Private Airport Transfers in Belgium

Belgium has two international airports serving the Brussels region — Brussels Airport (BRU) in Zaventem, 14 kilometres northeast of the city, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), 55 kilometres south of Brussels and the main hub for Ryanair. The two airports serve very different passenger profiles: BRU handles full-service airlines and business travel; CRL handles budget leisure travel, with the crucial catch that "Brussels South" is actually in Charleroi, an industrial city with no direct rail connection to Brussels. A pre-booked private car transfer is the most direct option from CRL to Brussels, Bruges, or Ghent — with a confirmed price before you land.

Brussels Airport vs Charleroi: The Distance Issue

BRU to Brussels city centre: 14 km, 25–40 minutes. CRL to Brussels city centre: 55 km, 55–70 minutes — a significantly longer journey that surprises many budget travellers who chose CRL without checking the distance. CRL to Bruges is 130 km and CRL to Ghent is 95 km. The coach from CRL to Brussels Midi station takes 60–90 minutes. A pre-booked private car from CRL goes directly to your destination without the Midi station connection.

Belgium's Tourism Triangle: Brussels, Bruges, Ghent

Most international visitors to Belgium spend time in Brussels (EU institutions, Art Nouveau, beer culture), Bruges (medieval canals, UNESCO heritage), and/or Ghent (university city, historic centre). All three are within 90 minutes of BRU — private car transfers between airports and any of the three cities are available with a fixed EUR price at booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Charleroi Airport from Brussels city centre?

Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is 55 kilometres south of Brussels city centre — a 55–70 minute drive. Despite the "Brussels South" branding, the airport is closer to Charleroi city (8 km) than to Brussels. The coach transfer (TEC/Flibco) to Brussels Midi takes 60–90 minutes. A pre-booked LocalsRide private car from CRL to Brussels city centre costs approximately €70–90 and goes directly to your hotel without a bus-station connection.

Can I get a private car from Brussels Airport to Bruges?

Yes — a private car from BRU to Bruges (90 km via E40 motorway) costs approximately €120–150 and takes 75–90 minutes. This is a popular route for tourists who land at BRU and head directly to Bruges for the first night of a Belgium itinerary, avoiding the Brussels connection entirely. Group transfers in a minivan are available for 4–8 passengers.

Can I book a private car or minivan for a group from Belgian airports?

Yes — private cars and minivans seating up to 7–8 passengers are available at both BRU and CRL. Group transfers from BRU or CRL to Bruges are particularly popular for hen parties, corporate groups, and family holidays who want a direct vehicle to their destination without changes. Price is fixed per vehicle at booking.

Is there a train from Brussels Airport to the city?

Yes — Brussels Airport has a direct rail connection to Brussels Midi, Centrale, and Nord stations. The journey takes 17–22 minutes and costs approximately €13. For travellers heading to a hotel near a Brussels station, the train is competitive. For destinations in Bruges, Ghent, or outside the rail network, a private car transfer is more direct.