The new bus line R59 Zaventem Airport – Roodebeek Metro will replace and bundle the existing bus lines 359 and 659.
From 1 July 2023, the new R59 Zaventem Airport – Roodebeek Metro bus line will provide a better connection to the airport and Brussels, thanks to a connection to the Roodebeek metro station. The adjustments to the public transport offer are part of the new mobility vision, Hoppin.
This is what the new bus network looks like
The new bus line R59 Zaventem Airport – Roodebeek Metro will replace and bundle the existing bus lines 359 and 659. This change will improve De Lijn's timetable and create a more frequent service between Roodebeek metro station in Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe and Brussels Airport in Zaventem. In addition, it will also increase the accessibility of the employment zones around the airport and in Brussels.
Important information about line R59 Zaventem Airport – Roodebeek Metro
- Line R59 connects Roodebeek Metro with the airport and runs through the employment zones on Leuvensesteenweg in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe and Da Vinci in Zaventem.
- On weekdays and Saturdays the bus runs every 15 minutes, on Sundays there is a bus every 30 minutes.
- This new line also ensures a good connection between different transport companies. For example, at the Roodebeek metro station you can switch to the STIB offer. Metro line 1 takes you to the center of Brussels and tram line 8 goes to Sint-Pieters-Woluwe and Auderghem. At Brussels Airport you can easily transfer to the train network of the NMBS and reach countless destinations.
- Are you traveling from the stops on Annecylaan in Kraainem or Lenneke Marelaan in Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe? Then take bus line 42 of the STIB. At Roodebeek you can then change to line R59.
“A strong network of different transport modes is very important for Brussels Airport, as an intermodal hub we want to offer all passengers and commuters a wide range of transport options. De Lijn's bus connections are an important part of this. This new bus line with even more frequent connections provides a better connection to Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and from there to the metro network in Brussels, a nice addition to the offer at Brussels Airport".
“We welcome every additional connection to the STIB offer to bring travelers to their destination in the periphery with open arms. The metro runs at high frequencies and is therefore ideal to connect to. During off-peak hours in the evening, STIB also expanded services on the 4 metro lines, so that travelers can enjoy a frequency every 10 minutes even until midnight.”
Smooth transfer to the cargo zone
- Line R59 stops and departs in Zaventem at the Airport stop.
- If you want to travel further to the companies in the cargo zone, you can easily transfer at the Zaventem, Technics Noord or Airport stops. De Lijn has a wide range of bus lines that run to and from the cargo zone.
The rest of the offer remains unchanged
The travel routes of the other bus lines in the region currently remain unchanged. In Kraainem you can therefore still use lines 315, 316, 317, 318 and 352 and 410 as usual.
Learn more about the changes
De Lijn offers extensive information and travel guidance via its website, app, brochures and posters at the stops. Travelers will find a detailed description and plans of the new connections on the municipal pages (www.delijn.be/gemeentenaam). Printed leaflets are available in the town halls of the municipalities involved and in the Lijnwinkels.
A new bus network as a result of the Flemish Basic Accessibility Decree
De Lijn has been introducing a new network in phases since the beginning of this year. De Lijn's new network fits in with the new Hoppin mobility vision (basic accessibility decree) with which the Flemish government, together with the local authorities, is committed to more efficient, sustainable and flexible public transport.
The offer is better geared to the demand of travelers. The train, tram and bus remain fixed values. On busy connections, De Lijn focuses on faster and more frequent buses and trams. Flexible transport will be introduced in places where there is less demand for public transport. You can then book a ride in advance via the Hoppincentrale (telephone, website or app) or use a (shared) bicycle or shared car to cover part of your journey. You can transfer smoothly at a Hoppin point, a hub where various means of transport come together, such as train, bus, tram, shared systems or flex transport (flex bus or taxi), according to the Flemish transport company.
