• Nothing Found

Getting from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges

The city of Bruges is served by two airports, one of which is Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). Situated 150 kilometers south of Bruges, arriving passengers can choose between four main transport options from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges: a taxi, a private transfer, a bus, or a combined bus and train journey.

Opting for a Charleroi Airport taxi is the quickest and most expensive option, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes for a door-to-door ride. Or, if you prefer a fixed fare rate and 24/7 customer support, you can pre-book a Brussels Charleroi Airport transfer instead.

The cheapest option is a 2-hour bus ride, although there can be lengthy wait times. Otherwise, if you don’t mind making a transfer, you can take a bus part of the way, before switching to a train. This is also a great budget option, and you’ll reach your destination in just over 2 hours – not including wait and transfer times.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Brussels at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY Action
Taxi €270 100min 24/7
Bus & Train €58.40 125min 05:30–22:25
Bus €39.80 120min 07:00–00:30
Welcome Airport Transfer €238 100min 24/7

How to get from Charleroi Airport to Bruges by taxi

The quickest way to get from Charleroi Airport to Bruges is to take a Charleroi Airport taxi. Local taxis can be taken from right outside the airport terminal at any time of day, with no booking required. Vehicles can generally seat up to four passengers, and the journey to Bruges city center takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

How much is a taxi from Charleroi Airport to Bruges?

Brussels taxi drivers charge using a taximeter, so the fee will be calculated using the time and distance traveled. The local council sets a minimum and maximum fare rate, and companies are then free to set their own prices within that range, resulting in variances between different drivers. 

Nevertheless, you can expect your Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges taxi to cost between €270 and €405 for up to four passengers, not including road tolls or surcharges. 

For a competitive flat rate fee, we suggest booking a Welcome Pickups transfer in advance. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re going to pay.

Cost

€270

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 40 Min.

*Taxi prices can vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Charleroi Airport taxis are available 24/7 and can be booked in advance or taken from one of the taxi ranks outside the airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

You can pick up a taxi at Brussels Airport to Bruges in front of the main exit to the Arrivals Hall. It’s also possible to book your taxi online, in which case, you’ll be told where to meet your driver.

Convenience

Holidays give you the chance to take a break and relax. By opting for a taxi on arrival, you can do exactly that. Traveling by car means you can swap the hustle and bustle of public transport for a hassle-free, door-to-door service. However, this does come at a higher cost and may not be suitable for backpackers or solo travelers.

Editor’s Note

If you’re traveling in a group, you can share the cost of the taxi to make it more affordable.

Useful Tips

The city centre of Bruges is largely car-free, so your driver may need to drop you somewhere nearby if they’re unable to access your destination directly.
Some taxi drivers may not speak very good English, so it might be useful to have the name of your hotel written down on ready to show to your driver on your phone.
Standard taxis often offer cheaper per-kilometer rates when booked in advance.

Getting from Charleroi Airport to Bruges by train and bus

Given the cost of a taxi, most people rely on public transport to reach their hotel in Bruges, and one of the most popular ways to travel is by train. However, since there isn’t a direct train from Brussels Airport to Bruges, you’ll first need to catch the TEC A1 bus to the nearby Charleroi Centrale Station, which takes around 20 minutes. 

From there, you can jump on an IC train to Bruges, with one change at Bruxelles-Midi. The train journey will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes, bringing the total journey time to just over 2 hours, excluding wait and transfer times.

How much will the bus and train from Brussels Airport to Bruges cost?

The special combined Charleroi Airport Ticket, which is valid for both the TEC bus and the IC train, costs €29.20 one-way. This ticket can be purchased from the machines next to the TEC bus stop outside the airport. Alternatively, if you buy each ticket separately, the cost for the bus ticket from Charleroi Airport to Charleroi Centrale will be €6, and the cost for the IC train ticket from Charleroi Centrale to Bruges is €26.

This ticket option can also be used for your return journey from Bruges to Brussels Airport.

Cost

€29.20

Trip Duration

2 Hrs. 5 Min.

Buses and trains depart every 30 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

The TEC A1 bus is available on weekdays and weekends between 04:30 and 23:30. The IC trains are available every 30 minutes between 04:27am and 22:25pm on weekdays and between 05:05am and 22:09pm on weekends.

Where do I get the bus and train from?

The TEC A1 bus stop is called Gosselies Airport and is located in front of the terminal exit. The TEC A bus will take you to Charleroi Centrale Station, where you can hop on an IC train toward Bruges. 

Note that several trains make a stop at Bruges, so it may be worth checking with a staff member which is the next best service.

Convenience

Traveling by train and bus requires multiple changes and the willingness to navigate several timetables. Moreover, during peak hours, trains can become crowded, which can make the journey somewhat uncomfortable for those with luggage. 

Nevertheless, getting from Brussels Airport to Bruges by train can often be quicker than taking the direct shuttle bus as services depart more regularly, although not as quickly, and certainly not as comfortably as a pre-booked Chaleroi Airport transfer.

Editor’s Note

Although the buses and trains from Charleroi Airport to Bruges operate on weekdays and weekends, they don’t operate at night. If you’re landing during the early hours of the morning, a taxi might be the best option.

Useful Tips

Pickpockets are known to operate at some of the busy train stations, particularly Bruxelles-Midi, so make sure you keep an eye on your personal belongings.
To get from the train station to your hotel, you can opt for a GreenRides Bicycle Taxi. The bikes are electric and are able to operate in the car-free areas of the city center.
You can buy a single bus ticket from the bus driver. However, if you want to buy the combined Charleroi Airport Ticket for the bus and the train, you’ll need to purchase this from the ticket machines.

How to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges by bus

The cheapest way to travel from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges is via the Flibco shuttle bus. The bus takes 2 hours, sometimes stopping at Brussels Midi Station to pick up extra passengers. Coaches are large and comfortable, with plenty of storage for luggage.

How much is the bus from Charleroi Brussels Airport to Bruges?

Tickets for the Flibco bus start at €19.90 per person for a one-way journey when purchased online. If you purchase a ticket on the day from the driver, the cost will be higher.

Cost

€19.90

Trip Duration

2 Hrs.

The wait time for the bus is between 1-2 hours.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Flibco shuttle buses depart daily between 07:00 and midnight.

Where will my bus depart from?

Your Bruges shuttle bus will depart from the bus stop in front of Terminal 1, right by the exit. In Bruges, the drop-off location is in the Kiss & Ride zone at Bruges Station.

Convenience

As a far more affordable alternative to a taxi, the bus provides a regular and comfortable service, directly to the heart of Bruges. With plenty of available storage, this option is great if you have heavy bags and don’t want the hassle of connecting to another train or bus. The downside is the lengthy wait time between each bus, which might not be ideal for day visitors.

Editor’s Note

The bus is ideal for solo and budget travelers, and for those not in a hurry who are happy to enjoy the view along the way.

Useful Tips

Children under the age of 4 can travel for free with an accompanying adult.
Flibco buses are not wheelchair accessible.
Tickets for the Charleroi to Brussels route can be used for any time on the date you have booked, so if your flight is delayed, you can simply hop on the next bus.

How to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges by private transfer

If you’re looking for a safe and reliable way to reach your hotel or accommodation in Bruges, a private transfer is easily the best option. With a Brussels Charleroi Airport transfer, you’ll be delivered directly to the door of your hotel by a trained, English-speaking driver.

Private transfers, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, are the only fully customizable transport option, which means your ride can be tailored to suit you and your group’s needs, with extra perks such as:

  • 24/7 customer support
  • Competitive fixed-fare pricing
  • An airport meet-and-greet
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed on-time pickup
  • Flexible cancellation

 

On top of that, your driver will give you a mini tour of Bruges along the way, while sharing some of their insider tips and tricks on things to see and do in the area.

How much is a private transfer from Brussels Airport to Bruges?

One of the advantages of booking a private transfer is receiving an upfront fixed-fare quote that you can pay for before traveling. Unlike a metered taxi, where the final cost can be affected by traffic, tolls, and surcharges, your bespoke quote is fully inclusive and final.

For instance, the price of your Brussels Charleroi Airport transfer will cost €238 for four passengers in a stylish sedan, or €259 for an air-conditioned minivan for eight people. For those traveling in a larger group, a spacious minibus with room for up to 12 passengers and their luggage will cost €584.

Booking with Welcome is easy and can be done in less than a minute, either online or via the app. Just enter your flight information, fill in a few personal details, and select a time that suits you best.

Cost

€238

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 40 Min.

*When booked in advance, a vehicle will be ready on arrival.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged from Charleroi Airport 24/7.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After collecting your luggage, you’ll enter the Arrivals Hall to find your driver waiting to greet you. After a warm welcome, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected private vehicle. All Welcome Pickups drivers speak fluent English, so feel free to ask any questions about Bruges along the way.

Convenience

For less than the price of a standard taxi, a private transfer offers a comfortable ride with lots of additional benefits. You won’t need to worry about finding your way around the airport on arrival, the language barrier, or rushing to catch a train or bus with heavy luggage or children. Instead, you can sit back and relax knowing that everything has been taken care of for you.

Editor’s Note

Private transfers are not only more affordable than taxis, but they're also more convenient and reliable.

Useful Tips

Your private transfer is fully customizable, which means requests and additions such as a baby seat or wheelchair-accessible vehicle can all be accommodated.
Welcome drivers know the city well, ensuring there are no hiccups along the way.
At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
Private transfers can be quite affordable especially if you're calculating it out per-person.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Brussels. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more

Prices

DAYTIME
€€173
NIGHTTIME
€€173
Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges?

The best way to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges is with a Brussels Airport transfer. Cheaper than a local taxi but just as fast, with a private transfer, you can be dropped directly at your hotel in 1 hour and 40 minutes without having to stand around waiting at the airport.

How much is the train ticket from Brussels Airport to Bruges?

You can purchase a combined Charleroi Airport Ticket for €29.20, which include a one-way journey on the bus and train. Alternatively, you can buy each ticket separately for a combined price of €32 per person. 

Does Brussels Charleroi Airport have a train station?

Charleroi Airport doesn’t have a train station, so it’s not possible to take a direct train from Brussels Airport to Bruges. Nearby stations include Charleroi Sud and Charleroi Centrale Station, which you can reach by bus or taxi in around 20-30 minutes.

 

How much is a taxi from Brussels Charleroi Airport to Bruges?

Most local taxis use a taximeter, so there isn’t a flat-rate fee. The average cost of a taxi from Brussels Airport to Bruges will be between €270 and €405 for up to four passengers, excluding tolls and surcharges.

Was this helpful?

Pre-book online