Charleroi Airport Brussels South (CRL) to Aachen

The drive from Charleroi to Aachen

The route covers 139 km (87 miles) and typically takes 1 h 37 m. It runs east across Wallonia and crosses the border into Germany near Aachen. This is an occasionally booked route, so a pre-arranged driver is a practical alternative to piecing together connections yourself. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours around Liège and the Aachen ring roads, and in bad winter weather.

Meeting Point

Your driver waits at Starbucks with a personalised name sign. The spot is easy to find once you have collected your luggage and entered the arrivals area.

Choosing the right vehicle

For solo travellers, couples and small families, a private taxi is the simplest option, with versions for 1-3 or 1-4 passengers. Groups can choose a private minibus with 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 or 64 seats, which suits business delegations, tour parties, school trips and sports teams. Pick the size that gives everyone room for their luggage, and if you are unsure, choose the next category up.

Aachen at a glance

Aachen sits in the far west of Germany, close to the Belgian and Dutch borders. It is best known for its cathedral, the burial place of Charlemagne and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also known for its thermal springs, its historic town hall and its technical university. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot, and the local Aachener Printen gingerbread is a popular souvenir.

Where to stay in Aachen

Aachen has a good range of established hotels, and these are among the best known:

• Pullman Aachen Quellenhof, a large hotel near the city park and the Eurogress congress centre.
• Aquis Grana Cityhotel, in the old town close to the cathedral.
• Mercure Hotel Aachen Europaplatz, a convenient base for business visitors.

Give your driver the full hotel name at booking so the drop-off goes smoothly.