Fly from Brussels Charleroi Airport from the Netherlands for cheap tickets, easy travel, and more destinations across Europe.
Why Fly from Brussels Charleroi Airport? A Cheap Alternative for Travelers from the Netherlands
Are you looking for a cheap and easy way to fly from the Netherlands? Many travelers do not think about Brussels Charleroi Airport, but it is a great alternative to busy airports like Schiphol. In fact, more Dutch travelers are now choosing to fly from Brussels Charleroi because it offers low-cost flights, fast check-in, and a good location near the Dutch border.
If you want to save money, enjoy more flight options, and avoid crowded airports, Brussels Charleroi could be the perfect airport for you. In this blogpost, we will show you why many people from the Netherlands are flying from this Belgian airport. We will explain where the airport is, how to get there, what the benefits are, and why it might be better than flying from airports in the Netherlands.
Where Is Brussels Charleroi Airport Located?
Brussels Charleroi Airport, also called Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), is located in the south of Belgium. It is not in Brussels city itself, but about 60 kilometers south of the capital. The airport is near the city of Charleroi, in the Walloon region of Belgium.
Please do not underestimate how far the airport Brussels Charleroi actually is. Take plenty of time to reach the airport and to anticipate potential traffic jams.
Even though the airport is not in the Netherlands. This makes it a good option for travelers from southern and central parts of the Netherlands, especially those who want to fly with low-cost airlines.
Distance from Major Dutch Cities
Amsterdam to Brussels Charleroi Airport
From Amsterdam, the distance to Brussels Charleroi Airport is around 240 kilometers. By car, the trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. If you take a train, you can reach the airport in about 3.5 to 4 hours, with one or two transfers.
Rotterdam, Breda, Eindhoven travel time
From Rotterdam, the airport is about 170 kilometers away. You can drive there in about 2 hours. Breda is even closer, around 130 kilometers from Charleroi, which makes it only 1.5 hours by car. Eindhoven, another large Dutch city, is also well located — about 150 kilometers from the airport, or around 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.
Because of this short distance, many people from these cities find it very convenient to use Brussels Charleroi Airport.
Advantages of Flying from Brussels Charleroi Airport
There are many reasons why Dutch travelers choose to fly from Brussels Charleroi Airport. Let’s look at the biggest advantages.
More Flight Destinations
Charleroi Airport is a hub for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and TUI fly. That means you can fly to many European cities directly from this airport. Whether you want to go to Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Portugal, or Greece, there is likely a cheap flight from Brussels Charleroi.
These destinations are sometimes not available from smaller Dutch airports or even from Schiphol. So, if you are looking for a specific city or a low-cost airline, this airport is a great option.
Competitive Ticket Prices
One of the biggest reasons to fly from Brussels Charleroi is the price. Because of the many low-cost airlines, the airport offers very cheap tickets to many destinations. Often, you can find return flights for less than €50.
Even if you have to drive a bit further, the money saved on the ticket is often more than the cost of petrol or parking. If you are traveling with your family or a group, the total savings can be very big.
Fewer Crowds Compared to Schiphol
Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is one of the busiest airports in Europe. Long lines at check-in, security, and boarding are common, especially in holiday seasons. In contrast, Brussels Charleroi is much smaller and less crowded.
That means you can often go through security much faster, and the airport is easier to navigate. For many travelers, this makes the travel experience more relaxed and less stressful.
Efficient Security and Check-In
Even though it is a small airport, the security and check-in process at Brussels Charleroi is very well organized. Many airlines offer online check-in, so you can go straight to security if you have no luggage to check.
Lines at security are usually shorter than at major airports, and the staff is friendly and efficient. This means you can arrive at the airport closer to your departure time, and still make your flight on time.
How to Get to Brussels Charleroi Airport from the Netherlands
Getting to Brussels Charleroi Airport from the Netherlands is easier than you might think. You have many travel options, depending on your location and budget.
Train Connections
You can take a train from many Dutch cities to Charleroi-Sud train station. From there, a shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes to the airport. The train journey includes a transfer in Brussels or Antwerp, depending on your route.
For example, from Amsterdam, the trip by train to Charleroi-Sud takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. From Rotterdam, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Trains are comfortable, and tickets can be bought online or at the station.
Driving and Parking Options
Many people from the Netherlands choose to drive to the airport. The roads from Dutch cities are good, and the trip is not long. When you arrive, there are many parking options near the airport.
Brussels Charleroi Airport offers short-term and long-term parking. Prices are often lower than at Schiphol, and you can book parking online in advance to get better rates.
Shuttle Services and Buses
There are also direct shuttle buses from Dutch cities like Breda, Eindhoven, Maastricht, and Utrecht to Brussels Charleroi Airport. These shuttles are often used by travelers who want a comfortable ride without transfers.
Bus services like Flibco offer daily connections, and the prices are affordable, starting from around €15 to €20 one way. These shuttles go directly to the terminal, so you can arrive on time without stress.
Tips for Travelers from the Netherlands Using Brussels Charleroi Airport
Traveling from an airport in another country is a bit different, but there is nothing to worry about. Here are some important tips to help you enjoy your trip.
Language and Signage
Most signs at the airport are in French, Dutch, and English, so you will not have trouble understanding directions. Airport staff also speak basic English, and many speak Dutch, so communication is usually easy.
Passport and ID Requirements
Even though Belgium and the Netherlands are both in the Schengen Zone, you still need to carry a valid ID or passport. Dutch citizens can use their Dutch ID card, and non-EU citizens must carry a passport and sometimes a visa, depending on their nationality.
Always make sure your documents are valid for the full travel period to avoid problems at check-in.
Currency and Payment Options
Belgium uses the Euro, just like the Netherlands, so you do not need to change money. At the airport, you can pay by card or cash, and most shops accept credit and debit cards.
If you want to buy something at the airport, like food or gifts, you can use your Dutch bank card without any extra fees in most cases.
Is It Worth Flying via Brussels Charleroi Instead of a Dutch Airport?
Now that you know all the benefits, you may still ask: is it really better to fly from Charleroi? Let’s compare.
Comparing Prices and Airlines
If your priority is price, Brussels Charleroi usually wins. Airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air are cheaper here than at Dutch airports. Also, if your destination is not served by Dutch airports, you may find it only at Charleroi.
Many Dutch travelers check both Schiphol and Charleroi when booking flights. Very often, the difference in price is large, especially if you book in advance.
Specific Destinations with Better Access from Brussels Charleroi
Some cities have direct flights from Charleroi, but not from the Netherlands. Examples include smaller cities in Eastern Europe, Spain, and Italy. If you want to fly to cities like Cluj-Napoca, Palermo, or Zaragoza, Brussels Charleroi may be your best or only option.
So, if your goal is to find the best deal and fly to a city that is not served from Schiphol or Eindhoven, Charleroi is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, Brussels Charleroi Airport is a great alternative for travelers from the Netherlands. It offers low prices, many destinations, less stress, and is easy to reach by car, train, or shuttle.
If you are planning a trip soon, consider flying from Brussels Charleroi. You might save time and money, and enjoy a smoother travel experience.
Do you want to discover more travel tips, airport guides, and cheap destination ideas? Then be sure to read our other blog posts on this website. We have many useful articles that can help you travel smarter and cheaper.
