Unlock Brussels: How to Find the Best Flight Deals and Start Your Adventure

Brussels: A European Gem Worth Exploring

When I first started planning a trip to Brussels, I was thrilled by the thought of wandering through this capital’s cobbled streets, discovering the art-nouveau architecture, sampling Belgian chocolates, and diving into its rich history. Brussels is not just a city of bureaucratic institutions; it’s an intricate blend of past and present, with vibrant neighborhoods, world-renowned art collections, and eclectic cuisine.
Starting with the Perfect Flight Deal
Finding the right flight can set the tone for the whole journey. I knew that, to start on the right note, I had to secure the best flight from Amsterdam to Brussels – balancing budget, convenience, and, of course, comfort. In this guide, I’ll walk through my journey, how I found my flight, and tips to help you navigate the options.

Step 1: My Journey from Amsterdam to Brussels

Flight Details
Flight Choice: I chose KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for my trip, flying from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Brussels Airport (BRU). The flight number was KL1727, and I booked it for the early afternoon to allow a relaxed morning and a mid-afternoon arrival in Brussels.
Class: Economy class. For a short flight like this (around an hour), economy is perfectly suitable, though KLM’s economy class does feel a bit more spacious and comfortable than many other carriers.
Booking Process: I booked through KLM’s website, which had a user-friendly interface and allowed me to choose my seat while confirming the booking. The entire process was seamless, and I received a confirmation email instantly with all my flight details.
Personal Experience
Pre-flight Anticipation: I arrived at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with plenty of time to spare, soaking in the bustling atmosphere. Schiphol is a vast airport, and the pre-flight ambiance there always gets me excited for the journey.
Check-in and Boarding: Checking in was smooth, especially since I was traveling with a small carry-on bag. Schiphol’s organized layout makes it easy to navigate security and find the gates. Once at the boarding gate, the KLM team efficiently handled boarding by rows, which sped up the process.
Onboard Experience in Economy Class
Service Quality: KLM’s cabin crew were polite, attentive, and genuinely friendly. As soon as I took my seat, they offered a welcome drink of water or juice, and during the flight, they periodically checked in on passengers.
Seating Comfort: My seat was comfortable for a short-haul flight, with enough legroom to stretch my legs slightly. For a 1-hour flight, it felt more spacious than expected, which made the trip more enjoyable.
Amenities: Although the flight was short, KLM provided a small snack pack – a selection of Dutch-inspired snacks and a choice of soft drinks or juice. It’s these little touches that make KLM a great choice for me when flying in Europe.
Overall Impressions
Final Thoughts on the Flight: My experience on KLM’s economy class from Amsterdam to Brussels was smooth, comfortable, and efficient. The journey felt like the perfect beginning to my Brussels adventure, offering just the right mix of comfort and quality.

Step 2: Comparing Flight Options from Amsterdam to Brussels

Top Four Flight Options

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Flight Number: KL1727
Route: Direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Class Options: Economy and Business.
Highlights:
- Service Quality: KLM is known for its attentive staff, and they provide an efficient boarding process, which ensures a stress-free experience from gate to gate.
- In-flight Amenities: Even in economy, passengers receive complimentary refreshments, including a choice of juice, coffee, or tea, along with a snack that’s often locally inspired.
- Punctuality: KLM is reputed for its on-time departures, which can be essential for quick connections or simply to make the most of your time in Brussels.
- Baggage Policy: KLM’s economy class generally includes one carry-on and one checked bag (though this can vary based on ticket type), making it ideal for travelers who don’t want to worry about extra baggage fees.
Personal Recommendation:
- KLM is the perfect choice for travelers looking for a straightforward, comfortable, and reliable direct flight to Brussels. With multiple daily departures, there’s flexibility in scheduling, which is especially helpful if you have specific arrival or departure times in mind.
- Best For: Those seeking a balance of comfort, reliability, and minimal travel time.

Brussels Airlines

Flight Number: SN2730
Route: Direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Class Options: Economy and Business.
Highlights:
- Pricing: Brussels Airlines is highly competitive, often offering slightly lower fares than other airlines on this route, especially when booked in advance or during sales.
- Onboard Experience: Brussels Airlines offers a no-frills economy class that keeps things simple, which is perfect for a short-haul trip. Seats are designed for comfort, even if amenities are limited to a basic snack and drink service.
- Safety and Reputation: Known for its excellent safety record and solid customer reviews, Brussels Airlines provides a trustworthy choice for passengers looking to get to Brussels affordably.
- Check-in Options: Passengers can check in online, and the Brussels Airlines app makes it easy to manage bookings, boarding passes, and any last-minute updates.
Personal Recommendation:
- This is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a direct flight to Brussels without extra frills. The efficient service and reasonable prices make Brussels Airlines a convenient and practical option.
- Best For: Budget travelers who prefer a no-fuss direct flight with dependable service.

Air France (via Paris)

Flight Numbers: AF1441 (Amsterdam to Paris) and AF1727 (Paris to Brussels)
Route: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) with a connecting flight to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Class Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business.
Highlights:
- Pricing: Air France often offers competitive fares on this route, especially during sales or with a flexible return ticket, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who don’t mind the layover.
- Connection and Layover: The Paris layover offers a unique chance to explore Charles de Gaulle’s impressive array of duty-free shops, French cafés, and amenities. For those who have a bit more time, the airport offers a taste of Parisian culture.
- In-flight Service: Air France’s economy class provides a quality experience with complimentary snacks, beverages, and a selection of French-inspired treats that add a touch of luxury even in economy class.
- Flexibility: Passengers have options to extend the layover in Paris (for up to a day) without extra fees, ideal for travelers who want a quick Paris visit en route to Brussels.
Personal Recommendation:
- While the layover adds travel time, Air France’s competitive prices, friendly onboard service, and Parisian layover experience make it a worthwhile choice. It’s a good option if you’re interested in seeing Paris as part of your journey.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers who appreciate a stopover and want to experience a taste of French hospitality.

Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)

Flight Numbers: LH993 (Amsterdam to Frankfurt) and LH1006 (Frankfurt to Brussels)
Route: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) with a connecting flight to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Class Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business.
Highlights:
- Service and Comfort: Lufthansa has a strong reputation for providing comfortable seats, even in economy, with sufficient legroom, a personal screen on some flights, and friendly staff. The in-flight service includes free beverages and a light snack, perfect for a layover journey.
- Frankfurt Layover: Frankfurt Airport is well-equipped with a variety of duty-free shops, dining options, and lounges for those with longer layovers. It’s an efficient airport with easy transfer options, so the layover experience is usually smooth.
- Baggage Flexibility: Lufthansa generally allows a carry-on and one checked bag in economy, so it’s a practical option for those carrying extra luggage.
- Reliability and Safety: Lufthansa’s service is consistently reliable, and their well-maintained fleet adds peace of mind, especially for those who value high safety standards.
Personal Recommendation:
- Lufthansa is a trusted airline that offers excellent service, particularly for those open to a slightly longer journey. It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize comfort and don’t mind a layover in exchange for quality service.
- Best For: Travelers who value comfort and don’t mind a layover, especially those who appreciate Lufthansa’s well-regarded customer service and amenities.

Step 3: Price Comparisons for One-Way and Round-Trip Tickets

One-Way Tickets
Average Costs: One-way tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels typically range from €100 to €200, depending on the airline and the booking time.
Booking Tip: For a one-way journey, I recommend checking out budget-friendly options like Brussels Airlines or waiting for seasonal sales, as prices tend to drop during off-peak travel months (January, February, and November).
Round-Trip Tickets
Average Costs: Booking a round-trip ticket is often more economical, with fares ranging between €180 and €350. For my own round-trip on KLM, I paid about €220.
Booking Tip: Round-trip tickets generally offer more flexibility with pricing, so look out for package deals and keep an eye on last-minute discounts if your travel dates are flexible.

Step 4: Choosing Between Economy and Business Class

Economy Class Review: From my experience on KLM’s economy, the seating, legroom, and service quality were more than adequate for this short-haul flight. The seats are arranged to give a bit more personal space, and the staff’s attentiveness made the journey feel premium.
Business Class Comparison: In contrast, business class offers priority boarding, access to the KLM Crown Lounge in Schiphol, and a more luxurious in-flight experience, including fully reclining seats and a gourmet meal. Business class is an excellent choice for those wanting a relaxing, upgraded experience.

Step 5: Recommended Booking Platforms

KLM Website: Offers the best prices for KLM’s flights and is ideal for booking directly with the airline, ensuring customer service is easily accessible.
Skyscanner: Useful for comparing prices across airlines and finding the best deals, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates.
Expedia: Helpful if you’re looking to bundle flights with accommodation or car rentals. They often offer package discounts that make booking a full trip easier.
Momondo: Known for showing a variety of discount codes, making it a great resource for budget-conscious travelers.

Step 6: Nearby Airports for Extra Convenience

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Schiphol is one of the most well-connected airports in Europe, with efficient security, diverse dining options, and comfortable lounges.
Personal Impressions: Schiphol is my top choice for ease of travel within Europe. It’s equipped with modern amenities and quick rail connections, making the journey from airport to city seamless.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

BRU is located just a 20-minute train ride from central Brussels, making it convenient for visitors.
Personal Impressions: The clear signage and available amenities make Brussels Airport a comfortable choice. Arriving here felt like an effortless start to exploring Brussels.

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)

Antwerp offers fewer flights but can be a quieter, less crowded option for travelers willing to travel to Brussels by rail (about 30 minutes away).
Personal Impressions: It’s ideal for a more relaxed airport experience, although there are fewer flight choices and a bit more travel time.

Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Charleroi hosts several budget airlines and is about an hour’s shuttle bus ride from Brussels.
Personal Tips: If you’re on a tight budget, Charleroi offers plenty of low-cost flights, though plan for the extra time and bus transfer cost.

Travel Tips and Final Thoughts

Booking Tips: Monitor flight prices in advance, set alerts, and try to book mid-week flights, as prices can be lower.
Packing for Comfort: Bring only the essentials for a smooth, quick flight experience.
Flexibility and Weather: Brussels weather can be unpredictable, so pack for varying temperatures and consider flexible tickets for any seasonal weather issues.

From start to finish, my journey to Brussels was filled with small details that added to the excitement. With a bit of planning and these tips, you’ll be well on your way to uncovering Brussels’ hidden gems and unique experiences.