From Ghent to Antwerp and vice versa

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

Ghent and Antwerp are two of the most beautiful cities in Europe. They both have their own unique charms, but there are some similarities between them as well.

Both Ghent and Antwerp are located in Belgium, and they are both home to a large number of historical buildings and monuments. Ghent is especially known for its medieval architecture, while Antwerp is famous for its Baroque buildings.

Any Ghent – Antwerp transport is pretty straightforward, whether you choose to drive or take the train from Ghent to Antwerp.

We’ll discuss each option so you can pick the one that is right for you!

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How to get from Ghent to Antwerp

Best option

The most ideal method of getting to Antwerp from Ghent is by train- especially if you’re looking to avoid traffic and hefty parking fees. The trip only takes about 45 minutes. While technically driving should take you about as long, in reality, it often ends up taking significantly longer due to traffic. Book your tickets in advance by clicking here for a Ghent to Antwerp train!

If you’re travelling with a group, booking a private transport car is your best bet. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone else worry about the luggage and get you to where you need to go. Check out the prices for private transport here. You can book a private transport for as low as €79!

Option 1: Ghent to Antwerp by car

Many people in Belgium travel by car. Even if you’re flying into the country, renting a vehicle is a popular way to explore the country.

If you’re driving on a regular day with no traffic, it would approximately take 45 minutes to drive the 55 km distance between Ghent and Antwerp.

However, the main route you should take to cover the Ghent to Antwerp distance will almost always be clogged with traffic, thus resulting in delays that can last from 70 minutes to 80 minutes or more on bad days.

The most direct route between the two cities is via the E17 highway.

Don’t forget that heavy traffic is a typical problem. The E17 section from Kruibeke (though traffic jams can build up until Haasdonk) to the Kennedy tunnel is the most difficult part of your journey. At any time of day, you may anticipate problems. Only if you travel the Ghent-Antwerp stretch after dark, at night, or on Sundays, you’ll probably face a clear road.

If you don’t have a free parking space provided by your host, one of the 9 park + ride parking lots might be a smart choice, that way you can avoid driving in the centre. This is also a great option if your car is too old to enter the city (low emission zone).

There are several free car parks on the outskirts of Antwerp where you may leave your car and use public transportation to get into town. Keep in mind that these car parks are not guarded/secured (however, we’ve never had any problems).

This page shows a clear overview of the different park + ride spaces and their respective means of public transport to bring you to the centre.

The easiest P+R when you’re coming from the E17 is P+R Linkeroever. A direct tram brings you to the historical centre in as little as 10 minutes.

Option 2: Ghent to Antwerp train

Many travellers find that taking the train is the most convenient way to get around Belgium.

Going from Ghent to Antwerp by train is easy since there are direct intercity trains between the two cities.

The journey by train from Ghent to Antwerp takes approximately 50 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the station or in advance online.

Ghent has two train stations, with Gent-Sint-Pieters being the major station, which is about 2.5 kilometres from the city centre. As opposed to Gent-Dampoort, which is located within walking distance of the city centre.

There are two train stations in Antwerp: Antwerpen-Centraal is the main station, while Antwerpen-Berchem is a bit outside of the city centre. On their way to Antwerpen-Centraal from Ghent, all trains pass through it (they don’t go everywhere though). Every day, there are 56 trains departing from Ghent to Antwerp.

Every hour, there are four direct trains from Ghent to Antwerp. The ones departing at .27 take 56 minutes, whereas the ones leaving at .11 and .53 are a little slower at 1h01 minute. There are the timetables of Gent-Sint Pieters.

If you leave from Ghent – Dampoort it will be a shorter trip (47-52 min). The train from Ghent-Dampoort leaves at .02, .19 and .36 per hour.

The earliest Ghent – Antwerp train departs at 4.27 A.M., while the last one leaves at 23.07 A.M (on weekdays, weekends might be different).

Make sure to check the Ghent to Antwerp train schedule since trains are frequently fewer in the early morning and late at night. You can check the trains Ghent – Antwerp timetable here.

A one-way train ticket from Ghent to Antwerp for adults costs €11,90, and a return ticket is the same price.

If you’re under 26 years old, a one-way train Ghent to Antwerp Go pass 1 ticket is only €6,60, while a return trip would cost you only €13,20.

Moreover, up to four children 12 years old or younger can ride for free with each paying adult. To avoid waiting in line at the station, you should book your tickets online in advance. Click here to book your tickets for the train from Ghent to Antwerp.

Option 3: Ghent – Antwerp bus

Local bus

The distance between Ghent and Antwerp by bus is lengthy and complex. The only reason you should go through this trouble is if you’re searching for the most cost-effective choice.

For the first part of the journey, take bus #27 from Gent Sint Pieters towards Dendermonde. Get off after 57 minutes at Dendermonde Oude Vest.

Then continue on with bus #91 towards Sint-Niklaas. After 15 minutes get off at Hamme Driebruggenplein.

Ultimately, take bus #99 which goes from Hamme to Antwerp Linkeroever (Halewijnlaan), which takes approximately 52 minutes. This means the total time for the bus from Ghent to Antwerp is 3h23 in total.

Belgian buses don’t have a lot of space to store luggage, so if you’re traveling with suitcases, it’s best to put them in the middle of the bus and stay there to make sure they don’t fall. Especially during school rush hours, Belgian buses can get pretty crowded.

The De Lijn-app usually offers the cheapest bus tickets.

A ten-card ticket is the most cost-effective method of transportation since it will set you back €17. The regular m-ticket costs €1.80, while a €2.50 (+ fee) text message is an option as well.

All of these tickets are good for 60 minutes and must be used at least three times between Ghent and Antwerp. This means the minimal cost for bus travel between Ghent and Antwerp is €5,10.

You can also buy 10-cards or regular tickets at De Lijn sale points or vending machines (find where they are on this website).

You cannot purchase tickets from the driver.

Flixbus

Another option is travelling by Flixbus. This company offers direct buses from Ghent to Antwerp, from €4 per person. Select your bus seats here.

There are 3 to 4 buses per day. Most of them will take an hour to get you to your destination.

Option 4: Taxi from Ghent to Antwerp

Brussels to Antwerp by taxi will unquestionably be the most expensive mode of transport. You can check the taxi rates and other modes to travel from Brussels to Antwerp and vice versa here.

However, if you don’t want to rent a vehicle and prefer a private means of transportation, a taxi or private transportation firm may be the ideal alternative for you.

If you wish to visit Antwerp in one day, hiring a private transfer might be a good idea.

It may also be less expensive than taking the train if you travel from Ghent to Antwerp with family or friends.

A standard car costs €62 (3 persons) or €122 (for an 8-person minivan). Click here to book your private transfer.

How to get from Antwerp to Ghent

If you want to go the other way around, you have the same options.

Driving from Antwerp to Ghent is quite simple for those with their own vehicle or a rental. The distance between Antwerp and Ghent is 59 kilometres, and it should take you about 45-50 minutes in regular traffic.

You could travel by taxi if you want private transportation but don’t want to drive yourself. This will cost you € 62 for a regular car (3p) or €122 for a minivan (8p). Click here to book your private transport.

The third best option would be to take the train from Antwerp which then would get you to Ghent in approximately 50-60 minutes, give or take depending on your destination within Ghent and what kind of train it is. The train from Antwerp to Ghent costs €11.90 for a regular single ticket. Click here to book your ticket online.

Alternatively, you may take the bus from Antwerp to Ghent, which is only an option if you’re searching for the lowest price. It will take much longer than the train (approx 3.5 hours), and with baggage it’s not very practical. Plan your trip here.

The last option would be taking the Flixbus. Which is cheaper than the train and will last you as long to get there. Book your ticket here.

Frequently Asked Questions  

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Final words

Consider your preferences when deciding between Ghent and Antwerp as a method of transportation.

Do you want to get there 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 cost a concern for you or are you fine with spending a bit more for more comfort?

Travelling by car is both simple and convenient, but finding parking in cities may be tough.

If you don’t need the flexibility of your own vehicle, we suggest taking the train from Antwerp to Ghent or vice versa.

Trains in Belgium are quick, quite inexpensive, and not at all inconvenient. It’s very easy to travel between Ghent and Antwerp by train.

The bus is only necessary if you want to have a local experience while remaining within budget.

However, there are many more convenient methods of travel between the cities. Hiring a private car or cab may be an interesting alternative for individuals travelling in a larger group.

Whatever option you pick, you’ll be guaranteed an amazing experience in Ghent and Antwerp! You can also visit Paris, France from Antwerp in this blog.