Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) CRL: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Brussels South Charleroi Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Brussels South Charleroi Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city center. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Brussels South Charleroi Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Arriving at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and a center of tourism and business in western Europe. Belgium is a multilingual country, and tourists flock to Brussels all year long to learn about its rich history, which stretches back to well before the Middle Ages. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is Belgium's second-largest airport. The airport's two terminals are open 24 hours a day, although most shops at the terminals will only open from 4:00 a.m. or 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. It is an international airport servicing mainly European flights, with airlines such as Air Belgium, Pegasus Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, among others. The airport is located 29 miles (46 kilometers) outside of Brussels city center and is reachable via the city's network of shuttle buses. 

What's the best way to get from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to the city center?

The best way to get from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Brussels city center is by shuttle bus. The shuttle bus is the most direct, fast, and efficient way to reach the city center, specifically the Brussels main railway station, Brussels-Midi. The Flibco shuttle takes passengers into the city center in 45 minutes, and also operates trips to other Belgian cities and European countries, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and France. Public transportation is a less direct way to reach the city center, as the journey takes a minimum of 90 minutes by bus and train. The second-best way to get to the city center is by renting a car from one of the airport's many rental car booths, or hiring a taxi from an airport rink.

How far is the city center from Brussels South Charleroi Airport?

Brussels city center sits 29 miles (46 kilometers) north of Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes from 3.30 a.m. It is recommended passengers allow at least one hour for the journey into the city center by shuttle bus, and closer to one-and-a-half hours during peak traffic conditions. Driving to Brussels city center is also an option, although it is less direct and slower than the shuttle bus and takes 55 to 75 minutes. It is recommended travelers leave at least two hours for a car journey into Brussels. 

What services are there at Brussels South Charleroi Airport?

Brussels South Charleroi Airport has a range of shopping and dining amenities for passengers arriving and traveling on to central Brussels. There are two duty-free shops specifically for international shoppers, and a handful of convenience stores and newsagents selling any items arriving passengers may need. As for food, passengers can get their fill before traveling on to the city at one of the fast-food establishments, cafés, bistros, or bars, which feature cuisine from around Europe. To access the airport's free, unlimited, high-speed WiFi service, travelers can download the CRL app. 

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

As an airport within the European Union, Brussels South Charleroi Airport will provide any required assistance to its passengers, including those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs. These passengers should let their airline know when booking the flight or at least 48 hours in advance of flying. Assistance could take the form of helping with luggage or moving around the airport, offering a wheelchair, or boarding a flight. Passengers requiring assistance should make themselves known at the airport's PMR corner inside the terminal. Passengers with limited mobility can take the Flibco shuttle bus with an accompanying traveler for free if required, but this must be requested 36 hours in advance. The shuttle bus does not have a wheelchair ramp, but boarding assistance will be provided for those with limited mobility. It's best to confirm the accessibility of routes with Flibco at least 36 hours before arrival. 

Local tips: what to know before flying to Brussels South Charleroi Airport

Airport shops close from roughly 11:00 p.m. to 4.30 a.m. each night, so locals prefer to book flights that arrive during the daytime. Locals with limited mobility take advantage of the accessibility of Flibco shuttle buses, which welcome all passengers aboard and will offer them assistance boarding and alighting the bus. Those in wheelchairs may prefer to take a rental car or taxi into Brussels, as the buses aren't guaranteed to be fully accessible. It's a good idea to eat at the airport upon arrival, as the journey into the city center is fairly long and can be affected by traffic.