Brussels is home to two major airports that serve the busy city. Though both are international, they vary in size, amenities, and specialties, so there are several factors that can help you decide which of the Brussels airports is the right choice for your trip. Here’s what to consider when choosing between Brussels Airport – Zaventem (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).
Brussels Airport – Zaventem (BRU)
Brussels Airport – Zaventem (BRU) is the capital’s primary airport and by far the larger of the two. Many ask if Brussels National Airport is the same as Zaventem, and it is. The airport goes by many nicknames, including Brussels-Zaventem, Brussels Airport and Brussels-National. Because BRU is large and handles the majority of Brussels departures, security lines can be a bit longer here, so it’s important to follow recommended airport arrival times.
If you choose BRU, use KAYAK’s dedicated page to find cheap flights to Brussels Airport and stay up to date on flights and flight status at BRU once you’ve booked.
Location
BRU is only about 7.5 miles from the Brussels city center. You can typically make this journey by taxi in under 20 minutes, making it my preferred method for maximum convenience at a reasonably low cost. Still, several public transportation options are available from this well-connected airport, including both trains and buses. They’re efficient, inexpensive, and quick, with buses taking around 30 minutes and trains as little as 15. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several rental options available at the airport.
Typical flights from BRU
Brussels Airport is the hub for national flag carrier Brussels Airlines, and is a major airport for many other full-service airlines too. While these more upscale airlines tend to make flights more expensive on average at BRU, there are still some lower cost carriers that use the airport and many domestic flights operate from here too.
Lounge facilities
While the number of lounges at Brussels Airport isn’t staggering – there are just four – they’re all better appointed with more seating, services, and food options than those at CRL. Two of these are operated by Brussels Airlines and require same-day tickets on the airlines in addition to an entry fee, but you can buy entry to either of the two Diamond Lounges regardless of airline. Some airlines provide access to the Diamond Lounges with certain fare classes, but note that Priority Pass no longer offers entry to these. The superior lounge scene at BRU can make it a better choice than CRL for business travelers, but I find all of the lounges here a bit lacking, so it’s not worth basing a decision on this alone.
Visit the city center on a layover
Because Brussels Airport is so close to the city center, it’s easy to fit in some sightseeing on a layover of around three hours or more. If it’s your first visit to the city, I strongly recommend heading straight for the Grand-Place to admire the gilded guildhalls of this UNESCO World Heritage site and the bustle in the square between them, which often includes markets earlier in the day.
In the same area you’ll find amusing street art through the surrounding alleys. With a bit more time, you can also squeeze in the European Quarter and consider touring the European Parliament. Heading out during a connection is a great way to make the best use of your time, but be sure you understand what leaving the airport during a layover entails first.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), often simply called Charleroi, is significantly smaller than BRU and therefore offers fewer services for fewer passengers. Still, it remains the second busiest airport in the country and welcomes more than eight million annual passengers. While luxury may be a bit harder to come by here, CRL still offers a full range of amenities, including lounges, dining, shopping, and services like car rentals, Wi-Fi and currency exchange. If you choose this airport, use KAYAK’s flights and flight status at CRL tool to stay up to date.
Location
Charleroi Airport is considerably further from the Brussels city center than BRU. A drive will typically take between 45 minutes to an hour for the roughly 30-mile journey, and there is an inexpensive shuttle bus that completes the route in about an hour. It takes a bit of extra time and effort to reach the city from Charleroi Airport, but the inexpensive nature of average flights here makes it especially appealing to budget travelers, or those hopping around multiple cities. If that’s you, KAYAK’s multi city flight guide can help you make the most of your experience with additional expert tips and tools for arranging and booking.
Typical flights from CRL
CRL is an international airport, but it primarily hosts low-cost and budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair. Because it’s further from the city, this is a great airport for low-cost connecting flights with layovers, when you don’t intend to journey into Brussels anyway. You can easily master both of these with KAYAK’s connecting flights guide and layover guide to manage your time best. But it’s also a great choice for quick getaways like weekend trips, when maximizing your budget may be more important than airport and airline amenities.
Layover lounging
Though facilities are fewer and less luxurious at CRL, there are still two lounges here. You’ll find one in each of the airport’s two terminals, but only for flights remaining in the Schengen Zone (a free-travel collection of many European countries eliminating border control measures like passport checks). The Lounge (yes, that’s the official name of both) does offer a more comfortable place to rest, but I don’t find it worth the cost of entry. Though the fee is less than most airline or airport lounges charge, snacks here are often limited to generic grab-and-go items like whole fruit and small bags of chips and granola bars.
A local bite at CRL
Most of the food and beverage options at Charleroi Airport lean international, from American chains to Italian and British specialties. If you want some local flavor, especially if you’re just connecting here and won’t be leaving the airport at all, I strongly recommend La Belgique Gourmande in Terminal 1. At this sweet spot you can eat your fill of Belgian chocolate, Belgian waffles and all manner of locally made confectionary. Elsewhere, many of the bars serve local craft beers, but Charles’ Brewing Company also serves up traditional Belgian dishes to accompany your brews, and they change daily. Even better, there’s one in each terminal, so you’re in luck wherever you find yourself.
Choosing between Brussels airports
If you haven’t yet decided which Brussels airport is right for your trip, take a look at this quick comparison table to narrow down the key points that could help you choose based on your specific needs.
| BRU | CRL | |
| Distance from downtown: | 7.5 miles | 30 miles |
| Best public transport: | Train (15 minutes) | (Bus, one hour) |
| Flights: | Full range, more long-haul options | Emphasis on short-haul |
| Airlines: | Full range, emphasis on full-service | Primarily low-cost and budget |
| Shopping: | Wide variety | Limited variety |
| Dining: | Many options, including international and local | Smaller variety, emphasis on international |
| Connection consideration: | Most airlines offer seamless connection tickets | Low-cost airlines don’t often connect; will require multiple tickets |
Just before we close
At the end of the day, the decision between BRU and CRL airports may be as simple as where you’re coming from or what your budget is. BRU best serves those looking for more services and comforts, and those taking longer-haul international flights. CRL is ideal for travelers looking to save as much as possible on flights and who are connecting to nearer destinations. Whichever one you choose, remember that it takes about 60 – 90 minutes to travel between BRU and CRL airports, depending on the time of day, so be sure to arrive at the right one when departing or you’ll likely miss your flight.
For a complete collection of expert tips and tools to choose and navigate airports anywhere, KAYAK’s comprehensive airport guide has everything you need.