How to Get from Charleroi Airport to Ghent

You’ve just touched down at Charleroi Airport, and Ghent’s medieval charm is calling your name. But how do you get there without the hassle?

Airport picture and image of Ghent's Korenlei with overlaying text "Charleroi Airport to Ghent".

Don’t worry! I’m breaking down the best ways to reach Ghent without stress, wasted time, or unnecessary costs. Born and raised in Belgium with plenty of travel experience under my belt, I know exactly which options are worth it and which ones aren’t.

Let’s break down your best options!

Comparison at a Glance

Option	Best For	Travel Time	Cost (Approx.)
Flibco Bus	Easiest, most direct	1h 35m	€19.90–€24.40
Private Transfer	Fastest, most comfortable	1h 15m	Varies
Bus + Train	Budget-conscious travelers	2–3 hours	€18.30
Rental Car	Maximum flexibility	1h 15m	Varies

What’s Your Best Bet?

Want the simplest option? Take the Flibco bus—it’s direct and affordable.
Want comfort and speed? Book a private transfer and get straight to Ghent hassle-free.
Traveling on a budget? The train and bus combo will save you money, but requires a few transfers.
Love the freedom to explore? A rental car is great if you’re visiting more places in Belgium.

Gravensteen Castle seen from a boat tour.

How Far is Ghent?

Charleroi Airport, officially known as Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), is situated about 60 km (37 miles) south of Brussels. Ghent lies approximately 110 km (68 miles) northwest of the airport, making it one of the longer airport-to-city transfers in Belgium.

Depending on your mode of transport, travel times can range from 1.25 to 2.5 hours. While there’s no direct train, several reliable options make the journey manageable—whether you prioritize convenience, budget, or flexibility.

Read on and find out which one works best for you.

Easiest Option: Flibco Bus

If you want a straightforward and no-fuss way to get from Charleroi Airport to Ghent, Flibco’s shuttle bus is your best bet. It’s a direct airport-to-city transfer, meaning no complicated transfers, no dragging your bags through stations, and no stress.

How It Works

Boarding: The bus leaves directly from Charleroi Airport. No need to navigate train stations.
Route: Stops in Ghent first, then continues on to Bruges.
Travel time: Around 1 hour 35 minutes (depending on traffic).
Tickets: Buy them online at Flibco’s website or at the airport.
Cost: €19.90–€24.40 per person (prices vary depending on when you book).

Why Choose Flibco?

Direct route—no need to switch transport.
Affordable compared to private transfers.
Boarding points are easy to locate at the airport.
No struggling through crowded stations and plenty of space for your bags.

Heads up: Buses can fill up during peak times. Booking in advance is recommended. Also, check the schedule ahead of time, especially if you’re arriving late at night or early in the morning.

🚌 Check availability and prices for the Flibco bus here

Fastest & Most Comfortable: Private Transfers

If comfort and convenience are your top priorities, a private transfer with Rock n’ Ride is hands down your best option. No figuring out public transport, no dragging luggage through train stations—just a smooth and stress-free ride straight to your destination.

Why Rock n’ Ride?

Airport pick-up: Your driver will be waiting for you when you land—no waiting, no guesswork.
Direct route: No stops, no detours—just a straight shot to Ghent.
Travel time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Comfortable ride: Private vehicle, plenty of space, and a relaxing start to your trip.

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?

Families or groups who want stress-free travel.
Business travelers who need efficiency.
Anyone who prefers a private and comfortable ride.

Pro tip: If you’re splitting the cost with a group, splitting the cost makes this a fantastic value compared to multiple bus or train tickets

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

Belgium’s train network is affordable and reliable, but getting from Charleroi Airport to Ghent by train requires a bit of effort and a couple of transfers.

How It Works

First leg: From Charleroi Airport, take the TEC Bus A to Charleroi-Sud train station.

TEC Bus A runs every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes.
Runs every 30 minutes and takes 20 minutes.
Costs around €6.
Alternative: A taxi will get you there in 15 minutes but costs more.

Second leg: Take a train from Charleroi-Sud to Brussels-Midi (Bruxelles-Midi) station.

Departs frequently.
Takes around 1 hour.

Final leg: Switch at Brussels-Midi and take a direct train to Ghent (Gent-Sint-Pieters station).

Runs every 15-30 minutes.
Takes 35-40 minutes.

Travel Time & Cost

Total journey time: Around 2 to 3 hours, depending on connections.
Total cost: €18.30 per person.
Schedules & tickets: Check real-time schedules on the Belgian Railways website.

Who should consider this?

Solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors.
Anyone who doesn’t mind navigating multiple transfers.
Those who enjoy scenic train rides.

Heads up: Managing luggage can be a bit challenging due to transfers Also, always check the latest schedules before your journey.

A Belgian self service kiosk to buy train tickets.

A Belgian train driving of under a clear sky.

Most Flexible Option: Renting a Car

If you prefer having full control over your travel schedule, renting a car might be a great choice. But is it worth it for this trip?

What to Consider

Rental agencies: Available at Charleroi Airport. Booking in advance gets you the best deals.
Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes to Ghent via the E19 and E40 highways.
Road conditions: Belgium’s highways are smooth and toll-free.
Parking: Ghent’s city center has a mobility plan and isn’t the easiest to drive. Either park outside the center at one of the Park & Rides or pick cheap underground parking within walking distance of the historical center (eg. Tolhuis parking).