- Mr Plane Guy
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
How to Get from Brussels to Charleroi: Bus, Train, Uber and Travel Light!
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Brussels Regular
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps the blog running and fuels my habit of overpriced airport lattes.
TOP TIP CHECK OUT this Brussels:
Travelling from Brussels to Charleroi is something many visitors to Belgium will have to plan, especially if you’re catching a flight from Charleroi Airport. While Brussels has excellent connections to other Belgian cities and European hubs, Charleroi can feel a little off the beaten path for first-time visitors. Don’t worry – whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or the cheapest option, there’s a solution. In this guide, I’ll break down every way you can get from Brussels to Charleroi, including buses, trains, Uber, taxis, and tips to make your journey smooth. I’ll also share insights from my own travels and point you toward some of my Brussels content to help plan a perfect city break before your Charleroi trip.
Looking for a cool place to stay in the city? Check out my full Jam Hotel Brussels review it’s one of the most stylish spots I’ve stayed in.
Why Traveling from Brussels to Charleroi Matters
Most international visitors to Belgium will fly into Brussels Airport (BRU), but Charleroi Airport (CRL) has increasingly become popular for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. It’s located about 45–50 km south of Brussels city centre. Depending on your flight schedule, your luggage, and your budget, the best way to get there can vary widely.
Some people might think “Uber or taxi, job done,” but if you’re on a budget or traveling alone, public transport options like buses and trains are perfectly viable. Charleroi might not have the glamour of Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent, but knowing how to get there efficiently can save a lot of stress and sometimes money.
Option 1: Flibco Bus – The Direct Route
For most travelers, the Flibco shuttle bus is the easiest, cheapest, and most straightforward way to get from Brussels to Charleroi Airport.
Departure Points: Flibco buses depart from Brussels Midi Station (Gare du Midi / Zuidstation), which is easy to reach via Brussels’ metro, tram, or train network. Some services also start from other locations in Brussels city centre.
Journey Time: Around 55 minutes. It’s direct, so no transfers or luggage juggling.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes – perfect if your flight schedule is tight.
Ticket Cost: Starts at €20 one-way. Booking ahead online saves both money and stress – nobody wants to be sprinting across Midi Station with luggage hoping the bus isn’t full.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, power outlets, and luggage space. A small but mighty comfort boost.
Why Choose the Bus: Reasonably priced, solo travellers or couples usually find this the smartest choice.
Booking Tip: Book online via the Flibco website to avoid last-minute stress.
Does Charleroi Airport Have a Priority Pass Lounge?
Yes! Charleroi Airport has the Salon Air Lounge, accessible to Priority Pass members. It’s compact but cosy, with drinks, snacks, charging points, and comfy seating – perfect for escaping the hustle of the departure hall.
If you’re flying budget airlines, lounge access is a little slice of luxury that makes the pre-flight wait so much more pleasant. Check the latest details and open hours on the Priority Pass website.
You can unwind at the Salon Air Lounge at Brussels Charleroi Airport for around £24 the perfect escape before your Ryanair or Wizz Air flight. I always use my Priority Pass when flying through Charleroi, and honestly, it’s one of my best travel hacks. With my exclusive 30% off deal (only £48 for a yearly pass), it practically pays for itself after just a couple of trips. Don’t miss out, grab yours here before the offer expires!
Option 2: Train – Comfortable but Requires a Transfer
If you prefer trains or want a slightly more scenic, relaxing ride, Brussels to Charleroi by train is a solid option.
Route: Trains leave from Brussels Midi to Charleroi-Sud, usually with one transfer at Luttre.
Journey Time: Around 1 hour 20–25 minutes.
Ticket Cost: €9–€15 one-way depending on the day/time.
Pros:
Comfortable seating, legroom, and sometimes food/refreshments.
Predictable timing, unaffected by road traffic.
Cons:
Transfers with luggage can be annoying.
Charleroi-Sud station isn’t at the airport, so you’ll need a short taxi or shuttle ride.
For schedules, check SNCB-NMBS or Trainline.
Option 3: Uber – Door-to-Door Convenience
Uber or other rideshare services offer flexibility and comfort.
Travel Time: 50–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Cost: Around €40–€50 one-way. Split with friends or family, and it’s surprisingly reasonable.
Pros:
Door-to-door service.
Flexible pickup times.
No waiting at bus stops or train stations.
Cons:
Most expensive solo option.
Traffic can make travel times unpredictable.
Uber is ideal if you miss the bus or train or are juggling heavy luggage. Just watch out for surge pricing during busy periods.
Option 4: Taxi – Reliable but Pricey
Taxis operate similarly to Uber but generally cost over €100. Only recommended if privacy and convenience matter more than budget.
Choosing the Best Option
Budget-Friendly: Flibco Bus
Comfortable & Relaxing: Train
Flexible & Convenient: Uber
Private & Quick (but expensive): Taxi
Want to do something sweet while you’re in Brussels? Check out my Belgian chocolate-making workshop experience it’s a must-do for chocolate lovers!
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Book Early: Buses and trains fill up during peak times.
Check Luggage Policies: Flibco allows one carry-on and one checked bag; extras cost extra.
Time Management: Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight. Factor in transport time.
Travel Apps: Download Flibco, SNCB, or Uber apps.
Comfortable Clothing: Long walks or train transfers need comfy shoes.
Travel Light from Brussels Charleroi: Vacuum Travel Packing Bags
Flying budget airlines from Charleroi? You’ll want to pack smart. Vacuum Travel Packing Bags are a game-changer for cabin-only travel.
How They Work:
Resealable bags for clothes.
Roll and pump out the air.
Clothes shrink into a compact, cabin-friendly size.
Why They’re Brilliant:
Shrink clothes by up to 70%, effectively doubling space.
Avoid bulging cabin bags; fit them easily into sizers.
Stay organised: separate outfits, seal dirty laundry.
Perfect for short-haul trips with Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, or Wizz Air.
Pack smarter, travel lighter, and avoid airport stress.
Grab your Vacuum Travel Packing Bags here and use code MRPLANE10 for 10% off!
Cabin Bags That Actually Work
For Ryanair, EasyJet, and TUI, carry-on luggage is king. My go-to for trips up to a week is the Cabin Max Anode 40L Cabin Suitcase. Lightweight, durable, with 360° wheels, the Anode 40L fits perfectly under Ryanair Priority rules. For easyJet, it works if you’ve added a large cabin bag, or are flying on an easyJet Plus or Flexi fare.
Here is the Cabin Max Anode in action! You check out the prices here
Stay and Explore Brussels
Before heading to Charleroi, Brussels deserves some love. Some of my favourite posts:
Even a few hours exploring Brussels before your flight – a hot chocolate, a stroll through Grand Place, or a quirky chocolate workshop, makes the trip so memorable.
Final Boarding Call for Brussels to Charleroi
Getting from Brussels to Charleroi doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you pick the convenient Flibco bus, scenic train route, or flexible Uber, there’s an option for every traveler. Book ahead, plan your timing, and don’t stress – Belgium is full of surprises, from chocolate workshops to medieval towns. Take a little time to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
Flibco Bus | 55 min | €20 | Budget, solo travelers |
Train | 1h20 | €9–15 | Relaxed travelers |
Uber | 50–60 min | €40–50 | Groups or comfort |
Taxi | 50 min | €100+ | Privacy, convenience |
Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.
My phone bill was last month was £92 after just 2 days in Cologne! I forgot to take out an eSim! Don't make my mistake and take out an eSim before your Brussels city break and avoid roaming charges abroad.
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading How to Get from Brussels to Charleroi: Bus, Train, Uber and Travel Light!
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.