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Air Travel

Air Travel

Wallonia, Belgium

Major Airports & Airlines

Brussels Airport BRU - Zaventem

Belgium's largest international gateway, BRU is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) north of Namur. It serves a wide array of international and intercontinental airlines, connecting to major hubs across the globe.

Airlines & Routes

  • Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines.
  • Direct flights from major global hubs (e.g., New York, Chicago, Asian cities).
  • Higher prices during peak summer (June-August) and holidays.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport CRL

A smaller airport, CRL mainly serves low-cost carriers. It sits approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Namur, offering budget-friendly flights, mainly to European destinations.

Airlines & Routes

  • Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Arabia Maroc, Pegasus Airlines.
  • Predominantly serves cities across Europe.
  • More affordable fares during low season (winter, excluding holidays) or shoulder seasons.

Airport Facilities

Both airports offer shops, restaurants, cafes, car rental, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi. BRU has more extensive facilities.

Flight Deals

Consider services like Dollar Flight Club for flight deals and Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Booking Advice

Book flights in advance, especially for peak seasons, to secure better rates.

Airport Transfers to Namur

From Brussels Airport BRU

  • Direct train service from BRU Airport-Zaventem station to Namur (approx. 1h-1h15). SNCB/NMBS operates.
  • Taxi: Approx. €120-150. Ride-sharing (Uber) also available, fares fluctuate.
  • Car rental at the airport.
  • Train is often the most convenient and cost-effective option.

From Brussels South Charleroi Airport CRL

  • Bus + Train: Take "Bus A" shuttle to Charleroi-Sud railway station (approx. 20 min).
  • From Charleroi-Sud, direct train to Namur (approx. 20-30 min). Total journey ~1h.
  • Taxi: Approx. €60-80.
  • Car rental also available at CRL.

Airport Facilities Summary

Dining & Retail

Both airports feature shops, restaurants, and cafes. BRU offers more extensive duty-free shopping and dining options.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi access is available at both BRU and CRL.

Ground Transportation

Car rental services and taxi stands are located at both airports.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Namur functions as a major railway hub within Wallonia, presenting excellent domestic and international connections. Direct trains link Namur to other major Belgian cities and Luxembourg City.

National & International

  • Frequent and efficient trains connect Namur to Brussels (approx. 1h), Charleroi (20-30 min), and Liège (1h).
  • Direct trains link Namur to Luxembourg City (approx. 1h).
  • Connect to high-speed rail (Thalys, Eurostar) from Brussels for wider European travel.

Bus Services

While trains dominate intercity travel in Belgium, long-distance bus companies like FlixBus operate some routes to and from major Belgian cities. You might find connections that include Namur, but for domestic travel, trains usually are the faster and more convenient option.

Long-Distance & Local

  • Buses often serve routes not covered by trains.
  • Offer more budget-friendly fares for specific international connections.
  • Local TEC buses serve Namur city and surrounding areas.

Car Travel

Renting a car DiscoverCars.com offers flexibility for exploring Namur and its surrounding regions at your own pace. Belgium boasts a dense network of well-maintained motorways and regional roads.

Requirements & Conditions

  • Valid driver's license; International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for non-EU licenses.
  • Minimum driving age is 18; rental companies often require 21 or 25 (with surcharges).
  • Road conditions are good; signage is clear.

Road Safety

Be aware of cyclists, especially on rural roads and in dedicated cycle lanes. Speed limits are strictly enforced by speed cameras. Pay attention to specific parking regulations, specifically in city centers, to avoid fines.

Safety & Rules

  • Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h outside urban, 120 km/h motorways.

Border Crossing Information

  • As Belgium is a Schengen Area member, typically no routine border checks when entering from a neighboring Schengen nation.
  • Random checks can occur, so always carry your passport and relevant travel documents.
  • This allows for smooth cross-border travel by road or rail within the Schengen zone.
  • Your passport must meet Schengen validity requirements (3 months beyond departure).
  • Visa requirements (if applicable) remain the same regardless of entry method.
  • Ensure all vehicle documentation is in order if driving your own car.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Namur is an inland city, situated at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Therefore, direct sea or river arrivals from international destinations are not applicable.

Belgian Coastal Connections

  • Namur does not function as a ferry port or a major cruise port.
  • Belgium has ferry connections from coastal cities like Zeebrugge or Antwerp to the United Kingdom.
  • Travelers arriving by ferry use land transportation (train or bus) to reach Namur from the coast.

River Transportation Options

The Meuse River is navigable, and tourist boat trips are popular for sightseeing in Namur. These cruises present scenic views of the city and Citadel from the water. However, there are no long-distance passenger services for arriving in Namur from other cities via the river.

Local River Cruises

  • River transport within the city is mainly for leisure or local commuting in specific areas.
  • Scenic cruises offer a different perspective of Namur's charm.
  • These services typically operate seasonally, often from spring to autumn.

No Direct Sea Access

Namur is an inland city; direct international sea arrivals are not applicable.

Land Connections from Ports

Any sea arrival to Belgium requires onward land transport to Namur.

Meuse River Cruises

Leisurely boat trips on the Meuse offer scenic views of the city.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied for departing Belgium via air, train, or bus; costs are usually incorporated into your ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

  • Airport: Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure for international flights.
  • Schengen flights: 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • Train/Bus Station: Arrive 15-30 minutes before scheduled departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities for departing travelers largely mirror those for arriving passengers. Both Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) offer shops, restaurants, cafes, and restrooms.

Services Available

  • Duty-free shopping available at airports after security.
  • Lounges and various dining options at BRU.
  • Namur train station provides waiting areas, small shops, and food vendors.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Check-in Online

Online check-in for flights can save time at the airport.

Security Screening

Allocate ample time for security screening, especially during peak travel hours.

Gate Location

Familiarize yourself with your gate location and transit time within the airport.

Smooth Departure

Confirm all flight, train, or bus details and allocate extra time for unforeseen circumstances. Enjoy your journey home.