Compare car hire at Charleroi Airport with pickup details, rental providers and driving tips for Brussels, Wallonia and Belgium.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is one of Belgium’s busiest low-cost airports and a major arrival point for travellers flying from Ireland. Located around 60 km south of Brussels, it is often used as a budget alternative to Brussels Airport and works well as a starting point for both city breaks and wider road trips across Belgium, Luxembourg and northern France.
Although shuttle buses and trains are available to Brussels, hiring a car at Charleroi is often the easier option if you’re heading beyond the capital or staying in Wallonia.
Flights from Ireland
There are direct flights from Dublin to Charleroi Airport, usually operated by Ryanair.
Flight time is typically around 1 hour 40 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most convenient Belgian routes from Ireland.
Car hire companies at Charleroi Airport
Rental desks are located inside the terminal arrivals area. Vehicle pickup is handled in dedicated car hire parking zones close to the terminal building.
- Hertz – Airport desk with nearby rental parking collection
- Avis / Budget – Shared desk inside arrivals with short walk to vehicles
- Europcar – Large airport presence with on-site vehicle pickup
- Sixt – Popular for business, premium and automatic vehicles
- Enterprise / Alamo – Available at the airport with nearby collection zone
- Thrifty / Keddy – Additional options depending on season and fleet availability
The airport is compact enough for easy navigation, although queues can become longer during peak Ryanair arrival periods.
Collecting your rental car at Charleroi
After baggage reclaim, follow signs for rental services in arrivals. Providers are grouped together, so desk access is straightforward even at busier times.
Once your licence and payment card are checked, staff will direct you to the airport rental car park. Most providers use parking areas within a short walk of the terminal rather than shuttle buses.
Because Charleroi is heavily used by low-cost carriers, several flights often land within similar time windows. This means collection can be slower in early mornings, Friday evenings and holiday weekends.
If possible, pre-completing online check-in or account verification with your rental company can reduce waiting time significantly.
Vehicles commonly rented at Charleroi Airport
Belgium’s road network is modern and compact, so vehicle choice depends more on trip style than road conditions.
- Economy cars – Best for Brussels, short city stays and budget travel
- Compact cars – Practical for regional travel across Belgium
- Family cars – Better for luggage-heavy trips or multi-city routes
- SUVs – Chosen mainly for comfort on longer drives
- Premium vehicles – Popular for business travellers
If you plan to park frequently in Brussels, Bruges or Ghent, smaller vehicles are generally easier to manage.
Driving routes from Charleroi Airport
The airport connects directly to Belgium’s motorway network, making onward travel simple.
- Brussels – around 50 to 60 minutes
- Namur – around 35 minutes
- Mons – around 35 minutes
- Bruges – around 1 hour 40 minutes
- Luxembourg City – around 2 hours
Belgium’s motorway system is dense and usually straightforward to navigate, though traffic near Brussels can be heavy.
Driving tips for Belgium
- Motorways in Belgium are toll-free for standard passenger vehicles
- Traffic congestion around Brussels can be significant during weekdays
- Parking in city centres is often regulated and paid
- Low-emission rules may apply in certain Belgian cities
If you’re driving into Brussels, check parking and environmental access rules before arrival.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Charleroi Airport
Is car hire available at Charleroi Airport?
Yes, several international rental companies operate directly from the airport.
Are rental desks inside the terminal?
Yes, rental counters are located in arrivals.
Where do I collect my rental car?
Vehicles are normally collected from nearby airport parking zones.
How far is Brussels from Charleroi Airport?
Brussels is typically around 50 to 60 minutes away by car.
Are there direct flights from Dublin?
Yes, Dublin to Charleroi is a regular direct route.
Do I need a shuttle bus to collect my car?
No, most rental vehicles are within walking distance.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though booking in advance improves availability.
Are Belgian motorways tolled?
No, passenger vehicles do not usually pay motorway tolls in Belgium.
Is driving in Belgium easy?
Yes, roads are modern and distances between cities are short.
What documents are required to hire a car?
You normally need a valid driving licence, ID or passport, and a payment card in the driver’s name.
Charleroi City
The city of Charleroi is situated in the Hainaut Province in Belgium. It’s proximity to Brussels has meant an influx of visitors over the years due to budget airlines setting up at the airport.
Charleroi by itself has plenty to offer any explorer, and if you do go, don’t foget visit to the Maison Dorée or any of the numerous museums in the city. Fortunately Belgium is a small enough nation in that you can base your self in Brussels and then use your Charleroi Airport car rental to drive to the other major cities in Belgium.
