Charleroi Brussels South Airport

Charleroi Brussels South Airport is often called the "gateway for smart travellers," as it is the arrival point for the majority of budget flights from across Europe. Despite its name, this air hub is located quite far from the Belgian capital, yet it attracts millions of tourists with affordable tickets and compact terminal sizes. It is a place devoid of pomp and the endless corridors of the main airport; instead, an atmosphere of dynamism and practicality prevails. Charleroi is the ideal start for those who prefer to save on the flight to spend more on Belgian chocolate and excursions in Bruges or Ghent.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Charleroi Airport has distinct characteristics that should be considered when planning a trip. Its main feature is its focus on low-cost carriers (budget airlines), such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it one of the most cost-effective arrival points in the region.

Key advantages include:

• Compactness and Speed: Thanks to the small size of the terminals, passing through security and passport control here usually takes less time than in major hubs.
• Convenient Transfer: Regular shuttle buses (Flibco) connect the airport with Brussels-Midi station, allowing you to reach the capital in approximately one hour.
• Affordable Parking: Parking rates here are generally more democratic than at Brussels' main airport (Zaventem).
• Modern Amenities: Despite its budget status, the terminal features Duty Free zones, cafes, free Wi-Fi, and a VIP lounge for a comfortable wait before your flight.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL).

• Official Website: You can find all current information about flights, services, and rules on the official airport website.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call +32 71 251 211.
• Airport Address: Rue des Frères Wright 8, 6041 Charleroi, Belgium.
• Email: A direct email address for general questions is not published. For communication, it is recommended to use the special contact forms on the official website in the "Contact" section.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on its official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost luggage or personal items, you need to contact the baggage tracing service. Contacts depend on your airline and are listed on the airport website in the relevant section.
• Passenger Support Service: for assistance with various issues (for example, for passengers with reduced mobility), it is recommended to contact your airline in advance or review the information in the "PRM" section on the airport website.

Charleroi Airport (CRL), often called Brussels South, is located approximately 60 kilometres south of the centre of Brussels. Despite the distance, you can reach it from the capital of Belgium via several convenient methods suitable for any budget and preference.

The most popular and budget-friendly method is the dedicated shuttle buses Brussels City Shuttle (Flibco). They run directly between the airport and Brussels South Station (Bruxelles-Midi/Zuid). The journey takes about 55-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Buses run every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. Ticket prices start from approximately 10-15 Euros, but can be lower if purchased online in advance, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Another public transport option is a combination of train and bus. From any of Brussels' main stations (Central, North, or South), you can take a train to Charleroi-Sud station. Right at the station exit is the stop for bus line "A", which goes directly to the airport terminal. The train journey takes about 50-60 minutes, and the bus takes another 20 minutes. This option may be convenient if you are travelling from other cities in the country, but for a trip from Brussels, it is somewhat more complex than the direct shuttle.

For those who value comfort and are travelling with large luggage or family, the optimal choice would be a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A taxi ride from the centre of Brussels to Charleroi Airport will cost significantly more—estimated at 90-120 Euros. Pre-booking a transfer via online services often allows you to save a little and fix the price. The journey time will be about 45-60 minutes, excluding traffic jams.

If you plan to travel around the country extensively, it makes sense to rent a car. Offices of all major international rental companies are present at Charleroi Airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented car, several official car parks are provided. They vary in price and distance from the terminal: from premium P1 and P2 within walking distance to more budget-friendly options with a shuttle to the terminal.

Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL) is a vital hub for many budget airlines and, despite its relatively modest size compared to giants like Zaventem Airport, has a well-thought-out and clear structure. It consists of two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2).

Terminal 1 (T1) is the main and older building of the airport. It handles the vast majority of flights. The building has two floors: the ground floor houses check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim, while the upper floor contains the security checkpoint and boarding gates. Despite recent expansions, during peak hours (especially early mornings and weekends), there can be long queues for both check-in and security screening. Inside the terminal, after passing control, you will find the main selection of Duty-Free shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Terminal 2 (T2) was built to relieve the main terminal and was launched in 2017. It is significantly smaller and mainly serves flights to non-Schengen countries, as well as some Schengen flights during periods of high load. Its main advantage is the speed of procedures. Due to its compactness and lower passenger flow, check-in and screening here usually take much less time. The infrastructure in T2 is more modest, with a limited selection of shops and dining establishments.

Navigation at Charleroi Airport is quite simple. Terminals T1 and T2 are two separate buildings located in close proximity to each other. You can easily move between them on foot via a specially equipped covered walkway. The walk takes no more than 3-5 minutes, so there is no need to worry about complex transfers. Inside each terminal, there are clear signs to help you orient yourself. Always check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as this information is indicated on the ticket and on departure boards.

Recommendations for Travellers:

• Arrive at the airport well in advance. For flights from T1, it is recommended to allow at least 2.5-3 hours before departure, especially if you need to check in luggage. For T2, 2 hours may be sufficient.
• If you are travelling with hand luggage only and have completed online check-in, you can proceed directly to security control.
• It is best to verify information about your flight and terminal number on the airline or airport website before your trip.
• Keep in mind that after passing security control, it is not possible to return to the public zone.

The history of Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL), originally known as Gosselies Airfield, begins in 1919. In the first decades of its existence, it functioned mainly as a flight school, a maintenance base, and a site for private aviation. During World War II, the airfield was used as a forward airbase. After the war, it was handed over to the authorities of Belgium and began to gradually develop as a civil facility, remaining in the shadow of the country's main airport in Zaventem for a long time.

A true turning point in the airport's history occurred in 1997, when the Irish budget airline Ryanair opened its first route from Charleroi to Dublin. This step became a catalyst for rapid growth. The airport, which previously served mainly charter and cargo flights, began to transform into a major hub for low-cost travel in Europe. The appeal of low fares and a convenient location for travellers from the southern part of the country and northern France led to explosive growth in passenger numbers.

Rapid growth required a radical modernization of infrastructure. The old terminal could no longer cope with the influx of passengers, leading to the decision to build a new, modern complex. In 2008, the grand opening of the new terminal took place, capable of serving up to 5 million passengers per year. This event firmly secured Charleroi's status as the second-largest airport in the country.

Further development followed shortly. To cope with constantly increasing traffic and improve service quality, a second, smaller terminal (T2) was opened in January 2017. It was designed to optimize passenger flows during peak hours and serve flights within the Schengen zone. Today, Charleroi Airport is a prime example of how a small regional airfield can turn into an important international transport hub thanks to strategic partnerships with budget airlines.

Interesting fact: the name "Brussels South" was added at the initiative of Ryanair for marketing promotion. Although the airport is 46 kilometres from the capital, this name helps tourists orient themselves better and positions it as a convenient alternative for travel to Brussels.

Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL) offers passengers a wide range of services to make their stay as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find many options for a snack or a full meal: from restaurants and cafes serving European cuisine to fast food outlets. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty Free zone with a large selection of perfumery, cosmetics, beverages, and Belgian souvenirs, as well as other shops with travel essentials.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. Numerous power outlets and USB ports are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets. Passengers who value comfort can use the services of the business lounge, where snacks, drinks, and the latest press are offered in a quiet atmosphere. This is an excellent opportunity to relax before the flight away from the main hustle and bustle.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed in the airport, and currency exchange points are operating where you can exchange major world currencies for Euros. Travellers from non-EU countries can process Tax Free refunds at the appropriate office.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with children. There are mother and child rooms with changing tables and everything necessary for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, special assistance is provided for moving through the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline, no later than 48 hours before departure.

In case of necessity, passengers can contact the first aid station. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, reachable on foot or by a free shuttle. For business travellers, conference rooms equipped for meetings and negotiations are available.

At Charleroi Brussels South Airport (CRL), travellers will find sufficient options for a snack or a full meal to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight. Dining establishments are located both in the public zone before security control and in the departure zone.

Before Security (Landside): In the public area, the choice is generally more modest, but you can quietly drink coffee or have a snack while seeing off friends or relatives. Usually, there are coffee shops serving fresh pastries, sandwiches, and beverages here. It is a great place for a leisurely meeting.

After Security (Airside): The main part of cafes and restaurants is concentrated in the departure zone, accessible to passengers. Here the choice is significantly wider. You will find both international chain establishments (for example, Starbucks for coffee lovers or Burger King for a quick and hearty lunch) and cafes with local flair. In them, you can order salads, hot dishes, sandwiches, and desserts. Establishments are evenly distributed across both terminals (T1 and T2), so you won't have to walk far from your boarding gate.

Be sure to try the dishes for which Belgium is famous. Even at the airport, you can find excellent Belgian waffles—usually served with chocolate, fruit, or whipped cream. Also, pay attention to the famous fries (frites) with various sauces. And if you have a little time, visit one of the cafes to experience the local culinary atmosphere.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are available in many establishments, for example, vegetable sandwiches, salads, or meat-free pastries. Finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes might be more challenging, but it is worth checking the menu or asking the staff—they will be able to assist you. Prices at Charleroi Airport correspond to average European airport standards—be prepared to pay slightly more than in the city. Most establishments open early in the morning with the first flights and operate until the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Charleroi Brussels South Airport, one of the key hubs for budget airlines in Belgium, requires some preparation. By following these tips, you can make your trip more comfortable and avoid unforeseen expenses.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Charleroi Airport is often busy, especially during morning and evening peak hours. It is recommended to arrive no later than 2.5-3 hours before international flights. Most airlines flying from here are low-cost carriers, so be sure to complete online check-in and print your boarding pass in advance to avoid high fees at the airport. Baggage drop-off counters usually close 40-60 minutes before departure.

Hand Luggage and Security: Pay special attention to your airline's hand luggage rules. Budget carriers strictly monitor the size and weight of bags, and exceeding the allowance can result in significant surcharges. Standard restrictions on carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in containers, packed in a transparent bag) apply here as well. To speed up passing through security, take electronics and the bag of liquids out of your luggage in advance.

Seat Selection and Transfers: If comfort is important to you, choose a seat when booking your ticket for an additional fee. Otherwise, the system will assign you a seat automatically. It is worth noting that Charleroi is primarily a "point-to-point" airport, not a transit hub. If you have a self-transfer, allow plenty of time: you will likely have to exit the transit zone, collect luggage, check in again, and pass through security control.

Customs Control: For flights within the Schengen area, passport control is usually absent. However, it is mandatory for all passengers arriving from countries outside the Schengen Agreement or departing to them. Customs inspection follows the "green" and "red" channel system. If you have nothing to declare, proceed confidently through the "green" channel.

Saving Money and Delays: To save money, book your transfer to Brussels or parking online in advance—it is often cheaper. Bring an empty water bottle to fill it after passing security. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline's counter. Remember your rights as a passenger in the EU (Regulation EC 261/2004), which may provide for compensation, provision of meals, or a hotel depending on the length of the wait.