Brussels South Charleroi Airport, known as CRL, serves as Belgium’s second-busiest airport, handling over 10.5 million passengers in 2024 with a modern two-terminal setup. Located 7.4 kilometres north of Charleroi’s city centre in Gosselies and 46 kilometres south of Brussels, it connects travellers to over 110 destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean, primarily through low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. Its compact design and focus on efficiency make it a practical choice for those exploring Belgium or nearby cities like Lille and Luxembourg.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options linking to Charleroi and Brussels. The A1 bus, operated by TEC, runs every 30 minutes to Charleroi-Central railway station, taking 20 minutes for €6. Flibco shuttle buses depart every 20 minutes to Brussels Midi Station, covering the 55-kilometre journey in about 55 minutes for €5 to €19.95, with online bookings offering cheaper fares.
Taxis to Charleroi cost €15 to €20 for a 15-minute ride, while Brussels fares range from €80 to €100. Drivers can use over 9,000 parking spaces, including P1 covered parking five minutes from the terminals and budget P3 lots, with rates starting at €2 for 30 minutes. Car rental agencies like Avis and Sixt are in Terminal 1’s arrivals area. Passengers should arrive three hours before flights during peak periods to account for check-in and security.
The airport’s layout includes two terminals: Terminal 1, the main hub for most flights, and Terminal 2, used by Ryanair during peak times to ease congestion. A five-minute walkway connects both, with Terminal 1 housing check-in desks, security, and most amenities. Clear signage aids navigation, but peak summer months can lead to long queues at security, with waits up to an hour due to understaffing or limited screening lanes. Baggage claim delays, sometimes caused by system inefficiencies, are another concern, so passengers should monitor updates via Flightradar24 or in-terminal displays. Recent social media posts note chaotic boarding and slow passport control, particularly for non-Schengen flights.
Dining and retail options are basic but adequate, with outlets in both terminals. Terminal 1’s food court on the upper level offers Pizza Hut, L’ةpicerie, and Burger King, while Terminal 2 has two cafes with limited sandwich selections, priced higher than city averages at €5 for a coffee. Duty-free shops by Heinemann in both terminals sell souvenirs and travel essentials, accessible only to passengers with boarding passes. Two lounges in Terminal 1’s Schengen zone provide Wi-Fi, snacks, and runway views for €28 to €30, bookable online. Crowded dining areas during peak times suggest eating before security.
Facilities include free unlimited Wi-Fi via the CRL Airport app, though connections may slow during busy periods. ATMs, currency exchange, and baggage wrapping are available, with self-service lockers outside Terminal 1 costing €6 to €10 for 24 hours. Accessibility is supported with lifts, adapted toilets, and assistance bookable 48 hours in advance, though recent reviews mention inconsistent service. Pay-to-use toilets (€1) in public areas have drawn criticism, but airside facilities are free. Nearby hotels, like Ibis Budget Charleroi Airport, offer shuttle services for €15. Smoking is restricted to outdoor areas.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s smaller scale reducing congestion. Delays are often linked to airline-specific issues, such as equipment problems, or weather conditions like fog. Recent social media posts highlight immigration system failures and understaffing, causing delays of up to two hours, especially for non-Schengen flights. Passengers can check updates via in-terminal screens. As a low-cost hub, Charleroi offers no formal connections, but self-connecting passengers face minimum transfer times of two hours due to immigration and security checks. Those on separate tickets must collect and recheck luggage, risking delays if queues are long.
Charleroi Airport’s compact design, accessible transport, and essential amenities make it a practical choice for budget travellers. Ongoing improvements, like runway extensions, aim to boost capacity. While peak-time queues, limited facilities, and pay-to-use toilets pose challenges, the airport’s services ensure a manageable journey to Belgium and beyond.
Ryanair
Ryanair operates from Terminal 1, with check-in desks typically in the main check-in area (desks 1–20). Exact desk numbers are displayed on airport screens. Bag drop is available 2 hours to 40 minutes before departure.
Flights to Ireland (Dublin) usually depart from gates in Terminal 1 (gates 1–15). Specific gates are shown on departure boards or the Ryanair app.
