How to Get from Charleroi Airport to Antwerp

So, you’ve landed at Charleroi Airport, and now you need to get to Antwerp. But here’s the catch—there’s no direct train and figuring out the best route feels like a puzzle. Should you book a private transfer? Take public transport? Or maybe rent a car?

Airport picture and image of Antwerp's MAS museum with overlaying text "Charleroi Airport to Antwerp".

As someone born and raised in Belgium with plenty of experience navigating this route, I’ve tried all the options and know what works. Whether you’re looking for the easiest, fastest, or cheapest way to get to Antwerp, I’ll walk you through your best choices!

Quick Comparison

Option	Best For	Travel Time	Cost (Approx.)
Flibco Bus	Easiest, most direct	1h 25 – 2h15	€20
Private Transfer	Fastest, most comfortable	1h 15m	Varies
Bus + Train	Budget-conscious travelers	2 hours	€15.80
Rental Car	Maximum flexibility	1h 15m	Varies

What’s Your Best Bet?

Want the easiest option? Take the Flibco bus—no transfers, no stress.
Looking for a smooth and private ride? Rock n’ Ride is worth every euro.
Traveling on a budget? The train and bus combo will save you money, but requires a few transfers.
Love road trips? A rental car is great if you’re visiting multiple cities.

View of the Groenplaats or Green Square of Antwerp, Belgium.

How Far is Antwerp?

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is about 110 km (68 miles) south of Antwerp. It’s not exactly around the corner, so depending on which option you choose, the trip will take anywhere from 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Since there’s no direct train from Charleroi Airport to Antwerp, you’ll need to either take a shuttle bus, private transfer, shuttle bus + train, or rent a car. Let’s go over the best ways to make the journey as stress-free as possible.

Most Convenient: Flibco Shuttle Bus

If you don’t want to worry about navigating multiple connections, your best bet is a direct airport shuttle bus. Like many other Belgian cities, Antwerp is covered by Flibco.

How It Works

Where to catch it: Right outside the airport terminal.
Frequency: Buses typically leave every 2 hours.
Travel time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tickets: Can be booked online at Flibco’s website or bought at the airport counter.
Cost: The price is typically €19.99 per person, but might vary a little on depending on booking time and demand.

Why Choose Flibco?

Direct route: No need to worry about transfer—just hop on and relax.
Luggage friendly: Ample space for your bags without the hassle of multiple handlings.
Affordable: A cost-effective option compared to private transfers.

Heads up: These buses run on a fixed schedule, so if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, you might need another option.

🚌 Check availability and prices for the Flibco bus here

Fastest & Most Comfortable: Private Transfers

If you want zero hassle, a private transfer with Rock n’ Ride is the smoothest way to travel. No scrambling for schedules, no waiting around—just a driver ready to take you straight to Antwerp in a comfortable car.

Why Rock n’ Ride?

Personalized service: A driver will be waiting for you at arrivals, so you won’t have to search for transportation.
Direct journey: Travel straight to your destination in Antwerp without any stops or delays.
Ideal for groups: If you’re traveling with family or friends, splitting the cost makes it super budget-friendly.
Comfort: After a long flight, the last thing you want is to lug your bags through multiple connections.

Rock n’ Ride are our official travel partners for anything private transport related. Kevin and his team are professional and just really good at what they do. He always gets 100% recommendations in our Facebook group.

Cost & Booking:

Prices vary depending on the vehicle and group size.
Best to book in advance by contacting Kevin to secure your ride.

Who Should Consider This?

Tired travelers who just want to get there without stress.
Families or groups who can split the cost and make it worthwhile.
Business travelers who need a reliable and direct ride.

Pro tip: If you’re arriving late at night or super early in the morning, this is the best option since public transport schedules can be limited.

To book, send a message to Rock n’ Ride and arrange your transfer in advance (and use the code NSB to let him know we sent you).

🚗 Send Rock n’ Ride a message to arrange your pickup

Most Budget-Friendly: By Train

Taking the train from Charleroi Airport to Antwerp isn’t super easy, but neither is it really inconvenient. There’s a direct train from Luttre station, but you’ll have to make your way there by shuttle bus from the airport first.

How It Works

Step 1: From the Airport to Charleroi-Sud Train Station

Bus: Take the TEC Bus A from the airport to Luttre train station. Buses run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Cost: Approximately €6.
Alternative: A taxi ride is quicker, around 15 minutes, but will cost more.

Step 2: From Luttre to Antwerp

Train: Board a train heading to Essen and get off in Antwerp-Central (Antwerpen-Centraal).

Travel Time & Cost

Total journey time: The total journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Cost: €15.80 per person.
Tickets & schedules: Check the Belgian Railways website for real-time departures..

Why Take the Train?

Cost-effective: Especially suitable for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
Frequent departures: Trains run regularly, offering flexibility in your schedule.
Scenic route: Enjoy the Belgian countryside during your journey.

Heads up: If you’re carrying heavy luggage, dealing with multiple transfers might not be ideal.

A Belgian self service kiosk to buy train tickets.

A Belgian train driving of under a clear sky.

Best for Flexibility: Renting a Car

If you want the freedom to explore Belgium at your own pace, renting a car is a solid option. While driving might not be necessary if you’re only visiting Antwerp, it gives you flexibility if you’re planning to visit other Belgian cities or countryside destinations.

What to Consider

Rental companies: Available at Charleroi Airport—book in advance for better rates.
Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes to Antwerp via the E19 highway.
Roads & tolls: Belgium’s highways don’t have tolls, so no extra fees.
Parking in Antwerp: Parking is also limited in the old town, so you may need to park outside and take public transport in or make sure your hotel has parking space.

Who Should Rent a Car?

Travelers who want to explore more than just Antwerp.
Those who prefer the independence of driving.
Visitors staying outside the city center where parking is easier.

Heads up: If Antwerp is your only stop, a rental car might not be worth the hassle, especially with parking and city driving restrictions. Consider whether the flexibility outweighs the challenges.

🚗 Compare rental cars on Discover Cars or similar platforms