Roberta Aguirre
Brussels is served by two major international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Both airports have their advantages, but which one is better for you depends on several factors, including your budget, proximity to the city centre, and transport options. Brussels Airport is the larger and busier of the two, offering more destinations and faster public transport services, but it may result in longer security queues. On the other hand, Charleroi Airport is farther from the city centre, but it is served by low-cost airlines and offers a range of food and beverage options, including local Belgian cuisine.
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What You'll Learn
Brussels Airport (BRU) vs Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is served by two major international airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Both airports operate domestic and international flights, but they differ in several key aspects.
Location and Transport
Brussels Airport is located just 7.5 miles from the city centre, making it the closest airport to Brussels. It is well-connected to the city by fast public transport services, including the Belgian Rail, which takes only 17 minutes to reach central Brussels. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a 30-minute bus ride or a 15-minute taxi journey.
On the other hand, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is situated further away, at a distance of 29 miles from the city centre. Passengers can take a shuttle bus from the airport, which takes about 60-70 minutes to reach the Charleroi-Sud railway station. From there, travellers need to use local public transport to reach their final destination in Brussels. The fastest overall journey time from Brussels South Charleroi Airport to the city centre is approximately 38 minutes.
Airlines and Destinations
Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport, is the larger of the two airports and serves as the primary airport for the Belgian capital. It is home to Brussels Airlines and TUI fly Belgium, offering many destinations and handling the majority of Brussels departures. As a result, travellers may experience longer security lines at this airport.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a secondary airport serving Brussels and is the second busiest airport in Belgium. It is known for hosting low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Pegasus Airlines, Wizz Air, and Belavia. The airport also has three flying schools and a busy general aviation airfield.
Dining Options
When it comes to dining, Brussels South Charleroi Airport offers a variety of international options, including American, Italian, and British cuisine. For those seeking local flavours, La Belgique Gourmande in Terminal 1 is a sweet spot for Belgian chocolates, waffles, and confectionery. The airport also has bars serving local craft beers, and Charles' Brewing Company offers traditional Belgian dishes alongside a range of beers.
While specific details about dining options at Brussels Airport were not readily available, it is safe to assume that, as the larger and primary airport, it also provides a diverse range of dining choices for travellers.
In conclusion, both Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) have their advantages. Brussels Airport stands out for its proximity to the city centre and convenient transport connections. On the other hand, Brussels South Charleroi Airport may appeal to travellers on a budget or those seeking low-cost airline options, despite the longer travel time to reach the city centre. When deciding which airport is better, it ultimately depends on individual preferences, travel plans, and specific needs.
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Distance to city centre
Brussels is served by two airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Brussels Airport is the closest to the city centre, situated just 7.5 miles or 12 kilometres away. Using the Belgian Rail service, travellers can reach the centre in 17 minutes. Alternatively, the bus takes 30 minutes, and a taxi takes 15 minutes. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is much further away from the city centre, located 29 miles or 46 kilometres away. The fastest shuttle bus from this airport takes around 38 minutes to reach the nearest train station, and from there, travellers will need to take local public transport to reach the city centre.
Brussels Airport is the primary airport serving Brussels and is the larger of the two. It is also known as Zaventem Airport or Brussels National Airport. As it handles the majority of Brussels' departures, security lines can be longer, so it is important to follow the recommended airport arrival times. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the secondary airport serving Brussels and is the second busiest airport in Belgium based on passenger and aircraft movement. It is home to low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and is known for its variety of food and beverage options, including local Belgian cuisine.
Given the distance and transport options, Brussels Airport is the better choice for those seeking quick and easy access to the city centre. However, Brussels South Charleroi Airport may be preferable for travellers on a tighter budget or those who do not mind a longer journey, as it is known for its low-cost airlines.
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Transport options
Brussels Airport, also known as Zaventem Airport, is the largest and main international airport in Belgium. It is located just 7.5 miles from the city centre. The Brussels South Charleroi Airport, on the other hand, is 29 miles from the city centre. Here are some transport options for getting from either airport to the city centre:
Brussels Airport (BRU)
- Train: The train station is located directly underneath the airport terminal. Trains run frequently to the three major stations in Brussels: North, Central, and South. The journey takes around 17 to 20 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at a counter or ticketing machine, or from the Belgium Rail (SNCB) website. A one-way trip to or from Brussels Airport incurs a "Diabolo surcharge" of €6.70.
- Bus: The STIP 12 "Airport2City" Line bus is a cheap option for travelling between the airport and the city centre. The journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes and costs €7. Buses run frequently from 05:00 to 00:30 every day, although there are fewer buses on weekends. Tickets can be purchased using a contactless card or from the vending machines in the Arrivals Hall.
- Taxi: Taxis are available directly in front of the arrival hall and are a convenient option if you want to be dropped off at your accommodation. Official airport taxis have a blue and yellow symbol on the bonnet. It is recommended to carry small coins for payment, as drivers rarely carry notes smaller than €20.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
- Bus: There is a shuttle bus service from the airport to the Charleroi-Sud railway station, which takes 60-70 minutes. From there, you can take a train to the city centre.
- Train: The fastest train journey from Charleroi Airport to the city centre takes about 38 minutes.
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Food and beverage options
Brussels Airport has a variety of food and beverage options to suit different tastes and preferences. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast-food options available, including Belgorama, which serves mediocre but authentic Belgian dishes, and Panos, offering semi-fast food. If you're craving a burger, you can try Quick, a Belgian take on fast-food burgers, which some claim is better than a Big Mac or a Whopper. Alternatively, there's also the option of expensive sushi.
For travellers seeking a more substantial meal, Brussels Airport has a cosy bistro and atmospheric cafés where you can savour the rich taste of Belgian regional beers. Starbucks and EXKi are also available for those who want to start their day with a familiar coffee option or a quick breakfast. If you're looking for something more indulgent, there's a sushi and lobster counter, though it's been noted as being pricey.
One unique dining option at Brussels Airport is Belgorama, offering a taste of typical Belgian cuisine. While some describe the food as mediocre, it provides an authentic experience, akin to dining at chain restaurants like TGI Fridays or Applebee's in the US. Belgorama is located in the Schengen area, so it's accessible if you're travelling to or from a Schengen destination.
In addition to the restaurants and cafés, Brussels Airport also has a supermarket in the arrivals area, which offers cheaper food options. This is a good choice if you're looking for a quick snack or something to eat on the go. The arrival hall also has a café-restaurant, providing a convenient dining option after you've collected your luggage.
Overall, while Brussels Airport may not have a wide variety of highly-rated restaurants, it does offer a range of food and beverage options to suit different tastes and budgets, from fast food to cosy bistros and atmospheric cafés. Whether you're seeking a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a taste of Belgian cuisine, you'll be able to find something to suit your needs during your layover or while passing through the airport.
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Security and immigration delays
Brussels Airport (BRU) has received numerous complaints about its security and immigration procedures. Travellers have reported long wait times, with some claiming that it took them almost two hours to get through immigration and security. In some cases, passengers have missed their flights due to the lengthy immigration lines, with one person stating that at least 100 people missed their flight out. The issue appears to primarily affect non-EU passport holders, who have reported wait times of up to two and a half hours due to slow processing and a lack of staff.
The airport's security system has also been criticised, with travellers reporting long lines and inefficient processes. One person described the security system as "dumb", mentioning that passengers need to get a sticker for their passport from the gate desk, which creates chaos. Another traveller noted that only four out of twelve lanes were open during their security screening, resulting in lengthy delays. The airport's management has been criticised for not adequately planning and accommodating the number of travellers, particularly during peak times.
The immigration process at Brussels Airport is especially challenging for those travelling internationally or transferring flights. One traveller shared their experience of having only 45 minutes to catch their connecting flight, which was risky due to the slow immigration process for non-EU passport holders. They also noted the lack of organisation, with no airport staff directing passengers with upcoming flights to move forward in the queue. Another traveller mentioned that their flight was delayed by almost two hours because 75% of the passengers had not cleared immigration on time.
Brussels Airport's website does provide some guidance on expediting the security screening process. They advise travellers to prepare in advance by placing liquids in a transparent bag, keeping their boarding pass ready, and separating electronic devices from their carry-on luggage. However, it appears that the airport's infrastructure, staffing levels, and management of queues need significant improvement to address the frequent delays experienced by travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Brussels has two major airports: Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Brussels Airport is the closest airport to the city centre, just 7.5 miles away, and can be reached in 17 minutes by train. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is 29 miles from the city centre and can be reached in 38 minutes at the fastest. Brussels Airport is also the largest and main international airport in Belgium, served by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, Pegasus Airlines, Wizzair, TUI Fly, and Belavia. As such, Brussels Airport may be the better option for travellers who want to quickly get to the city centre and have access to more destinations.
From Brussels Airport, you can get to the city centre in 17 minutes by train on the Belgian Rail (Airport-Zaventem railway station). You can also take a bus, which takes 30 minutes, or a taxi, which takes 15 minutes.
From Brussels South Charleroi Airport, you can take a shuttle bus to Brussels, which takes about 1 hour. However, the shuttle bus drops you off at a station where you will need to take local public transport to get to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which is faster but likely more expensive.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport has a variety of food and beverage options, including American chains, Italian and British specialties, and local Belgian cuisine. If you are looking for local Belgian food, La Belgique Gourmande in Terminal 1 is highly recommended.
Yes, there are several other airports near Brussels that you may want to consider depending on your specific needs. These include Antwerp International Airport (56 km from Brussels), Liège Airport (95 km from Brussels), Lille Airport in France (108 km from Brussels), and Maastricht Aachen Airport in the Netherlands (121 km from Brussels).
