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Getting to Bruges from Brussels

Bruges lies about 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Brussels, perfect for a day trip via direct train, bus, or tour. Travel takes roughly 1–1.5 hours by public transport, with trains offering speed and buses being the cheapest option. Guided tours handle logistics for hassle-free visits amid canals and crowds.

Brussels to Bruges: Time & distance

Coach for Antwerp and Ghent full-day guided tour parked on a tree-lined road.

From Brussels: ~100 km (62 mi)

By train: 1–1.5 hr (Bruxelles-Central → Bruges)

By bus: 1–1.5 hr

By car: 1–1.5 hr (no stops)

By tour (round-trip): 10–11 hr including sightseeing

Guided tours (Recommended)

  • Tours skip train crowds and bus delays, bundling transport, guides, and extras like canal cruises or Ghent stops for efficient sightseeing.​ 
  • They solve navigation in Bruges' compact centre and navigation to spots like the Belfry.
  • Comfortable for families or first-timers, avoiding public transport queues.​

By train

Trains run from Bruxelles-Central station to Bruges station every 15–20 minutes via Belgian Railways (NMBS/SNCB), and the journey takes 1–1.5 hours. Tickets cost €10-15 one way, and you can buy them via the NMBS app or at the station. From Bruges station, a free shuttle or bus lines 1/2 get you to the city centre in 4–10 minutes.

  • Duration: 1–1.5 hr​
  • Cost: €10-15 one way
  • Frequency: Every 15–20 min​s
  • Best for: Quick, reliable DIY​
  • Cons: Peak crowds; short walk/bus to sights​

By bus

FlixBus services run from Brussels-North station to Bruges around 4 times daily, and the trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tickets start from £5.49 (~€6.50), and buses offer comfort with Wi-Fi, though traffic can cause delays.

  • Duration: ~1 hour 20 mins
  • Cost: €6-13 one way​
  • Frequency: 4x daily​
  • Best for: Cheapest option​
  • Cons: Fewer departures, potential delays​

By car/Self-drive

Take the E40 highway from Brussels to Bruges, and the drive takes 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Parking options include Centrum-'t Zand garage (10-minute walk to Markt) or Centrum-Station (20-minute walk), both paid and open 24/7. The historic centre has narrow, car-free streets, so factor in fuel costs with minimal tolls.

  • Duration: 1–1.5 hours
  • Cost: Fuel + parking €10+
  • Best for: Groups, flexible stops​
  • Cons: Limited/expensive parking, traffic

Compare your options

ModeDurationCostBest forKey notes

Guided tour

10–11 hr

€70+

Families, first-timers

Includes transport + optional guide/boat/Ghent visit ​

Train

1–1.5 hr

€10-15

Quick DIY

Frequent; free shuttle to the centre ​​

Bus

1 hr 20 min

€6-13

Budget

Fewer runs, comfy ​

Car

1–1.5 hr

€10+

Groups

Parking 10–20 min walk ​

Getting around in Bruges

  • Walking: Walking works best in the compact historic centre, as you can reach Markt Square from the canals in just 5–10 minutes. 
  • Shuttle: A free shuttle bus runs from the train station to the centre every day from 7am to 7pm. 
  • Bus: Buses 1/2 operate every 5 minutes between the station and the centre, and canal boats provide scenic 30-minute tours. 
  • Bike: Avoid driving in the core area, and rent bikes for longer loops around town.

Things to do in Bruges

Markt Square in Bruges, Belgium with the Belfry tower and statue in the foreground.
Tourists gather in Ghent's historic center with the Belfry of Ghent in the background.
Guests enjoying a boat ride on a canal in Bruges, Belgium, surrounded by historic buildings.
Burg Square with Town Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Belfort Tower, Bruges, Belgium.
Minnewater Lake and Castle in Bruges, Belgium, reflecting autumn trees.
Assorted chocolates displayed at a renowned chocolatier in Bruges, featuring a variety of truffles and pralines.
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Markt Square

Bustling heart with medieval buildings, Belfry tower, and Provincial Palace views.

Belfry Tower

83m icon; climb 366 steps for city panoramas and carillon tunes.​

Canal boat cruise

30-minute ride through bridges and historic canals, key photo ops.​​

Burg Square

Gothic architecture, City Hall, and the old courthouse nearby.

Minnewater Lake & Begijnhof

Serene lake walks and peaceful historic beguinage gardens.

Chocolates & waffles

Sample at artisan shops around squares; pair with local beer.​

Suggested itinerary for Bruges

Morning

Arrive early by train or bus, and then head straight to Markt Square for Belfry views before taking a canal cruise.

Midday

Enjoy lunch with waffles or chocolate in Burg Square, and afterwards stroll to Minnewater Lake for peaceful views.

Afternoon

Wander through the Begijnhof gardens and streets, with an optional chocolate tasting before catching your return train/bus.​

Optional add-on

Extend your day with a Ghent combo tour to visit both historic cities efficiently.​

Handy tips

  • Aim for trains before 9am to secure seats and enjoy sights before crowds peak, and return after 3pm to avoid rush hour. 
  • Buy return train tickets in Brussels using the NMBS app to skip station queues or book tours with round-trip train transfers.
  • Summer weekends get busier, so check tour availability in advance. 
  • Use the free station shuttle to easily avoid long walks with bags. 
  • Weekdays offer a calmer experience than busy weekends.

Frequently asked questions about how to get to Bruges

Bruges is absolutely worth it for its fairy-tale canals and chocolate, offering a quick escape from Brussels with medieval charm.​