How to Get from Bruges to Ghent & Vice Versa

Do you need to know how to get from Bruges to Ghent? Or would you rather travel from Ghent to Bruges?

Putting both Bruges and Ghent in your itinerary is a great choice!

Most travellers will only pick one for their journey and we’re glad you aren’t because both cities are absolutely breathtaking.

While Ghent is the fairytale student city with an edge, Bruges is the real-life Medieval town of your dreams.

Both cities have similarities (the canals, the cobblestones, and the old architecture feeling) but are very different overall.

🏆 Our Top Pick: Train from Bruges to Ghent

Any Bruges – Ghent transport is pretty straightforward, whether you choose to drive or go from Bruges to Ghent by train or bus.

In this article, we’ll discuss each option so you can pick the one that is right for you!

Things to Know Before Travelling from Bruges to Ghent 

It’s important to familiarize yourself with important information like transportation options, travel times, and must-see attractions before your trip.

These will ensure a worthwhile Ghent to Bruges journey, whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay.

Let’s simplify the process and make your travel planning easier!

💡 Where is Ghent Located?

Ghent is a city located in the northwest of Belgium, at the junction of two rivers, the Leie and the Schelde.

It is often considered to have a perfect location due to its proximity to various significant places.

Ghent is situated only 50 kilometres away from Brussels. It is the capital of the Flemish Region and the third-largest city in Belgium.

💡 What is the Distance from Bruges to Ghent?

The distance from Bruges to Ghent is approximately 57 kilometres.

These two charming Belgian cities are relatively close to each other, making it easy for visitors to explore both destinations during their trip to the region.

💡 How Long Does it Take to Get from Bruges to Ghent?

With regular traffic conditions, getting from Bruges to Ghent typically takes about 1 hour by car.

However, opting for public transportation, such as trains or buses, can provide a more efficient travel experience with predictable travel times.

💡 What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Bruges to Ghent?

The cheapest way to travel from Bruges to Ghent is by bus, but keep in mind that it takes longer than trains.

💡 What is the Fastest Way to Get from Bruges to Ghent?

The fastest way to travel from Bruges to Ghent is by train.

Trains provide a direct and efficient connection between the two cities, allowing you to reach your destination in the shortest amount of time.

The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes, which makes it the fastest mode of transportation.

Trains run frequently throughout the day, providing flexibility and convenience for travellers.

🏅 Best option TO GET from Bruges to Ghent

Both cities have a low traffic centre and parking is rather costly.

Besides, the journey will only take about 26 minutes while driving should at least take an hour. Click here to book your train ticket!

However, taking the bus is a very close second! The trip will take 90 minutes, but it’s a direct connection and will only cost you €1,60!

4 Ways to Get from Bruges to Ghent

Option 1: Bruges to Ghent by car

Many people travel in their own car while in Belgium. In that case, you’ll obviously want to bring it along with you.

And even if you’re flying in, if you prefer to have your own means of transport, renting a car is a pretty popular choice to travel around the country.

The distance from Bruges to Ghent is 57 km which should take you about 1 hour with regular traffic.

The drive is pretty straightforward, as you only have to take the highway connecting both cities (E40 Brussels – Ostend in the direction of Brussels).

Then you take the connecting highway E17 in the direction of Antwerp where you’ll find the Ghent city centre exit a couple of kilometres along the road.

🚦 Don’t forget that busy traffic is a common issue.

Overall, the usual problematic zones are the highways around Brussels and Antwerp, so if you’re driving the distance between Ghent and Bruges you might get lucky and avoid being stuck.

However, the E40 highway can get quite busy when you get in the vicinity of Ghent, so make sure to add at least half an hour to your schedule if you’re driving during rush hours.

If you don’t have a free parking space included in your accommodation, it might be a good idea to leave your car at one of the 7 parks + ride parking zones.

These free car parks on the edge of Ghent allow you to drop your car close to the highways and use public transport to get into the city.

Option 2: Bruges to Ghent by train

A lot of travellers will prefer to travel around Belgium by train because it’s such a convenient way of transportation.

The Bruges – Ghent train connection is very straightforward with direct intercity trains between both cities.

Bruges is a small city with only one train station and it’s situated a little outside the city centre.

You can walk the 2 km (from the market square to the Belfry), but with luggage, you’ll probably prefer to take a taxi or the bus (every 3 minutes, it takes between 18-22 minutes, € 1,5*).

Ghent has 2 train stations, with Gent-Sint-Pieters being the main hub but about 2,5km outside the city centre, while Gent-Dampoort is a lot smaller but a fairly short walking distance from all the main sights.

There are 5 direct Bruges to Ghent trains travelling every hour, but all are within a 30-minute window (.00 to Eupen, .10 to Genk, .25 to Antwerp, .31 to Brussels Airport & a slow L-train at .33).

Only the one to Antwerp will stop in Gent-Dampoort (it takes 36 minutes to reach the station from Bruges).

There are many train connections between Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort (more or less every 5 minutes).

There’s also a tram in front of the Gent-Sint-Pieters station that will bring you straight to the city centre in 10 minutes, so this is by far the easiest option (#1, take it in the direction of Wommelgem, not Park & Ride).

The Bruges to Ghent train time is 26 minutes.

The earliest train from Bruges to Ghent departs at 4:10 AM, while the last one is around 11:25 PM (on weekdays, weekends might be different).

Always make sure to check the Bruges to Ghent train times, because trains are often less frequent in the early morning or late in the evening.

🚉 You can check the trains from Bruges to Ghent timetable here

Option 3: Bruges to Ghent by bus

The bus connection between Bruges and Ghent is the only direct bus line between 2 major tourist cities in Belgium (This was my childhood bus as I used to live in one of the towns on this route, wave hi when you pass through Maldegem!).

To get from Bruges to Ghent take bus #58 from Bruges station, Katelijnepoort, Gentpoort or Kruispoort (whichever is closest to your accommodation) and prepare to sit back and enjoy the view.

The closest stop to the historical centre of Ghent is Gent St Jacobs. This trip will take about 1h30. You can use this website to plan your trip.

Belgian buses are not convenient to transport luggage. I’m not saying it isn’t possible (because it is, we’ve done it a lot of times), but there is no room to store your suitcase.

You should put it in the middle section of the bus and stay there to keep it from falling.

Especially during school rush hours, the bus from Bruges to Ghent tends to get busy.

💡 Usually, the cheapest bus tickets are the ones you can buy in the app.

All these tickets are valid for 60 minutes, which means you’ll need to use 2 for the Bruges to Ghent distance.

Since this is a long but direct line, it’s actually cheaper to buy a regular ticket (€ 2,5) or a 10-card (€ 16) in a presale store.

There are 83 selling points in Bruges (the big supermarkets, the train station and a vending machine on ‘t Zand amongst others. Find them here.

Note that you can no longer buy tickets from the driver.

Option 4: Bruges to Ghent by taxi

A taxi from Bruges to Ghent will definitely be the most expensive way to travel.

However, if you do not wish to rent a car and prefer to have a private means of transport, a taxi or private transport company might be the best choice for you.

Also if you wish to do Bruges and Ghent in one day, a private transfer is a good option.

It eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or coordinating different modes of travel.

However, it’s important to consider the cost implications and compare them with alternative transportation options before making your decision.

Things to Do in Ghent

🏰 Wander through Ghent’s City Center 

Exploring Ghent’s city centre is a must-do activity while in Ghent.

The historic centre is filled with colourful streets, stunning architecture, and charming canals.

Take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, soak in the atmosphere, and discover hidden gems along the way.

You can discover quaint shops, indulge in local cuisine at cosy cafés, and admire magnificent landmarks like the St. Michael’s Bridge and the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront.

There is a list of options for things to do in Ghent’s city centre that offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

🏰 Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral

Make sure to visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of Ghent.

One of the highlights of the cathedral is the renowned altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyck brothers in the 15th century.

This masterpiece is considered one of the most significant and influential works of early Flemish painting.

Witness the intricate details, vibrant colours, and religious symbolism depicted in this monumental artwork.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a true treasure of Ghent and an essential stop for anyone interested in art, history, and architectural beauty.

🏰 Tour the Castle of the Counts

Step back in time by exploring the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen). This medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Ghent’s history.

Climb the battlements, walk through the castle’s rooms, and learn about its intriguing past.

The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions that provide further insight into the city’s heritage.

🏰 See Breathtaking views from the Ghent Belfry

The Ghent Belfry is a prominent landmark in Ghent and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climbing the Ghent Belfry is a must for panoramic views of the city. It’s a great way to appreciate the city’s beauty from a different perspective.

Go up to the tower and be amazed by the breathtaking view of Ghent’s skyline, including its stunning rooftops, historic landmarks, and scenic waterways.

The Ghent Belfry is an iconic symbol of the city and a must-visit attraction for those exploring Ghent’s rich heritage.

🏰 Explore STAM, Ghent City Museum

Visit STAM, Ghent’s City Museum, to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture.

The museum showcases interactive exhibits, artefacts, and multimedia presentations that provide insights into Ghent’s past, present, and future.

It’s a fascinating journey through the city’s development, urban planning, and social history.

Ghent’s City Museum offers notable exhibits including The City Hall: Power & Glory, The Story of Ghent, and The City as a Canvas.

These exhibits provide additional insights into the city’s history, culture, and artistic expression.

Places to Stay in Ghent

Budget: Hotel Onderbergen

Enjoy Ghent without breaking the bank as it offers comfortable rooms at affordable rates to make the most of your travel budget.

Mid-range: B&B Hotel Gent Centrum

B&B Hotel Gent Centrum provides the perfect base for exploring the city’s attractions and immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere.

Luxury: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Experience luxury at the elegant Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent. With upscale amenities, this hotel guarantees an unforgettable stay.

If you’re looking for more accommodation options like budget-friendly hostels in Ghent, you’re in luck!

The city offers a diverse range of places to stay to suit various preferences and budgets.

How to get from Ghent to Bruges

If you’d like to take this trip the other way around, the same options as above are available.

For travellers with their own car or a rental, driving from Ghent to Bruges is pretty straightforward. The distance from Ghent to Bruges is 57 km and should take you about an hour in regular traffic.

If you prefer private transport but don’t want to drive yourself, you could travel by taxi. This will cost you € 74 for a regular car (4p) or €93 for a minivan (8p). Click here to book your private transport.

The third and best option is to take the Ghent – Bruges train.

The trip from Gent-St-Pieters to Bruges Station will take between 26 minutes, but you’ll have to catch an additional tram (in Ghent) and bus (in Bruges) to reach your accommodation or the historical centre.

The Ghent to Bruges train cost is €6,70 for a regular single ticket. Click here to book your ticket online.

The last option is taking the Ghent to Bruges bus which is not that bad because you can get on and off close to the city centres.

However, it will take a bit lot longer than the train (about 90 minutes) and it’s not very convenient with luggage. Plan your trip here.

FAQs About How to Get from Bruges to Ghent & Vice Versa 

Final Thoughts on Getting from Bruges to Ghent and Vice Versa

When deciding your way of transportation between Bruges and Ghent, consider your preferences.

Do you like to reach your destination as quickly as possible or would it be nice to be able to stop along the way?

Do you mind travelling with others, possibly having to stand up if you’re travelling during rush hour? Is the budget important or do you not mind spending a little extra for more comfort?

Although travelling by car is easy and convenient, parking in the cities can be quite a hassle.

If you don’t need the freedom of your own car, we’d recommend taking the train to travel from Ghent to Bruges or vice versa.

Trains in Belgium are convenient, fast and not overly expensive. The connection between Bruges and Ghent is a great one.

If you’re looking for a good budget option, take the bus. It will take a little longer, but it’s very easy.

If you prefer your own transport and don’t mind spending a little extra, hiring a private driver or taxi is a good idea.

Especially for people travelling in a bigger group, this might be an interesting option.

No matter which option you utilise, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time in Ghent and in Bruges!