Departing from Brussels: 5 tips to reduce the overall cost of your holiday this summer

Updated March 2, 2026 by Pierre

Key takeaways:

• The airport has a significant impact: Between transportation, food and parking, "additional costs" can represent up to 20% of the travel budget.
• The smart parking solution: Comparing private offers helps avoid the prohibitive rates of official Zaventem car parks.
• Logistics preparations are underway: Luggage, meals and transfers should be planned in advance to avoid "captive" expenses once inside the terminal.

---

Summer is approaching, and with it, the desire to get away. But this year again, inflation is weighing on the budgets of Belgian households. If the price of plane tickets is often the first expense item to be scrutinized, we too often forget the "invisible costs" that accumulate even before takeoff.
A poorly planned departure from Brussels can quickly cost you an unnecessary hundred euros. Here are 5 concrete strategies to lock in your budget and keep your money for enjoying yourself at your destination.

1. Parking: Don't pay top dollar at Zaventem

This is often the most painful and least anticipated expense. Going to Brussels-National airport with your own car remains the most comfortable solution, especially for families, but the price of official parking lots (P1, P2, P3) can quickly add up if you don't plan ahead.
The classic mistake is to take your ticket from the machine on the day of the event.
To avoid paying full price, the trick is to use private parking lots located right next to the slopes (Machelen, Diegem). These providers offer free shuttle or valet parking services for a fraction of the price. You can compare availability and reserve your space for Zaventem directly on the Allopark websiteBy booking online, you lock in a fixed price and avoid last-minute surcharges.

2. The "Empty Bottle Rule" and the meal

Once you've passed through security, you become a "captive" customer. At Brussels airport, a simple bottle of water or a sandwich costs two to three times the normal price.

• The water trick: Pack an empty water bottle in your hand luggage. It will go through security without any problems. You can then refill it at the drinking fountains located near the restrooms in piers A and B.
• Meal tip: Prepare your own sandwiches at home. They are allowed in the cabin (as long as they don't contain liquids or spreads larger than 100ml). For a family of four, this represents an immediate saving of 40 to 60 euros.

3. Weigh your luggage before leaving the house

Airlines operating from Brussels, whether Brussels Airlines or low-cost carriers, have become uncompromising on baggage weight. Even the smallest excess kilo is subject to hefty charges at the check-in counter (sometimes up to €15 per kilo!).

• The action: Invest in a portable luggage scale (around €10).
• The strategy: If you are close to the limit, transfer heavy and compact items (books, chargers) into your coat pockets or cabin baggage, which is often less checked than the hold.

4. Avoid currency exchange fees at the airport

If you are travelling outside the Eurozone, never exchange your money at the exchange bureaus located in the arrivals or departures hall at Zaventem Airport. The exchange rates there are often unfavorable and the commissions high.
Before leaving, prioritize banks in the city center, or better yet, use neo-banks (like Revolut or N26) which allow you to pay by card abroad with the real market exchange rate, without hidden fees.

5. Flexibility: Take off mid-week

As we have analyzed for other airports, departing from Brussels mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is a powerful lever for savings.

• Cheaper flights: Demand is lower than on weekends.
• More accessible services: Destination hotels and car rental companies often offer better rates for midweek rental start dates.
  This flexibility also allows you to enjoy a smoother journey on the Brussels Ring Road (R0) if you avoid the morning rush hour, thus reducing your fuel consumption and stress.

Preserving your holiday budget is primarily a matter of logistics. By planning your parking in advance using a comparison website and avoiding the pitfalls of spending money on-site, you can leave with peace of mind and a healthy wallet.

---

FAQ

Is it cheaper to come to Zaventem by train or by car?
It depends on the size of your group. The train incurs an airport fee for each passenger. For a family of 3 or 4, driving and booking private parking through Allopark is often more economical than purchasing multiple train tickets.

How far in advance should I book my parking space for the summer?
Demand skyrockets during the summer holidays (July-August). It is recommended to book your parking at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to benefit from the best "Early Booking" rates.

Are there free parking lots around Brussels Airport?
It has become virtually impossible. The neighboring municipalities (Zaventem village, Diegem) have implemented blue zones or time-limited paid parking to prevent travelers from leaving their cars parked for extended periods. The most economical and secure solution remains private parking with a shuttle service.