Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), despite carrying "Brussels" in its name, is located 60 km south of Brussels in the Walloon city of Charleroi. It is Belgium's second-busiest airport, handling over 8 million passengers annually, and serves as a budget-friendly alternative to Brussels Airport (BRU).

The airport operates from two terminals:

• Terminal 1: The main terminal with gates 1-25, handling the vast majority of flights. Ryanair and most other carriers operate from here.
• Terminal 2: A smaller terminal with gates 26-28, opened in 2017. Used for charter and seasonal overflow services.

CRL is Ryanair's Belgian hub and one of their largest European bases, with 18 aircraft stationed here. Ryanair operates over 115 routes from Charleroi, making it the dominant carrier by a wide margin. The airport offers direct flights to approximately 130 destinations across 30 countries, with strong coverage of Southern Europe, Morocco, and Eastern Europe.

Key characteristics:

• Budget airline focus (predominantly Ryanair)
• 60 km from Brussels city center (55-70 min by bus)
• 5 km from Charleroi city center
• No direct rail connection
• Two terminals connected by covered walkway

Important: Do not confuse CRL with Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem. BRU is the main international airport, located 12 km from Brussels center with direct train service. If your ticket says "Brussels South Charleroi" or "CRL," you are flying here, not to BRU.

Brussels Area Airports

Brussels is served by two airports with very different characteristics.

Brussels Airport (BRU) - 49 km north

• Belgium's main international airport
• Full-service carriers, Star Alliance hub (Brussels Airlines)
• Direct train to Brussels (17 minutes)
• Higher fares, more amenities

When to choose CRL over BRU:

• Flying Ryanair or other budget carriers
• Price is your primary consideration
• Traveling to Southern Belgium, Wallonia, or Charleroi itself
• Connecting to Morocco (Ryanair has extensive North African network)

When to choose BRU over CRL:

• Flying legacy carriers or Star Alliance
• Need direct train access
• Short layovers or tight connections
• Traveling to Brussels city center quickly

Connecting between CRL and BRU:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Flibco shuttle bus	45-60 min	EUR 20 (~$22)	Direct service
Taxi	45-60 min	EUR 100-130 (~$110-143)	Traffic dependent

Minimum connection time: Allow 4-5 hours between flights at different airports due to the 60 km distance and ground transport.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located 60 km south of Brussels and 5 km southeast of Charleroi city center. There is no direct rail connection to the airport.

Typical travel times:

• Brussels Midi station by bus: 55-70 minutes (direct shuttle)
• Charleroi Central station by bus: 20 minutes
• Brussels by taxi: 50-70 minutes (traffic dependent)

The primary transport option for reaching Brussels is the Flibco shuttle bus, which operates direct services to Brussels Midi station. For connections within Belgium, you can take a local bus to Charleroi Central station and connect to the national rail network.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Fares to Brussels are metered, not fixed rate.

Destination	Fare	Time
Charleroi city center	EUR 15-20 (~$17-22)	10-15 min
Charleroi Central station	EUR 12-18 (~$13-20)	10 min
Brussels city center	EUR 90-120 (~$99-132)	50-70 min
Brussels Midi station	EUR 90-110 (~$99-121)	50-60 min
Bruges	EUR 180-220 (~$198-242)	90-120 min

Tips:

• Confirm the fare before departure for long-distance trips
• After 22:00, fares may increase by 15%
• Carry cash (EUR) as card machines may not always work
• The shuttle bus to Brussels is significantly cheaper (EUR 15-19 vs EUR 90+)

Rideshare

Uber is not available at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Belgium has restrictive regulations on rideshare services outside Brussels city center.

Bolt may have limited availability but coverage is unreliable at CRL.

Alternative: Pre-book a private transfer through services like Welcome Pickups or local taxi companies for fixed-rate journeys.

Flibco Shuttle Bus to Brussels

The Flibco shuttle bus is the most popular and cost-effective way to reach Brussels from CRL.

To Brussels Midi Station (Gare du Midi):

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Bus Station"
2. Look for the Flibco stop at the Terminal 1 front exit
3. Board the shuttle to Brussels Midi
4. Journey time: 55-70 minutes (traffic dependent)

Ticket Type	Price	Notes
Light (hand luggage only)	EUR 14.99 (~$16)	35x20x20 cm, 10 kg max
Smart (1 checked bag)	EUR 17-19 (~$19-21)	55x85x40 cm, 25 kg max
Plus (2 checked bags)	EUR 19-22 (~$21-24)	Same dimensions

Schedule:

• Frequency: Every 20 minutes
• First bus from airport: Approximately 04:30
• Last bus from airport: Approximately 01:00
• Operating hours: Aligned with flight schedules

Important features:

• Tickets are valid for the entire day (until 04:00 next day)
• If your flight is delayed, take the next available bus at no extra cost
• Onboard WiFi and toilet available
• Purchase tickets online at flibco.com or at the airport

Pickup in Brussels: Brussels Midi station, off Rue de France (look for Flibco signage)

TEC Bus to Charleroi (Train Connection)

For destinations beyond Brussels or within Belgium, you can take TEC Bus A to Charleroi Central station and connect to Belgian Rail (SNCB/NMBS).

To Charleroi Central Station:

1. Exit arrivals and find the TEC bus stop
2. Take Bus A1 direction "Charleroi-Central"
3. Journey time: 20 minutes

Ticket	Price	Notes
Airport ticket (one-way)	EUR 6 (~$7)	Includes 60-min transfer validity
Combined train + bus ticket	EUR 17.40 (~$19)	To Brussels Central, includes bus

Frequency: Every 30 minutes, from 04:30 to 23:30

From Charleroi Central, trains run to:

• Brussels Central: 60 minutes, EUR 11.50 (without bus included)
• Antwerp: 90 minutes
• Ghent: 90 minutes
• Liege: 90 minutes
• Namur: 30 minutes

Budget tip: The TEC bus + train combination (EUR 17.40 total) is cheaper than the direct Flibco shuttle for reaching Brussels Central, though it takes longer and requires a transfer.

The airport offers multiple parking facilities with online booking discounts.

Airport Parking Options

Facility	Daily Rate	Walk to Terminal	Notes
Express	EUR 2 (0-3 min), EUR 3 (3-30 min)	1 min	Drop-off/pickup only
P1	EUR 26/day	2-3 min	Closest multi-day option
P2	EUR 25/day	5 min	Free motorcycle/bicycle parking
P3	EUR 24/day	Shuttle required	Low-cost, shuttle EUR 8 return
P4	EUR 24/day	10 min walk	Budget option
Lock (Premium+)	EUR 30/day	2 min	Premium covered parking

Online booking: Reserve at eparking.charleroi-airport.com for discounts. Pre-booked rates can be significantly lower.

Tips:

• P3 shuttle runs every 30 minutes, 04:00-23:30
• Motorcycles and bicycles park free in P2 (level 0)
• Book online for best rates, especially for longer stays
• Second entry to Express/P1 within 24 hours incurs EUR 10 flat rate

Food options at CRL are limited compared to major airports, reflecting its budget airline focus.

Airside (After Security) - Terminal 1

• Mamma Napoli: Italian food, pizza and pasta
• Grab & Fly: Quick-service snacks and sandwiches
• Panos: Belgian bakery chain, pastries and sandwiches (EUR 6-10)
• Starbucks: Coffee and light snacks
• Bar with runway views: Beer, wine, and light meals

Terminal 2

• Small snack bar: Limited selection
• Vending machines: Drinks and snacks

Landside (Before Security)

• Relay: Grab-and-go sandwiches, drinks, snacks
• Small cafe: Coffee and pastries

Budget tip: Prices are standard airport rates (expect EUR 8-14 for a meal). For better value, eat in Charleroi or Brussels before heading to the airport, or bring food with you.

Note: Food variety is limited. If you have dietary restrictions, plan accordingly or pack your own food.

Free WiFi is available throughout Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	CRL Free WiFi
Registration	Simple login required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email

Tip: Connection quality can vary during peak periods. Download content before arrival if needed for your flight.

SIM card options at the airport are limited.

Airport Locations

• Relay stores: Basic prepaid SIM cards available
• Vending machines: Some may stock SIM cards

Belgian Carriers

Provider	Prepaid Price	Data
Proximus	From EUR 15 (~$17)	5-10 GB
Orange	From EUR 15 (~$17)	5-10 GB
Base	From EUR 10 (~$11)	3-5 GB

Better option: Purchase a SIM in Brussels or Charleroi city center for better selection and prices. Airport options are limited and may have markup.

Note: All Belgian SIM cards include EU roaming at no extra charge.

ATMs are available in both arrivals and the departure areas.

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall: Near the exit
• Departures: Near check-in counters
• Airside: Limited availability

Currency

• Belgium: Euro (EUR)

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange counters operate in arrivals, but airport rates include significant markups (4-8% over market rates).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw EUR from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Belgium is highly card-friendly - contactless widely accepted
• Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) - always pay in EUR

Tips:

• Small shops and buses may prefer cash
• The TEC bus ticket machine accepts cards
• Flibco accepts online card payments

As a budget airport, shopping options at CRL are modest.

Duty-Free

The main duty-free area is located airside in Terminal 1.

• Duty Free & Travel Value: Alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco
• Belgian chocolates: Leonidas and other brands
• Belgian beer: Selection of local beers

Other Shops

• Relay: Magazines, books, travel essentials
• Small gift shops: Souvenirs, last-minute items

Tips:

• Shopping selection is limited compared to BRU
• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over EUR 50
• For serious shopping, visit Brussels or Charleroi before your flight

Lounge options at CRL are limited, reflecting its budget airline focus.

Priority Pass Lounges

The Lounge - Terminal 1

• Location: Airside, after security and duty-free, Food Court Level (next to Mamma Napoli)
• Access: Priority Pass, day pass purchase
• Hours: 05:00-19:30 daily (subject to change)
• Amenities: Air conditioning, WiFi, TV, newspapers, luggage storage
• Food/Drink: Beer, wine, soft drinks (limited selection)
• Access time: Up to 3 hours before departure
• Note: Children under 5 free

The Lounge - Terminal 2

• Location: Terminal 2 airside
• Access: Priority Pass, day pass purchase
• Note: Only accessible if departing from Terminal 2

Day Pass Access

Lounge access can be purchased at the airport if space is available. Check with the lounge desk for current pricing (typically EUR 30-40).

Tips:

• Terminal 1 lounge only serves passengers departing from T1
• You may not know your terminal assignment when booking
• Lounges are basic compared to full-service airport lounges
• During peak times, lounges can be crowded

There are no hotels directly at the airport. Options nearby require a short transfer.

Near the Airport (5-15 minutes)

Van Der Valk Hotel Charleroi Airport

• 5-minute drive from terminal
• 4-star property with restaurant
• From EUR 90-130/night (~$99-143)

Ibis Charleroi Airport Brussels South

• 5 minutes from airport
• Budget-friendly, practical
• From EUR 60-80/night (~$66-88)

Ibis Budget Charleroi Aeroport

• Located in Gosselies, 5-minute drive
• 24-hour reception
• From EUR 45-65/night (~$50-72)

DC Hotel Charleroi Airport

• 9 minutes from terminal
• Shuttle service starts at 04:00 (for early flights)
• From EUR 55-75/night (~$61-83)

In Charleroi City (15-20 minutes)

For overnight stays, Charleroi city center offers more character and dining options:

• Budget hotels and B&Bs from EUR 50-80/night
• Better restaurant selection
• Access to city attractions

Tip: For early morning departures, staying at an airport hotel with shuttle service is most convenient. Verify shuttle times when booking.

While most travelers use CRL as a gateway to Brussels, the airport also provides access to Charleroi (a surprisingly interesting post-industrial city) and the broader Wallonia region.

Getting to Brussels (60 km)

From the airport:

• Flibco shuttle to Brussels Midi: 55-70 min, EUR 15-19
• From Brussels Midi, connect to metro/tram for city center

Brussels Destination	From Midi Station	Total from CRL
Grand Place	Metro + 5 min walk	~75-90 min
European Quarter	Train to Schuman (5 min)	~70-85 min
Atomium	Metro Line 6 (20 min)	~90-100 min

Brussels Highlights

• Grand Place: UNESCO World Heritage, stunning central square
• Belgian waffles: Try Maison Dandoy near Grand Place
• Beer culture: Delirium Cafe has 2,000+ beers on menu
• Chocolates: Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini on Grand Sablon
• Atomium: Iconic 1958 World's Fair structure

Charleroi City (5 km)

Often overlooked, Charleroi is worth exploring if you have a few hours before your flight.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Bois du Cazier: Former coal mine turned museum, site of Belgium's worst mining disaster. A moving and educational experience.
• The Belfry: Art Deco belfry (1936) with 47 bells, 272 steps to the top for city views.

Museums:

• Musee de la Photographie: Europe's largest photography museum, housed in a former Carmelite convent
• BPS22: Contemporary art in a historic iron and glass building

Comic Culture:

• Charleroi is a birthplace of Belgian comics (Spirou magazine founded here in 1938)
• Street statues of Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, Spirou throughout the city

Street Art:

• The Carolo Street Art Tour features 19 murals across 5 km

Getting there: TEC Bus A1 (20 min, EUR 6) or taxi (EUR 15-20)

Day Trips from Charleroi

• Namur: 30 min by train, Citadel overlooking the Meuse
• Dinant: 45 min by train, birthplace of saxophone, dramatic clifftop citadel
• Mons: 30 min by train, 2015 European Capital of Culture
• Waterloo: Site of Napoleon's final defeat (more easily reached from Brussels)

Wallonia Region

Charleroi is an ideal base for exploring French-speaking Wallonia:

• Ardennes forests: Hiking, kayaking, castle ruins
• Abbey beers: Orval, Chimay, Rochefort are all in Wallonia
• Caves of Han: Spectacular underground cave system

Travel Tips

• Language: Charleroi and Wallonia are French-speaking
• Tipping: Service included; small tips appreciated but not expected
• Belgian specialties: Frites (fries), moules (mussels), carbonnade flamande (beef stew)
• Train tickets: Validate your ticket before boarding regional trains