Xiamen to Zaventem (XMN–BRU) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Chinese passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Belgium. Apply at the Belgian embassy or a TLScontact visa centre in China. The short-stay visa (Type C) costs EUR 80 and allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Processing takes 15 calendar days, sometimes longer in peak season.

You will need a completed application form, two passport photos, travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum coverage, flight reservation, hotel bookings, and proof of funds. Bank statements from the last 3 months are standard. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and have at least 2 blank pages.

Xiamen Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre and Xiamen North Railway Station in 30–40 minutes for CNY 6–8. Airport shuttle buses also serve the ferry terminal and major hotels for CNY 20. The airport is on Xiamen Island, about 12 km from the city centre.DiDi and taxis from downtown cost CNY 40–70 depending on traffic and origin. Driving via Huli Avenue to the airport takes 20–35 minutes. Note that Xiamen Island has limited road capacity on key arteries; evening peak hours can add significant time.

The Airport Express train to Brussels Central takes 17 minutes (€11.80) and runs every 15–20 minutes from 05:30 to midnight. The platform is in the basement of the terminal building, no separate transfer needed.Taxis to central Brussels cost €40–55. For Ghent, direct trains run via Leuven (€20, 1h 10min). For Bruges, change at Brussels Midi (€22, 1h 30min total). Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall. Flixbus and other coach services connect from the airport to several European cities.

Temperate oceanic climate with mild, wet conditions year-round. Winters (December–February) are grey and damp at 1–7°C. Fog and freezing drizzle occasionally cause morning delays at BRU. Snow is possible but rarely heavy enough to close the airport.

Summers (June–August) are warm at 18–25°C with occasional thunderstorms. The airport sees its most operationally stable weather in spring (April–May) and early autumn (September). Pack waterproofs regardless of season. Brussels averages 160+ rain days per year.