Brussels to Bruges train with PKP Intercity

Traveling from Brussels to Bruges by Train

Introduction

Traveling from Brussels to Bruges by train is quick, affordable, and enjoyable! I recently took this journey while visiting Belgium without flying, and it’s an easy add-on to a Eurostar trip from London or a wider rail adventure around Europe. Here’s everything you need to know.

Route Overview

If you’re looking to make this same trip, the train departs from Brussels Midi-Zuid Station, the largest in the city, and travels northwest to Bruges in under an hour.

Thanks to its comfort and speed, this is by far the best way to travel between Brussels and Bruges. Buses aren't as comfortable (and often get stuck in traffic), and Ostend-Bruges International Airport doesn’t offer domestic flights within Belgium.

I bought a through-ticket from London to Bruges with a stop in Brussels. The entire journey took just four hours!

Transportation Experience

Omio made the booking experience hassle-free. It’s easiest to book through the app, where you can secure tickets in just a few taps. Your ticket is delivered straight to the app and by email. QR codes are accepted on board, meaning no printing is required. Brussels to Bruges buses are also easy to book with Omio. They take around 1 hour and 30 minutes and may include a stop in Ghent. Since the prices are similar but the journey is longer, I chose the train as the better option for this trip.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

The train departs from Brussels Midi Train Station. This is the biggest station in Belgium and has dozens of food outlets, stores, and amenities. However, if you’re there in the early morning (the station opens at 4:00 AM), these services might not be available.

On a recent trip to the station, I discovered that toilets don’t open until 8:00 AM! Brussels Midi is around 2.4 kilometers from the city center (or a 10-minute train ride). If you’re heading to the city center, some Bruges trains travel there after stopping at Brussels Midi.

Brugge railway station is about a 1.5 km walk to the city center. There are a few cafes in the station, but my recommendation would be to head into the city center and purchase food there.

Schedule & Frequency

You won’t need to wait long to travel from Brussels to Bruges by train. With up to 80 departures per day, trains leave every 10–15 minutes during peak times. They’re generally punctual, but even if there’s a delay, the high frequency means you can easily hop on the next available service.

Onboard Experience & Services

SNCB is the local provider that serves this route. I traveled in Standard Class, and while the seats weren’t as comfy as on most long-distance trains, they were pretty adequate for the hour trip and included power outlets. The Wi-Fi, however, didn’t work during my trip, and there was no restaurant or snack car on board. Since SNCB doesn’t offer food or drink service, you might want to bring your own. Also, you can usually bring up to three pieces of luggage up to 30 kg (combined total) and store your bags above or below your seat. I enjoyed the views of the Belgian countryside as we departed Brussels and made for Ghent, which was another city to add to my bucket list! After departing Ghent, it was only around 20 minutes before we arrived in Bruges.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Since there are so many trains running throughout the day, it’s usually not necessary to book the Brussels to Bruges train far in advance. The only exception is during peak times, such as when the Christmas Markets are on in both cities.

However, if you’re booking a longer journey to Bruges that includes a stopover in Belgium (like the London to Brussels route that I took), it’s a good idea to book as early as possible to secure the best fares and connections.

Here’s a budget breakdown:

• Brussels to Bruges leg of my trip: €7.00
• Belgian fries at Brussels Midi station: €4.50
• Total: €11.50

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check if you need to depart from Brussels Midi or Central: If you’re traveling from another city, it’ll likely be Midi. If you’re staying in Brussels, it might be Central.
• Bring supplies if you’re departing early: Food outlets at Brussels Midi don’t open until later in the day.
• Check for events happening that could make the trains busy: Belgium’s Christmas markets are world-famous, and trains are very busy during this time.
• Stop in Ghent: It’s a beautiful, lesser-visited city and definitely worth a look around if you have time.

Conclusion

Brussels and Bruges are two of Belgium’s standout destinations, and it’s easy to visit them both by train, even as a day trip. With frequent departures and short, comfortable journey times, the train is by far the most convenient option. Just remember to download the Omio app before your trip so you can travel with confidence.

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist, Blogger, and Videomaker

• Bio: I’m a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.