How to get from Brussels to Bruges?

How to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges: prices, distances, and travel time

Yana Safina
author of the article

How to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges independently?

It is possible to get from Brussels to Bruges by train, bus (shuttle bus) or by taxi. Train travel time is 2,5 hours including waiting time, and a ticket price starts from 6 euro. The bus from Brussels to Bruges is en route for 2 hours 10 minutes, and a bus ticket costs 17 euro. The car will take you there in 1,5 hours, and a car trip will cost from 147 euro. The distance between Brussels and Bruges is 100km.

When buying a train ticket from Brussels to Bruges on the website of the Belgian Rail, it should be printed out and showed to the train attendant together with the travel document. The train sets off from Zaventem Airport and runs via all Brussels bus stations: Nord, Central, and Midi. The shuttle bus connects Charleroi Airport with Bruges Bus Station. Trains do not run at night, but in case of a night flight, it is possible to get to Bruges by group transfer. The earlier you buy a ticket, the cheaper it costs.


Order a transfer from Brussels Airport


Bruges: love at first sight

Bruges is a place, where tourists come to have a rest from the turmoil of a big city. You will always feel like walking around the city, enjoying traditional architecture as well as the sights. The old center of Bruges belongs to the historical and cultural heritage of UNESCO. The Grote Markt deserves special attention, with the city symbol in the middle - the Belfort Tower. Its height is 83 m, and those who overcome 366 stairs will get the reward - a viewing point offering a great view of the city and its surroundings. After watching the beauty of Bruges from the bird's perspective, take a walk in the Burg Square. In its territory, there is the City Hall in the gothic style, where the meetings of the City Council take place. One more sight of the city is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the lower chapel of which is made in the Romanesque style, and the second floor - in the Gothic one.

Train from Brussels to Bruges

Train from Brussels to Bruges
Cost

from €14

Waiting time

1 h

Travel time

~1,5 h

Clients

Couple

The IC train from Brussels to Bruges is en route for 1,5 hours. The cost of the 1st class ticket is 21 euro, of the 2nd class - 14 euro. Young people under 26 y.o. may travel for 6 euro. A ticket can be bought online on the website of the Belgian Rail, at the ticket office or from a train attendant. In the latter case, you will have to pay 7 euro extra.

Train from Brussels to Bruges:

IC direct train

Timetable:

From 07:59 to 22:59

Itinerary:

Zaventem Airport - Nord Bus station – Central Bus station – Midi Bus station – Gent-Sint-Pieters – Aalter – Bruges

Travel time:

1,5 h

Waiting time:

1 h

Comfort level:

Average: many trips a day, comfortable seats with armrests, baggage shelf

Cost:

The 1st class: 21 euro, the 2nd class: 14.3 euro, people under 26 y.o. – 6 euro (when buying a ticket online)

Clients:

Families without children; young tourists; company of tourists; travellers without large baggage

How to find the train departure station at Brussels Airport:

The train departure station is on the -1 level of the airport, under the arrivals area. In order to find it, follow the signs at the airport.

Bus from Brussels to Bruges

Bus from Brussels to Bruges
Cost

€17

Waiting time

2h

Travel time

2h 10 min

Clients

Solo traveller

The Flibco bus runs round the clock. It is en route for 2 hours 10 minutes, and a ticket cost makes 17 euro. The ticket can be bought on the official website of the carrier.

Bus from Brussels to Bruges:

The Flibco shuttle bus

Timetable:

From 00:15 to 22:30

Route:

Charleroi Airport – Bruges Bus Station (Rijselstraat Spoorwegstraat)

Travel time:

2 h 10 min

Waiting time:

2h

Comfort level:

High: comfortable chairs, sockets, much space, place for large baggage

Cost:

17 euro

Clients:

Couples without children, tourists with large luggage, big company of tourists, those arriving at night

How to find the bus stop at Charleroi Airport:

The bus stop is opposite the exit of the airport terminal.

Taxi from Brussels to Bruges. Transfer

Taxi from Brussels to Bruges. Transfer
Cost

€147

Waiting time

5 min

Travel time

1,5h

Clients

Family

If you do not want to get to your hotel by public transport or on foot, book an individual transfer or taxi from Brussels to Bruges. The car will take you there in just 1,5 hours, without waiting and walking: the trip in an economy class car will cost 147 euro, and on a minibus for 7 passengers – 173 euro. It is possible to book cars of both economy and premium classes.

Timetable:

24h

Route:

To the hotel in Bruges or to another address

Travel time:

1,5h

Waiting time:

Taxi search may take a long time, since not every driver will agree to overcome 100 km.
You should not wait for a transfer booked in advance, as the driver will meet you at the exit of the arrivals area with a name sign and help with the luggage.

Comfort level:

Taxi on the spot: a ride without travel companions and stops.
A transfer booked in advance: child seats, help with luggage, a wide range of car classes, card payment option.

Cost:

From 147 euro for a car of an economy class, from 173 euro for a minibus for 7 passengers

Clients:

A big company; family with small children; tourists with large luggage; tourists arriving at night; elderly tourists; those who arrive in Bruges for the first time

How to find the taxi rank at Brussels Zaventem Airport:

The taxi rank is at the exit of the arrivals terminal.

Car rental in Brussels

Car rental in Brussels
Price

from €34

Rental Period

from 1 day

Required driving experience

from 1 year

To rent a car without a driver to get from Brussels Airport to the city center, you’ll need an IDL, a passport, and a credit card. A deposit of €600–1100 is charged.
Basic insurance is included in the price of car rental per day. The quality of the roads is very good in Brussels, and drivers obey the traffic rules. Fines for traffic violation are high. You can rent a car at Brussels Airport.

How to get from Brussels to Bruges?

It is possible to travel from Brussels to Bruges by train, bus, or taxi. Public transport is popular with solo travellers, as well as families without children. Individual transport is especially popular among travellers with large baggage and big companies. Have a nice trip!