Charleroi Airport (CLR) is known in full as the Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The airport is doing well having recently expanded to a five million passenger capacity and it reached full capacity last year (2010). The airport offers lots of low cost flights and Ryanair has been using it since 1997.
With car hire in Charleroi Airport you can make the half hour drive to Charleroi which is located 46 kilometres to the north. If you wish to stop on the way an interesting attraction is the aeropole science park which is situated near to the airport.
Charleroi Airport Mini Guide
What is There for the Traveller to Brussels?
Despite its reputation as a boring country, Belgium’s capital can certainly keep you entertained. The headquarters of the European Union, the parliament building is open to all to visit upon production of ID. Guided tours are available helping you to find out just where all your VAT and taxes are going. In the rest of the city, a great way to begin is to take one of the many walking tours available with the one around the small ‘old town’ being the most interesting. Have a laugh at the Manneken Pis, a statue of a little boy relieving himself. The statue is now regularly dressed in costumes provided by members of the public. Finally, with Belgium so well known for its beers, take a brewery tour and finish by sampling some of the excellent fruit beers.
How do I get into Brussels?
There are two main airports, Brussels International and Brussels Charleroi. Whilst the International is the biggest and deals with national carriers, Charleroi is very popular with budget travellers who arrive on low cost carriers such as Ryanair, the biggest operator at the airport who fly several routes from the UK. As usual with such airports, it’s a little further from the city but the thirty mile journey is made easily by shuttle to the railway station with trains directly into Brussels or by national coach company. Car hire is also available at the airport.
What is the Airport Like?
It’s modern and reasonably big but it is already operating at overcapacity and with no immediate plans to extend operations there. Inside it looks a little like it’s still under construction but the public areas are clean and bright, if a little claustrophobic.
What Should I do When I Arrive at Charleroi?
There are no straight-to-terminal corridors at Charleroi so you’ll need to anticipate a walk from the plane to the terminal which will involve a number of steps. If you struggle with movement, you can get help from the plane door but you must ask your airline well in advance. Once inside, you’ll find the terminal building is compact and self-contained. Information desks are available should you need directions or tourist or transportation advice. Baggage reclaim is on the level below the gates and there too you’ll find the desks of car hire companies should you have pre-booked a rental car. Buses stop outside the terminal buildings for journeys into Charleroi or to the station for onward trips to Brussels. If you need currency there’s a bureau de change in the right hand corner of the airport as you face the exit.
What can I Expect When I Leave Charleroi for Home?
You’ll need to hand over your luggage first unless you’re travelling with only a flight bag. With boarding pass in hand you can now spend the rest of your time there at the newsagent/bookstore or visit the large duty free which also has a great selection of Belgian chocolate. Eating options are limited at the airport with just three outlets but it’s possible to get a good meal at the restaurant called ‘Paul’. Chargeable Wi-Fi is available at the airport so you can check emails or social networking sites.
Car Rental Charleroi Airport Useful Links: