
Day trip from Bruges to Ghent by train
Why visit Ghent for the day?
Ghent is known for its canals, medieval centre and lively student atmosphere. Historic quays, Gravensteen and Saint Bavo's Cathedral give the city a cultured yet relaxed character.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Brussels to Bruges among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 46m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £16, while a coach costs an average of £19.
Distance: 88 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£16 Average Price Cheapest | £19 Average Price | £14 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare the available ways to get from Brussels to Bruges, with the key details around price, speed, convenience, and direct service.
This is compared to other travel options from Brussels to Bruges:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Brussels to Bruges costing on average £19.
Other travel options to Bruges take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 29m.
Tickets start at around £16 compared to roughly £14 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about -£1. The journey takes 1h 16m versus 1h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
How to get to Bruges from Brussels by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Brussels to Bruges is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
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Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
The most popular day trips by train from Bruges are Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp, Ostend and Leuven. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Bruges on Omio.

Ghent is known for its canals, medieval centre and lively student atmosphere. Historic quays, Gravensteen and Saint Bavo's Cathedral give the city a cultured yet relaxed character.

Brussels mixes stately squares and Art Nouveau buildings with a relaxed café culture and multilingual character. Known as Belgium’s capital and a hub of European politics, it is also closely associated with waffles, chocolate and comic art.

Antwerp is known for diamonds, fashion and the baroque legacy of Rubens. Its compact centre pairs grand guild houses and lively squares with a creative, modern waterfront.

Ostend is Belgium’s best-known seaside city, with a wide beach, busy port and long promenade. It is known for seafood, the art of James Ensor and a coastal character that feels lively yet down to earth.

Leuven is known for its historic university, brewing heritage and energetic student life. Its Gothic centre, led by the Grote Markt and Town Hall, feels grand yet easy-going.
The distance from Brussels to the center of Bruges is too short for flights between the cities and there are presently no coaches on this route. Train is the best option for travelers and there are frequent services every day.
There are several cheap ways to get from Brussels to Bruges. The direct train service is by far the most popular option. All trains leave from Brussels-Midi station which is about 25 minutes on foot to the south of the city center. Travelers can take the Metro (lines 2 and 6) to the station or tram (lines 3, 4 and 51) to the stop nearby in Rue Couverte. Trains arrive at Station Brugge on Stationsplein in the heart of the city. The station is well served by the local bus network and by taxis although most city center attractions are within easy walking distance.
Trains traveling from Brussels to Bruges take about an hour to arrive at Brugge train station. The fastest trains take about one hour while those leaving between midnight and 3:00 a.m. may be slower sleeper services.There are over 50 direct trains on weekdays and slightly fewer at weekends and on public holidays. The first train of the day departs just after midnight and trains leave approximately every 30 minutes till just before midnight the following evening. There are also several services with changes en route, normally at Ghent, allowing travelers to catch trains at almost any time.
Taking the train is the most popular way to travel from Brussels to Bruges since there are not any direct flights offered. Trains are both significantly cheaper and faster than taking a flight when total travel time is taken into consideration. Alternatively, consider ride sharing with BlaBlaCar.
Travel to Bruges easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Brussels to Bruges.

This is compared to other travel options from Brussels to Bruges:
A train is £3 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Brussels to Bruges costing on average £19.
Other travel options to Bruges take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 29m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Brussels and Bruges as scheduled services by train and coach can vary by season or day of the week.
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