opposite the station building. For other accommodation in the area, see Brussels/Molenbeek and surroundings and Brussels/Pentagon.

Connect

Wi-Fi is provided for free by SNCB. Information on connecting to the network can be found on the SNCB-NMBS website.

Stay safe

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.

Nearby

See Brussels/Molenbeek and surroundings for info on the surrounding district.

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