Ghent sits about 55 km northwest of Brussels, making it the perfect spot for a day trip. With transport options including trains, buses, coaches, a drive by car or taxi, and of course guided tours, there are plenty of ways to get there comfortably and without hassle. Each option has its perks, so here’s a quick look at what works best for you.
Address: Ghent, 9000 Gent, East Flanders, Belgium | Find on map
Access:
From Brussels: 55 km (34 mi) northwest of Ghent
Taking a day trip to Ghent on your own can be tricky if you want to make the most of your time. Tours solve these pain points and make the experience smooth and enjoyable:
Origin & destination stations: Brussels‑Midi / Bruxelles‑Zuid, Brussels‑Central / Bruxelles‑Nord → Ghent‑Sint‑Pieters.
Intercity buses operate between Brussels and Ghent with varying stops depending on the provider.
Take the E40 motorway northwest from Brussels to Ghent.
| Mode | Duration | Cost (approx) | Best for | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Guided Tour | 6–10 hr | €50 – €100 | First‑timers, stress‑free | Includes round‑trip bus transfers and planned sightseeing. |
Train | 35–40 min | €10 – €18 | Budget DIY, independent travelers | Frequent direct trains run between Brussels and Ghent. Take a tram or walk from the station into the city. |
Bus | 60 min | €5 – €12 | Lowest cost travelers | Limited departures and usually slower than the train. Note that traffic can affect timing. |
Car / Self‑Drive | 45–60 min | €25 – €50+ | Groups, flexible plans | Fuel, parking, plus potential low‑emission zone registration required. |
Getting around Ghent is pretty easy once you know the city’s rhythm. Here are some tips to help you move smoothly and make the most of your day.
Ghent’s historic center is compact and very walkable. Most major sights like Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Graslei are within a short stroll of each other. Expect 10–20 minutes on foot between key spots and wear comfortable shoes.
The city has a reliable tram and bus network run by De Lijn. Trams are especially handy if you arrive at Gent‑Sint‑Pieters station and want to reach the city center quickly. A single tram ride is often faster than walking if your legs are tired.
Cycling is a major way locals get around. There are plenty of bike lanes and rental options, including shared bikes. Bikes are faster than walking and let you explore canalside streets and quieter neighborhoods easily.
Taxis and services like Uber are available but less common for short trips. They are useful if you have mobility needs or are heading somewhere outside the main center late at night.
Driving inside Ghent is usually more trouble than it’s worth. The city center has a low-emission zone, narrow streets, and limited parking. If you come by car, park at a Park and Ride on the outskirts and take a tram or walk into the heart of town.
Walk through this old medieval fortress right in the heart of the city and imagine life in Ghent centuries ago. You can explore its stone rooms, climb the stairways, and stand on the walls looking out at rooftops and church spires in every direction.
Head up the steps of Ghent’s famous bell tower and let the sound of the bells guide you as you go. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with wide views over the canals and old streets that make Ghent feel like a storybook town.
Step inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral and take your time with the Ghent Altarpiece, one of the most important works of art in Europe. While you’re inside, look around at the stained glass windows and carved stone details that fill the rest of the cathedral.
Getting on a canal boat is one of the best ways to see Ghent from a different angle. As the boat moves slowly along the water, you’ll float past old bridges, lively cafés, and buildings that lean right over the river.
Stroll along these two riverside quays and let the scene unfold around you as boats drift by and people sit at outdoor tables. It’s an easy place to stop for a coffee, watch the world go by, and take pictures of the historic houses lining the water.
Lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets of Patershol, one of Ghent’s oldest areas. There are small cafés tucked around corners, interesting shops to peek into, and a very different vibe from the busier main streets.
If you love chocolate, this is a must. You’ll learn how Belgian chocolatiers work their magic, make a few pieces yourself, and get to enjoy your creations afterward.
For something a bit more active, rent a kayak and paddle through Ghent’s canals at your own pace. It’s surprisingly peaceful on the water, and you’ll get up close to bridges and buildings in a way you don’t from shore.
Spend time in Vrijdagmarkt square, where locals gather to shop and eat. On market days, the square fills with stalls selling food, flowers, and crafts, and it’s a great place to feel the rhythm of everyday life in Ghent.
When you want a break from walking the streets, head to Citadel Park or the botanical gardens. Sit on a bench, watch birds on the pond, and enjoy some quiet green space before diving back into the city’s buzz.
Leave Brussels around 8:30 am and take the bus to Ghent, which usually takes about an hour. Start your visit at Gravensteen Castle and explore the medieval fortress. Afterward, walk over to St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
For lunch, head to the Patershol neighbourhood, where you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants. Try a local dish or grab a quick bite while wandering the cobblestone streets. Later, take a walk along the beautiful Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts.
Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. You could take a canal boat tour to see the city from the water or rent a bike to discover quieter areas. If you prefer something more local, take a walk through Werregarenstraatje, Ghent’s graffiti alley.
If you have extra time or want to slow down, relax in Citadel Park or the botanical gardens, or join a chocolate-making workshop to create your own Belgian chocolates. Then head back to Brussels whenever you’re ready.
The cheapest way is usually the bus from Brussels, especially if you book online in advance. It is cost-effective and reliable, with multiple departures daily.
Taking a direct bus is generally the fastest, taking about 1 hour from Brussels city center to Ghent. Trains are slightly quicker but can cost more if booked at the last minute.
A guided tour can be worth it if you want context on landmarks like Gravensteen and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. It saves time and helps you spot highlights without planning each stop yourself.
It is recommended to book tickets online before you go, especially on weekends. Buses can fill up quickly, and booking ahead guarantees your seat and often gives a better price.
A full day is usually enough to see the main sights like Gravensteen, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the canals, and Patershol. You can stay longer if you want a more relaxed pace or to explore museums in depth.
Yes, absolutely. Ghent is best explored at a steady pace, but pairing it with nearby cities like Bruges works better if you start very early and plan travel carefully.
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