ECML PKDD 2008

The biggest airport closest to Antwerp is Brussels Airport. Yet, depending on your port of departure, it might be more economical to fly to Charleroi (Brussels South), Paris (Charles De Gaulle), or Amsterdam (Schiphol) and then travel by train to Antwerp. When coming from, or via the UK, or using your private airplane, also Antwerp airport could be an option.

Brussels airlines is the offical carrier of ECML PKDD 2008 and provides a discount of 25% on most of its fares for flights within europe! Reservations and payment should be done through their special fares webpage, using the promotion code 12090809 (valid as of april 2008).

Brussels airport (Zaventem) is the main international airport in Belgium, with a shuttle bus to the city centre of Antwerp, i.e. «Antwerpen Centraal» railway station (1 bus/hour; trip takes 40min; 10 €). You can also take the train in Brussels Airport and switch trains in «Brussel Noord» railway station (5 trains/hour; 60-80min; 6.70 €). You can check the train connections, itineraries and prices at the website of the Belgian railways.

Antwerp airport is a very small (and cosy) airport and is served by only very few companies. Yet, people coming from (or via) the UK might find it a convenient solution as there are daily flights to Antwerp from London and Manchester with VLM airlines. In Antwerp airport you can take a bus (line 14) to «Antwerpen Centraal» railway station, i.e. near the conference venue.

Charleroi airport (Brussels South) is a major hub for a number of low cost airlines. From Charleroi you can reach «Antwerpen Centraal» railway station by direct train (2 trains/hour; 90-100min; 12.40 €). You can check the train connections, itineraries and prices at the website of the Belgian railways.

Paris airport (Charles de Gaulle) is also a convenient possibility. You can take the high speed train from Charles De Gaulle to Antwerp (85 min; Thalys; you have to book in advance). Of course, you can also take the «normal» direct trains (one train/hour; 120 min; 26 €). You can check the train connections, itineraries and prices at the website of the Belgian railways.

Amsterdam airport (Schiphol) is another convenient possibility to fly. You can take the train from Schiphol Airport to Antwerp. You can take either the high speed trains (100 min; Thalys; you have to book in advance) or the «normal» direct trains (one train/hour; 120 min; 26 €). You can check the train connections, itineraries and prices at the website of the Belgian railways.