Bruges to Ghent: travel options
Approximate road distance: 45 km • Journey details for the options listed below.
Compare the options
Recorded fares and journey times. Check each operator before booking.
| Transport Mode | Operator | Duration | Price guide | Stations / Airports | Key Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Direct | SNCB / NMBS (Intercity) | About 22m |
Check fare
Review due. Source last checked: 14 Oct 2026 Fares vary by departure and ticket conditions. Tickets and times: SNCB / NMBS (Intercity) |
Dep: Brugge
Arr: Gent-Sint-Pieters
|
A reviewed weekday IC takes 22 minutes from Brugge to Gent-Sint-Pieters; other services take longer. The checked 17–18 October 2026 weekend trains take about 41 minutes during works. Select your date before planning the connection. Buy the correct domestic route and class ticket before boarding and use your current age or discount eligibility. |
Choosing your journey
A suitable direct train takes roughly 25 minutes to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Add the local journey into Ghent’s centre. The cities are close enough for a day trip if you prefer to keep one hotel.
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A short train, with a transfer at the end
Bruges to Gent-Sint-Pieters takes roughly 25 minutes on a suitable direct train. It is a useful journey for a day trip or a change of base. The part to plan carefully is the final local trip into Ghent, because the main station is outside the historic centre.
Brugge is the station name you may see for Bruges. Check the departure board and intermediate stops rather than looking only for Ghent as the train's final destination. A train continuing farther east may be the service you need. The SNCB journey planner shows the exact train and calling points.
Moving hotels without losing the day
Have breakfast and leave your bags with the accommodation if you still want time in Bruges. There is little benefit in rushing to Ghent before your room or luggage arrangements are ready. Ask both properties about storage, and keep the things you need for the day easy to reach.
If you are simply visiting Ghent and returning to Bruges, travel with a small bag. Choose one booked attraction and leave the rest of the day flexible. The Ghent guide explains how to fit the castle or altarpiece around the canal walks.
Tickets and the city connection
Buy a domestic ticket before boarding and check its date, route and class. These ordinary services do not require reserving a seat weeks ahead. A cheap-looking fare for another age group or a subscription holder is not necessarily your fare.
Use the De Lijn planner from Gent-Sint-Pieters to your destination. Your rail ticket does not automatically include the tram or bus. If step-free travel matters, check the full journey, including the station, local vehicle and approach to the accommodation.
Is another overnight worth it?
If you enjoy having one room for several nights, these cities are close enough to visit from one base. If evenings are a main part of the trip, sleeping in both gives each city more time. Read Bruges or Ghent before booking two short stays. Our four-day plan travels in the opposite direction on its final day, from Ghent to Bruges; check that direction when buying.
