Your No-Stress Guide to Getting from Brussels to Ghent

Travelling between Brussels and Ghent? We’ll help you discover how to get from one city to the other.

Brussels and Ghent? They’re a no-brainer combo for any Belgium trip.

Most travelers kick things off in Brussels, but if you’re skipping Ghent, you’re seriously missing out. It’s one of our absolute favorite cities, and for good reason. Ghent blends a young, trendy vibe with incredible history—and yes, the sights will blow you away.

Getting between these two gems? Super easy. Whether you’re into driving, hopping on a train, or catching a bus, you’ve got options. The roads are smooth, the connections are quick, and you’ll be in Ghent before you know it.

Here’s a breakdown of your travel choices, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Transportation Options from Brussels to Ghent

1. MOST FLEXIBLE: 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.

I recommend you use Discover Cars to compare the best rental companies for your travel dates.

The distance from Brussels 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 between both cities (E40 Brussels – Ostend).

Then transfer to 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.

Keep in mind that traffic jams are no exception. Overall, the major problematic zones are the highways around Brussels and Antwerp, so if you’re driving the Brussels-Ghent distance you might get lucky and avoid being stuck.

However, make sure to add at least half an hour to your schedule if you’re driving during rush hours.

🚗Check rates for rental cars here

Parking in Ghent

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.

Keep in mind that these car parks are not secure (however, we’ve never had any issues).

🚘 Read more about the different Park&Ride areas here

2. FASTEST OPTION: BY TRAIN

Most travellers will choose to take the train from Brussels to Ghent as it is by far the most convenient way to travel between both cities.

Brussels is a fairly large city and has 3 main train stations to choose from (there is also a Brussels Airport train station and a couple of smaller ones in the suburbs).

All intercity trains stop at the main stations. The 3 train stations in Brussels are called Brussel-Noord/Nord (North Station), Brussel-Centraal/Central (Central Station) and Brussel-Zuid/Midi (South Station).

The last one is where international trains such as Thalys, Eurostar, TGV and ICE serve.

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 only a short walking distance from all the main sights.

There is a direct Brussels – Ghent train to Gent-St-Pieters four times an hour.

There is no direct train to Gent Dampoort. However, there are connections between Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent Dampoort every 5 minutes or so.

Other options if you arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, are to walk into the centre (30 minutes) or take tram line #1 in front of the station.

The Brussels to Ghent train time is 25 min if you’re leaving from Brussels South, 36 min from Brussels Central and 40 minutes from Brussels North.

The earliest trains from Brussels to Ghent leave around 5.30 AM and the last one is around 00.30 AM.

🚉 Check the current BRUSSELS-GHENT TRAIN TIMETABLE HERE

Good to know: If you’re under 26 or over 65, buy your tickets separately. A Youth Ticket to Brussels is €7.50; a Senior Ticket is €8.50. If you’re planning on using the train a couple of times during your trip, buy a Standard Multi ticket. This gives you 10 train tickets that can be shared with others for a fixed price of €9.90 per ticket.

🚆Book your train ticket here

3. CHEAPEST OPTION: BY BUS

Local Bus

Although the local bus is by far the cheapest way to travel around Belgium, it’s not recommended to use this form of transport for this connection.

Buses from Brussels to Ghent offer no direct service, so you’d have to pass through Aalst (70 min, bus #214, get off at the station) and then continue on to Ghent (60 min, bus #96, get off at Gent-Sint-Pieters).

➡️ 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 many times), but there is no room to store your suitcase, so you should put it in the middle section of the bus and stay there to keep it from falling.

Ticket Prices

• Regular ticket: €2,50 (valid for 60 minutes)
• Entire trip cost: €7,50

Good to know: The cheapest bus tickets are the ones you can buy in the app. Other options are smartphone tickets or regular tickets bought at a store. You can no longer buy them from the driver.

Flixbus

Flixbus is another option.

However, they only offer 1 bus a day from Ghent to Brussels and it leaves at 1.15 AM. So, I’m guessing that’s not really an option.

If you believe that’s your cup of tea, though, be my guest and book your trip here.

It’s pretty cheap with prices starting at €4,99, but don’t forget you have to pay an additional service fee.

4. MOST CONVENIENT: BY TAXI

A taxi or private transport from Brussels to Ghent is definitely the most expensive mode of transportation.

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

Besides, it’s a pretty convenient way to travel without having to drag your luggage.

And if you’re travelling as a larger family or a group, this might even end up being not that much more expensive than taking the train!

🚕Check rates for private transport here

How to Get From Brussels Airport to Ghent?

💡 Good to know: The most convenient way to get from the airport to Ghent is by Flibco shuttle bus. With 13 buses a day, there’s definitely one that will fit your flight schedule.   

• Brussels Airport to Ghent by Car: Driving from Brussels Airport to Ghent will take about 55 minutes if you don’t encounter too much traffic.
• Brussels Airport to Ghent by Taxi: If you’re not up to driving by yourself, you can book private transport from Brussels Airport to Ghent. It’s a very convenient way to get to your destination; especially with luggage.
• Brussels Airport to Ghent by Train: You can take a direct train from the airport to Gent-St-Pieters every 30 minutes. The journey takes 1 hour.

Additionally, it’s possible to take a train to one of the 3 main stations in Brussels (North, Central, or South) – there should be one every 10 minutes or so – and then take the intercity train to Ghent.

All trains from and to the airport require a Brussels Airport Supplement, also known as “Diabolo fee”. This makes a regular ticket for trains from Brussels Airport to Ghent €21.20.

🚕Book your train ticket here

• Brussels Airport to Ghent by Bus: there’s no Flibco shuttle bus at this moment between the national airport and Ghent. There’s only 1 Flixbus per day that takes 3,5 hrs. Local buses are possible but count 3+ hours and 3 connections. So all in all, I’d say taking the bus is a no-no.

Things to Do in Ghent

There are so many things to do in Ghent that you can easily spend 2 or 3 days. But if you only have time for a day trip from Brussels to Ghent, the city is more than worth a visit too. These are my 3 top things you shouldn’t miss!

• Take a Boat Tour: Cruise Ghent’s canals for killer views and a slice of history on the city’s waterways. From medieval landmarks to hidden gems, you’ll soak it all in as your guide spills fun stories and fascinating facts about Ghent’s rich past.
• Visit Gravensteen Castle: Step into the medieval world at Gravensteen Castle, where towering walls and ancient rooms hold centuries of stories. Wander through dungeons, climb the battlements for epic views, and dive into the drama of Ghent’s past. TIP: don’t miss the audio guide!
• Wander through the city center: Admire Ghent’s stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively squares. Highlights include the Belfry, Saint Nicholas’ Church, and plenty of cafes and shops to explore along the way.

Where 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.

🚆Book the HOTEL ONDERBERGEN HERE

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.

🚆Book the B&B HOTEL GENT CENTRUM HERE

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.

🚆Book the PILLOWS GRAND BOUTIQUE HOTEL REYLOF GHENT HERE

Conclusion: How to Get from Brussels to Ghent

Choosing your transport depends on your priorities: speed, budget, or flexibility.

• Train: The Brussels-Ghent train is fast, affordable, and hassle-free—perfect if you don’t need a car.
• Car: Driving offers freedom to stop along the way but can be tricky with city parking.
• Private Driver or Taxi: A comfy option, especially for groups, though it costs more.

Whichever you choose, Ghent’s charm is worth the trip. Enjoy!

👉 Now that you know how to get to Ghent, make the most of your visit with our guide to spending one perfect day in Ghent—packed with must-see spots, local tips, and hidden gems!