Charleroi Airport (CRL) is often marketed as “Brussels South,” but it’s actually located around 60 km from Brussels city centre. If you’re landing here for a city break or business trip, figuring out how to travel from Charleroi Airport to Brussels city centre can feel confusing — especially after a long flight.
I recently travelled this route myself, and below you’ll find a clear breakdown of the easiest, cheapest, and most comfortable ways to get from Charleroi Airport to Brussels city centre.
At a Glance
- Distance from airport to Brussels: ~60 km
- Fastest option: Taxi / Private transfer (50–60 mins)
- Best value: Flibco direct bus
- Cheapest option: Train via Charleroi-Sud
- Typical travel time: 55–90 minutes
Quick Answer: Best Way to Get from Charleroi to Brussels
- Easiest option: Flibco direct bus to Brussels Midi
- Cheapest option: Train via Charleroi-Sud
- Most comfortable: Private transfer or taxi
- Average journey time: 55–90 minutes depending on option
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flibco Direct Bus | 55–70 min | ~€17 | Budget + simplest | 👉 Check Flibco prices |
| Train (via Charleroi-Sud) | 60–90 min | ~€16 | Cheapest (but less direct) | Check train times |
| Private Transfer | 50–60 min | €90–€120 | Families / late arrivals | 👉 View private transfer prices |
🚍 Option 1: Flibco Direct Bus (Easiest Option
The Flibco direct bus is the simplest and most popular way to travel from Charleroi Airport to Brussels. It runs frequently throughout the day and takes you directly to Brussels Midi station without any transfers.
For most travellers — especially first-time visitors — this is the easiest and most stress-free option. It’s the option most travellers choose due to its simplicity and direct route.
Journey Time
The journey takes around 55–70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Cost
Tickets typically cost around €16–€20 one way. Booking online in advance is usually cheaper than buying at the airport.
Flibco buses run frequently throughout the day, and booking online guarantees your seat.
👉 Check today’s Flibco prices and availability
Where the Bus Stops
The bus departs directly outside the terminal building at Charleroi Airport and arrives at Brussels Midi station, where you can easily connect to:
- Metro lines
- Trams
- Local trains
- Taxis
When Flibco Is Ideal
Flibco is a great option if:
- You want a direct route with no transfers
- You’re travelling light
- You’re staying near Brussels Midi
- You want a simple, budget-friendly solution
When It Might Not Be Ideal
You may prefer another option if:
- You arrive very late at night
- You’re travelling with lots of luggage
- Your hotel is far from Brussels Midi
In those cases, a private transfer can be more convenient.
🚆 Option 2: Train from Charleroi Airport to Brussels (Cheapest Option)
Taking the train is usually the cheapest way to reach Brussels from Charleroi Airport, but it requires one extra step compared to the direct bus.
First, you take a local airport bus from Charleroi Airport to Charleroi-Sud train station, then board a train to Brussels.
How It Works
- Take the airport bus (Line A) from the terminal to Charleroi-Sud station
- From Charleroi-Sud, take a direct train to Brussels Central, Brussels Midi, or Brussels Nord
The airport bus ride takes about 20 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Journey Time
Total journey time is usually around 60–90 minutes, depending on connections and waiting times.
Cost
Combined ticket (bus + train) typically costs around €12–€16 one way, making it slightly cheaper than the Flibco bus.
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Frequent train departures
- Avoids highway traffic
Cons
- Requires a transfer
- Slightly less convenient with heavy luggage
- Can be confusing if arriving late at night
🚖 Option 3: Private Transfer (Most Comfortable Option)
If you’re arriving late at night, travelling with children, carrying multiple suitcases, or simply prefer a smooth arrival, a private transfer is the most convenient way to reach Brussels city centre.
Instead of navigating buses or train platforms after a flight, your driver meets you at arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel.
For many travellers, the extra cost is worth the simplicity.
Journey Time
Around 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost
Expect to pay approximately €90–€120 per vehicle (not per person).
For groups of 3–4 people, this can work out surprisingly reasonable per person.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
- Door-to-door service ✔
- No transfers or waiting in queues ✔
- Ideal for families or groups ✔
- Comfortable after an early or late flight ✔
- Fixed price booked in advance ✔
When It’s Especially Worth It
A private transfer makes the most sense if:
- You land after 7pm
- You’re travelling with young children
- You’re staying far from Brussels Midi
- You want zero stress on arrival
Final Recommendation
if you want the simplest and most reliable option, the Flibco direct bus is the best choice for most travellers.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget and don’t mind one transfer, the train via Charleroi-Sud is slightly cheaper.
For families, late arrivals, or maximum comfort, a private transfer or taxi is worth the extra cost.
Before travelling, always check current schedules and prices, as they can change seasonally.
For maximum comfort — especially after a long flight — a private transfer is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleroi Airport really in Brussels?
No. Despite being marketed as “Brussels South,” Charleroi Airport is located around 60 km from Brussels city centre. It serves mainly low-cost airlines.
Can I use a Brussels public transport ticket from Charleroi Airport?
No. Charleroi Airport is outside the Brussels public transport network. You need a bus, train, or taxi to reach the city.
What is the fastest way to get from Charleroi to Brussels?
A taxi or private transfer is usually the fastest option, depending on traffic conditions
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