
Day trip from Brussels to Bruges by train
Why visit Bruges for the day?
Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval centre. Gothic buildings, Flemish art and a slower pace give the city a calm, historic character.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reading to Brussels among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £240 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £240, while a flight costs an average of £365.
Distance: 377 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£240 Average Price Cheapest | £365 Average Price | £29 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Brussels:
A train is £125 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Brussels costing on average £365.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 35m.
You'll arrive about 2h 52m sooner (2h 35m by flight vs 5h 27m by car). Tickets start at around £365 compared to roughly £29 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you get time back and avoid a long drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group, want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
How to get to Brussels from Reading by train, bus, flight or ferry.
The best way to travel from Reading to Brussels is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.



Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare coach, train and flight 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 Brussels are Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven and Liège. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Brussels on Omio.

Bruges is known for its canals, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval centre. Gothic buildings, Flemish art and a slower pace give the city a calm, historic character.

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.

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.

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.

Liège is a lively Walloon city on the Meuse, known for its industrial heritage and strong food culture. Historic streets, busy markets and the Montagne de Bueren give it an energetic, down-to-earth character.
Travel to Brussels 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 Reading to Brussels.

This is compared to other travel options from Reading to Brussels:
A train is £125 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Reading to Brussels costing on average £365.
Other travel options to Brussels take longer:
Flight takes on average 4h 35m.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Reading and Brussels as scheduled services by coach, train and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
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