Belgium Airports Guide: Where You Land and How to Travel On
Landing in Belgium is usually the easy part. The real challenge begins a few minutes later — when you step out of the terminal with your luggage, try to get your bearings, and realise that “Belgium Airport” is not just one place.
Depending on where you land, the experience can be very different. Brussels Airport puts you close to the capital and major cities, while Charleroi often means a longer drive, especially late at night. Smaller regional airports can be surprisingly convenient — or completely impractical — if you don’t know what to expect.
Understanding how Belgium’s airports are laid out, and how people usually travel from each of them, can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress right at the start of your trip.
Belgium Airports at a Glance
How Many Airports Are There in Belgium — and Which Ones Actually Matter
On paper, Belgium has several airports spread across the country. In practice, only a few of them play a real role for most travellers. The difference usually comes down to distance, transport options, and how easy it is to continue your journey once you land.
For international flights, almost all passengers arrive through Brussels Airport or Brussels South Charleroi. These two handle the vast majority of scheduled and low-cost flights and are the main gateways for both tourists and business travellers. Choosing between them often affects not just ticket price, but also travel time, comfort, and how late you might arrive at your hotel.
The remaining airports are smaller and more specialised. Some are convenient for specific cities or regions, while others mainly serve charter flights or business aviation. They can be a smart choice in the right situation — but only if you know what to expect once you’re on the ground.
Understanding which airports truly matter, and when the smaller ones make sense, helps avoid unnecessary transfers and long, tiring journeys after landing.
Belgium’s Main International Airports
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) BRU
Brussels Airport is the country’s main international gateway and the point of arrival for most long-haul and full-service European flights. Located just outside the capital, it offers the most straightforward access to Brussels and many other Belgian cities.
For travellers heading into Brussels, the journey is usually short and uncomplicated. The airport is close enough that reaching the city centre rarely feels like an extra leg of the trip. This is one of the reasons Brussels Airport is often preferred for business travel, short stays, and first-time visitors.
Beyond the capital, Brussels Airport also works well as a starting point for trips to Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, and Bruges. Its central position makes it a practical choice if you plan to move around the country rather than stay in one place. Many travellers appreciate knowing that once they leave the arrivals hall, the rest of the journey is predictable and doesn’t involve long detours or multiple changes.
Transport options from Brussels Airport are varied, but the main advantage is reliability. Whether you continue by train, taxi, or a pre-arranged transfer, travel times are generally stable and well suited to both daytime and late-evening arrivals.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is best known as Belgium’s main low-cost hub. It serves a large number of budget airlines and is often chosen for cheaper flight tickets, especially for short European routes. The trade-off is its location, which is significantly farther from Brussels than many travellers expect.
Despite the name, the airport is not in Brussels itself. Reaching the capital or other major cities usually means a longer drive, and travel times can quickly increase during peak hours or late in the evening. This is where many first-time visitors underestimate the impact of their airport choice.
Public transport options exist, but they often involve fixed schedules, transfers, or limited availability at night. After a late arrival, long queues or waiting times are common, particularly on busy travel days. For this reason, many travellers prefer to have their onward journey planned in advance, especially when heading to Brussels, Antwerp, or Ghent.
Charleroi Airport can still be a good option if the timing and connections work in your favour. Knowing the distance and planning the transfer ahead of time helps avoid turning a cheap flight into an exhausting start to the trip.
Getting from Belgian Airports: What Most Travelers Actually Choose
Once travellers land at a Belgian airport, the next decision is usually the most practical one: how to get to the city, hotel, or final destination without losing time or energy. While Belgium has a well-developed transport network, the choice often depends on which airport you arrive at and when you land.
From Brussels Airport (BRU), many travellers continue by train, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer. The airport’s central location and strong connections make all three options realistic, especially during the day. For those heading straight into Brussels or nearby cities, the journey is generally straightforward and predictable.
Arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) tend to be different. The longer distance to major cities and more limited transport options mean travellers often need to plan ahead. Public transport works for some, but late arrivals, luggage, or tight schedules quickly make private options more appealing.
At smaller airports such as Antwerp Airport (ANR), Liège Airport (LGG), or Ostend–Bruges Airport (OST), choices are usually simpler. These airports are close to their main cities, and most travellers prioritise a direct route over complex connections. In these cases, speed and convenience often matter more than having multiple transport alternatives.
Across all airports, one pattern is clear: travellers value predictability. Knowing how long the trip will take, avoiding unnecessary changes, and arriving directly at the destination tend to outweigh small differences in price — especially after a flight.
Comparing Your Options: Train, Taxi or Private Transfer
For most travellers arriving in Belgium, the choice comes down to three main options: train, taxi, or a private airport transfer. Each can work well in the right situation, but the experience can feel very different depending on timing, luggage, and destination.
Trains are often efficient, especially from Brussels Airport (BRU), where direct rail connections are well integrated into the terminal. They suit travellers arriving during the day with light luggage and flexible schedules. However, trains usually require at least one additional step — walking to the platform, navigating stations, or changing lines — which can be less convenient after a long flight.
Taxis offer a door-to-door option and are easy to understand, particularly at airports close to city centres such as Antwerp Airport (ANR) or Liège Airport (LGG). Availability can vary during peak hours or late at night, and travel times and fares may be affected by traffic conditions. For short, simple trips, taxis remain a familiar choice.
Private airport transfers focus on predictability. The route, travel time, and price are known in advance, which appeals to travellers who prefer a smooth arrival without waiting or navigating local transport systems. This option is often chosen for arrivals at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), late-night flights, family travel, or when timing is critical.
In practice, travellers tend to choose the option that removes the most uncertainty from their arrival — especially when the journey doesn’t end at the airport city itself.
Taxi and Airport Transfer Options from Belgium’s Airports
Getting from the airport is rarely just about distance. Arrival time, luggage, unfamiliar surroundings and the final destination all influence how comfortable or stressful the first part of a trip feels. Taxi and airport transfer services in Belgium vary depending on the airport, the region and the direction you are travelling. Each airport functions a little differently, and travellers naturally adjust their transport choices to match the local reality.
Some airports offer fast access to major cities, while others require longer drives and more planning. Understanding these differences helps travellers choose the most practical option from the moment they land.
Taxi from Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the country’s main international hub and offers the broadest range of onward travel options. Trains, taxis and private transfers are all easily accessible, which makes arrivals feel straightforward even for first time visitors. For trips into Brussels itself or nearby cities, a taxi from Brussels Airport is often chosen for its simplicity and directness, especially when arriving with luggage or after a long flight.
Travellers heading further across the country frequently opt for an airport transfer from Brussels Airport, as it removes the need for changes and keeps travel times predictable. In practice, many people see a Brussels Airport taxi as the easiest way to continue towards cities such as Antwerp, Ghent or Leuven without breaking the flow of the journey.
Taxi from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) operates under very different conditions. While it is popular for low cost flights, its distance from Brussels and other major cities makes onward travel more demanding. This is why a taxi from Charleroi Airport is often considered the most practical solution, particularly for evening or late night arrivals.
Public transport connections are available, but they usually rely on fixed schedules and longer travel times. For many travellers, a Charleroi Airport taxi or a pre arranged Charleroi Airport transfer offers a calmer start to the trip by turning a long arrival into one continuous drive instead of several connections.
Taxi from Antwerp Airport (ANR)
Antwerp Airport (ANR) is compact, quiet and located very close to the city. For travellers landing here, the transition from airport to destination is almost immediate. A taxi from Antwerp Airport usually reaches the city centre within minutes, which is why the airport is popular with business travellers and short stay visitors.
Because distances are short and routes are predictable, an Antwerp Airport taxi service or direct airport transfer is valued mainly for convenience. Travellers appreciate arriving quickly without needing to navigate local transport or unfamiliar stations.
Taxi from Liège Airport (LGG)
Liège Airport (LGG) plays a more regional role and is best suited to travellers whose plans focus on eastern Belgium. For destinations within the city or nearby towns, a taxi from Liège Airport is typically the most straightforward option.
Transport choices are more limited than at larger airports, but this often simplifies decision making. Many travellers rely on a Liège Airport taxi or a direct airport transfer from Liège Airport to reach their destination efficiently, without unnecessary detours or changes.
Taxi from Ostend Bruges Airport (OST)
Ostend Bruges Airport (OST) is closely associated with seasonal travel and the Belgian coast. For those arriving here, a taxi from Ostend Airport provides fast access to coastal resorts or the city of Ostend itself. When Bruges is the final destination, many travellers prefer a direct airport transfer from Ostend Bruges Airport, particularly during busy travel periods.
Given the airport’s smaller size and limited transport connections, having a clear plan for onward travel helps keep the arrival smooth and unhurried.
Taxi from Kortrijk Wevelgem Airport (KJK)
Kortrijk Wevelgem Airport (KJK) is primarily linked to business and private aviation. When passenger flights are involved, a taxi from Kortrijk Airport is usually the most logical way to continue the journey, offering direct access to West Flanders and nearby cross border destinations.
Here, the value of an airport transfer from Kortrijk Wevelgem Airport lies in efficiency rather than choice. Travellers typically prioritise a straightforward route that fits the purpose of their trip and allows them to move on without delay.
When a Private Airport Transfer Makes the Most Sense
There are situations where the choice of transport becomes less about preference and more about practicality. In Belgium, this often happens when timing, comfort, or reliability matter more than saving a few minutes or euros.
A late-night or early-morning arrival is one of the most common examples. Public transport options become limited, and waiting for connections after a long flight can quickly feel exhausting. Having a car ready on arrival removes that uncertainty and gets the journey over with in one step.
For families travelling with children, the arrival experience can set the tone for the entire trip. Managing luggage, tired kids, and unfamiliar surroundings is easier when the route is direct and planned in advance, without transfers or crowded platforms.
Business travellers often prioritise punctuality and predictability. Whether heading to Brussels, Antwerp, or another city, knowing exactly how long the journey will take helps keep schedules on track — especially when meetings start soon after landing.
Transfers also make sense for events and festivals, when demand for transport is high and availability can be unpredictable. Arrivals linked to major gatherings, conferences, or seasonal events tend to be smoother when the onward journey is arranged beforehand.
In these situations, the value of a planned transfer lies less in luxury and more in simplicity: arriving, getting in the car, and continuing the trip without additional decisions.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Travel
A little preparation before landing can make a noticeable difference once you arrive in Belgium. Small details, often overlooked, tend to matter most after a flight.
If possible, it helps to decide on your onward transport in advance. Even when options look simple on paper, factors like arrival time, luggage, or local schedules can change the experience quickly. Knowing what to expect removes the need to make decisions while tired or under time pressure.
Distance can also be deceptive. Airports such as Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) are much farther from major cities than their name suggests. Checking travel times rather than just kilometres gives a more realistic picture of how long the journey will take.
Flight delays are another common concern. Allowing some flexibility — or choosing an option that accounts for changes in arrival time — helps avoid unnecessary stress. This is particularly relevant for late arrivals, when alternatives become limited.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that the first hour after landing often sets the tone for the rest of the trip. A smooth, straightforward transfer makes it easier to start your stay in Belgium on the right foot.
Final Thoughts
Belgium may be a small country, but the choice of airport can have a real impact on how your journey begins. Some airports place you right next to your destination, while others require a longer and more carefully planned transfer. Knowing the differences in advance helps avoid unnecessary detours and last-minute decisions.
Whether you arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU), Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL), or one of the smaller regional airports, the key is understanding what comes next after landing. Travel time, comfort, and predictability often matter more than expected, especially after a long flight.
Taking a few minutes to plan the onward journey makes the arrival experience calmer and more enjoyable. When everything is clear from the start, it’s easier to focus on the trip itself — whether you’re visiting Belgium for business, leisure, or something in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports are there in Belgium?
Belgium has several airports, but most travellers use six civilian airports. In practice, the majority of international passengers arrive through Brussels Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).
Which airport is closest to Brussels city centre?
Brussels Airport (BRU) is the closest major airport to the city centre, located about 12 km away. Travel times are usually short and predictable compared to other airports.
Is Charleroi Airport (CRL) really far from Brussels?
Yes. Despite its name, Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is around 60 km from Brussels. Travel time is significantly longer, especially during peak hours or late at night.
What is the easiest way to travel from Belgian airports at night?
At night or early in the morning, transport options can be limited. Many travellers prefer a direct, pre-planned transfer to avoid waiting times, changes, or reduced public transport schedules.
Are regional airports in Belgium worth considering?
They can be, depending on your destination. Airports like Antwerp (ANR) or Ostend–Bruges (OST) are convenient if you are staying nearby, but they offer fewer flight options than the main airports.
