Bus 51 gets you from ANR to Antwerp-Berchem in 15 minutes
Bus Line 51 runs between Antwerp International Airport (Deurne) and Antwerpen-Berchem station in about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. The stop sits directly in front of the small terminal building, less than 100 meters from arrivals, so you walk out, turn right, and you’re at the bus bay in under two minutes.
Bus 51 usually runs every 15–30 minutes during the daytime on weekdays, with reduced frequency in the evening and on weekends; always check the De Lijn planner for the exact timetable on your date. The ride to Antwerpen-Berchem covers roughly 3 km and is the standard public-transport link most locals use between ANR and the rail network.
A single De Lijn ticket for Bus 51 costs a few euros (around €2.50–€3.00 at recent prices) if bought as an m-ticket or from a ticket machine. You can also buy a paper ticket on board from the driver, but that usually runs slightly higher per trip. Tickets remain valid for 60 minutes on De Lijn services in the region, which covers the short hop between the airport and Berchem.
At Antwerpen-Berchem, Bus 51 drops you near the main station area, where you can connect to InterCity and local trains toward Brussels, Gent, Amsterdam, or Paris. The transfer from the bus stop into the station hall takes about 3–5 minutes on foot. If you’re heading into Antwerp city centre, trams and additional buses leave from Berchem about every few minutes during the day.
Bus 51 uses standard city buses with low-floor entry and space for small luggage, but there is no dedicated luggage rack on most vehicles. The ride is short, and even with one suitcase and a backpack you’ll be fine; bigger groups with multiple large cases may be more comfortable splitting seats across the aisle. The driver opens the middle doors at stops, which helps when boarding with bags.
Plan one last detail: buy a De Lijn m-ticket on your phone before you exit the terminal, so you’re not standing at the Bus 51 stop trying to sort payment while the bus pulls in.