How to Get from Charleroi Airport to Brussels

You’re flying into Brussels through Charleroi Airport but despite its name being Brussels South Charleroi Airport, it’s not actually that close to the city. So what’s the best way to get to the city center so you can start your trip in Belgium’s capital?

As a Belgian local who has traveled through Charleroi Airport several times, I know firsthand that figuring out the best way to get from the airport to Brussels can be a bit daunting, especially for first-time visitors.

I’m here to share my experience and knowledge with you, so you can make an informed decision and enjoy a smooth, stress-free journey from Charleroi Airport to the heart of Brussels.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the different transportation options available, including the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient ways to make the trip. We’ll also explore the benefits and drawbacks of each option, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and travel style.

Transportation Options from Charleroi Airport to Brussels

Let’s take a closer look at each of the 4 options, so you can decide which one is the best fit for you.

1. Easiest Option: Direct Flibco Bus

If you’re looking for a straightforward, hassle-free way to get from Charleroi Airport to Brussels, the direct Flibco bus is your best bet.

This coach service runs regularly throughout the day and takes you straight to Brussels South Station (also known as Brussels Midi) in about an hour.

🚌 Check Prices for the Flibco Bus Here

Alternatively, Terravision offers a similar direct bus transfer between Charleroi Airport and Bruxelles Midi. It’s slightly cheaper than Flibco (but minimal). Check prices & availability here.

Flibco Bus Schedule and Frequency

One of the best things about the Flibco bus service is that it runs frequently throughout the day. Buses depart from Charleroi Airport every 20 minutes.

The first bus of the day typically leaves the airport at 7:00 while the last bus departs at 00:40. This means that no matter what time your flight arrives, you’ll likely be able to catch a Flibco bus to Brussels without too much waiting around. Book your Flibco bus ticket here.

Where to Board the Flibco Bus at Charleroi Airport

Finding the Flibco bus at Charleroi Airport is a breeze. Once you’ve collected your luggage and exited the baggage claim area, simply follow the signs for the bus station. The Flibco bus stop is located just outside the terminal, so you won’t have to walk far.

Flibco busses have the green Flibco logo, so they’re easy to recognize. Sometimes a partner company takes over, but in that case, the name should be on your ticket.

🚌 Check availability for the Flibco Bus Here

Arriving at Brussels South Station and Transferring to the City Center

After a comfortable ride on the Flibco bus, you’ll arrive at Brussels South Station (also known as Brussels Midi). This is one of the main transportation hubs in the city, with connections to trains, metros, and buses.

If your final destination is in the city center, you have a couple of options. You can either walk (it’s about a 20-minute stroll to the Grand Place) or take a quick train ride to Brussels Central Station. Trains run frequently and the journey only takes about 4 minutes.

Flibco Bus Ticket Prices and Booking

A one-way ticket on the Flibco bus from Charleroi Airport to Brussels South Station costs €18.99. It’s valid for the entire travel day.

You can purchase your ticket online in advance through the Flibco website, or you can buy it directly from the driver on the day of travel if there are still tickets available.

If you’re certain of your travel dates, I recommend booking your ticket online ahead of time. Not only does this guarantee you a seat on the bus, but it also saves you the hassle of having to purchase your ticket on the day of your journey when you might be tired from your flight. Oh, and it’s cheaper too to buy them in advance.

2. Cheapest Option: Bus and Train Combo

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you might want to consider taking a bus and train combo. This involves taking the A1 bus from the airport to Charleroi Central train station, and then catching a train to Brussels Central Station.

While this option requires a bit more effort and takes a bit longer than the direct Flibco bus, it’s cheaper. Plus, you can buy a single ticket that covers both the bus and train, which makes things a bit easier. You can find more info and buy tickets here.

🚆Book your ticket for the train & bus combo here

Finding and Boarding the A1 Bus at Charleroi Airport

The first step in this journey is to locate the A1 bus at Charleroi Airport. After exiting the baggage claim area, head outside and look for the bus stop. The A1 bus should be clearly marked, but if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.

The A1 bus runs frequently, with departures every 30 minutes throughout the day. Once you’ve found the right stop, simply wait for the bus to arrive and hop on board.

Arriving at Charleroi South Train Station and Transferring to the Train

After a 20-min bus ride, you’ll arrive at Charleroi South train station. This is where you’ll transfer from the bus to the train that will take you to Brussels.

The train station is located just across the street from the bus stop, so you won’t have to walk far. Head inside the station and look for the platform for trains heading to Brussels Central Station.

🚆Book your ticket for the train & bus combo here

Taking the Train to Brussels Central Station

Once you’ve found the right platform, board the train and settle in for the ride. The journey from Charleroi South train station to Brussels Central Station takes approximately 50 minutes to an hour, depending on the time of day and any potential delays.

Keep in mind that there are only luggage racks above the seats in Belgian trains. If you’re traveling with suitcases, I recommend you don’t try to put them in there. If it’s not busy, just put them next to your chair. If the train is really full, the easiest thing to do is to put yourself and your luggage in the hallway in between carriages.

Ticket Prices and Where to Purchase

One of the best things about the bus and train combo is that you can purchase a single ticket that covers your entire journey. A one-way ticket from Charleroi Airport to Brussels Central Station costs €17.40.

You can purchase this combined ticket from the ticket machines or the ticket office at Charleroi Airport. Just make sure to select “Brussels Central Station” as your destination, and the machine will provide you with a ticket that includes both the bus and train portions of your trip.

You can also buy the A1 bus ticket separately for €6.

💡 Good to know: If you’re under 26 or over 65, buy your tickets separately. A Youth Ticket to Brussels is €7.50; a Senior Ticket is €8.50. If you’re planning on using the train a couple of times during your trip, buy a Standard Multi ticket. This gives you 10 train tickets that can be shared with others for a fixed price of €9.90 per ticket. In this case, you should also buy separate tickets.

3. Most Convenient Option: Taxi or Private Transport

While public transportation options like the Flibco bus and the bus and train combo are great for many travelers, sometimes you just want the comfort and convenience of a taxi or private transport.

While it’s the most expensive option on this list, it offers door-to-door service and eliminates the need to navigate public transportation with luggage in tow. And if you’re traveling with kids, I’d recommend you book this option because nothing beats having someone take you to your hotel after a long flight with kids.

The chauffeur of your private transport service will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal.

Expect to pay around €120-€150 for the one-way journey. The trip typically takes around 60 minutes, but of course, depends on the traffic.

🚕Check rates for private transport here

4. Renting a Car and Driving from Charleroi Airport to Brussels

If you’re planning to explore more of Belgium beyond just Brussels, renting a car might be a good choice. Charleroi Airport has several car rental companies on-site, making it easy to pick up a vehicle upon arrival.

If you’re heading to Brussels, you can expect the drive to take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

I recommend you use Discover Cars to compare the best rental companies for your travel dates.

Keep in mind, though, that driving to and in Brussels can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to navigating European cities. Traffic is known to be heavy, and parking can be scarce and expensive (make sure to book a Brussels hotel with parking!).

🚗Check rates for rental cars here

Location of Charleroi Airport and Brussels

Charleroi Airport, also known as Brussels South Charleroi Airport, is located in the municipality of Gosselies, in the Walloon region of Belgium. Despite its name, the airport is actually situated quite far from Brussels itself.

The airport is located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) south of Brussels city center. To put that into perspective, if you were to drive from the airport to the city center without any traffic, it would take you around 55 minutes.

Of course, travel times can vary depending on your mode of transportation and the time of day you’re traveling. During weekdays and especially during rush hour, you can expect your journey to take a bit (or a lot) longer.

When I’m planning my trips to and from Brussels, I always make sure to factor in some extra time for unexpected delays or traffic. It’s better to have a bit of a buffer than to risk missing your flight or your next appointment in the city.

Conclusion: How to get from Charleroi Airport to Brussels

As we’ve seen throughout this guide, getting from Charleroi Airport to Brussels is a journey with many options. Whether you choose the ease of the direct Flibco bus, the budget-friendly bus and train combo, the comfort of a taxi or private transport, or the freedom of a rental car, there’s a transportation method to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.

Now that you now how to reach Brussels, let’s find out what you can do in the capital. Check out the best things to do in Brussels and start creating a fun itinerary!

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