Despite its name, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located approximately 55 km south of Brussels, near the city of Charleroi—an important detail to note, as transfers to the capital take nearly an hour, not minutes as the name might suggest.
It serves as Ryanair's main Belgian base and the country's second-busiest airport, oriented almost entirely toward low-cost operations.
How to get to Brussels South Charleroi Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to CRL
Parking near Brussels South Charleroi Airport
The parking managed by the airport is a short walk from the terminal.
Express (the closest): 2 euros up to 3 minutes, 3 euros up to 30 minutes; from the second entry within 24 hours, flat rate of 10 euros. General car parks: approximately 1.50-5 euros/day depending on season; the P4 Foot & Fly car park (online only) offers the most economical rates for long stays (from around 40 euros/week).
How to get to Brussels from CRL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Brussels South Charleroi Airport
The arrivals area hosts desks for the major car rental brands.
A driver's license, passport and credit card are required, plus the International Driving Permit in most cases.
Hotels near Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Gosselies, Steps from the Terminal
The hotels in the area are 5-10 minutes by car or shuttle from the terminal; the center of Charleroi remains about 10 km away, connected by bus line A1 (about 20 minutes, two services an hour even on weekends).
Best for: Dawn departures and one-night layovers, when it's not worth moving away from the terminal.
- Shuttle or organized transfer from the hotel, useful for early-morning flights
- Parking included, convenient for those arriving by car and leaving early
- Only warehouses and industrial areas around: for dinner you almost always stay in the hotel
- Without a car or shuttle, a bus or taxi is still needed to get around
Recommended hotels
- Hotel South Charleroi Airport In Ransart, about 10 minutes by car from the terminal, with an airport shuttle and free public parking; shops and restaurants 10 minutes on foot. View availability
- Park Hotel Airport In Gosselies, less than 2 km from the terminal: airport transport service, round-the-clock reception and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. View availability
Charleroi Center and Station
From Charleroi-Sud station, bus line A1 reaches the terminal in about 20 minutes, with services every half hour even on Sundays.
Best for: Travelers who want to see something of Charleroi or prefer staying near the station for connections to the rest of Belgium.
- Charleroi-Sud station just steps away, useful for those arriving by train from other Belgian cities
- Restaurants, bars and the Rive Gauche shopping center within walking distance
- Whether by bus or by car, it's still about 20 minutes to the terminal, worth factoring in for early morning flights
- Charleroi's center has fewer tourist attractions than other Belgian cities of the same size
Recommended hotels
- Novotel Charleroi Centre In the heart of the city, about 500 meters from the center and connected to the Rive Gauche shopping center: convenient for those who want to dine and walk around in the evening. View availability
- ibis Charleroi Centre Gare Just meters from Charleroi-Sud station: an affordable option for those taking the A1 bus or an early-morning train. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, expanded in recent years to absorb Ryanair traffic growth, is functional but basic. From check-in to gate you generally walk 10-15 minutes.
Security checks can get longer during morning peak hours of low-cost flights: for international flights you're advised to arrive at least 2-3 hours early.
Map of Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is 'Brussels South Charleroi' airport close to Brussels?
No, despite the name: it's about 55 km from the capital, a transfer of roughly an hour by shuttle or car. Charleroi city, much closer (8 km), is an entirely different destination.
Q. How do you get to Brussels from Charleroi Airport?
With the dedicated shuttles (Flibco and other operators), about 50-60 minutes to Gare du Midi: booking online in advance guarantees the best fares.
Q. Is a taxi worth it for Brussels from Charleroi?
Almost never: given the 55 km distance, a taxi costs roughly 90-120€ (averaging around 90€), much more than the dedicated shuttle; shared options booked in advance can drop to as low as 49€.
Q. Which airline is Charleroi Airport a base for?
It's Ryanair's main base in Belgium, with traffic almost entirely oriented towards low-cost.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
