Home › Routes › Amsterdam to Bruges
How to get from Amsterdam to Bruges
The train is the usual choice: about 3 h to 3 h 30 with one change, normally in Antwerp or Brussels. Long-distance coaches are cheaper but slower, and driving takes about 3 hours.
Best option: Train. Frequent trains run from central Amsterdam to Brugge station, a short walk or bus ride from the old town.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train International train from Amsterdam Centraal to Antwerpen-Centraal or Brussels, then a Belgian InterCity (SNCB) to Brugge | about 3 h–3 h 30 | roughly hourly | about €30–70, cheaper when booked early | The Eurostar (ex-Thalys) to Brussels is faster but needs a reservation; the Eurocity Direct to Antwerp/Brussels is cheaper. Check current timetables. |
| bus Long-distance coaches from Amsterdam (often Sloterdijk) to Bruges | about 3 h 30–4 h 30 | a few a day | about €15–35 | Check where the coach stops in Bruges; usually near the railway station. |
| car A4 via Rotterdam and Antwerp, then E34/E40 towards Bruges | about 3 h (about 260 km) | fuel only; no motorway tolls for cars, but the Antwerp tunnels can be congested | Bruges' old centre has restricted traffic; use the large car park at the railway station. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Belgian domestic tickets (Antwerp–Bruges) are not tied to a specific train, which helps if your first train is late.
- From Brugge station, the Markt is about 20 minutes on foot or a few minutes by De Lijn bus.
- Combine the trip with Ghent, which lies on the same line about 25 minutes before Bruges.
- Book the international leg early for the lowest fares.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Amsterdam to Bruges?
Generally no. You travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp or Brussels and change there for a Belgian InterCity to Brugge. The connection is well timed and the total journey is about 3 to 3½ hours. Some trips also involve a change in Ghent. Check current timetables, as routes and fast-train options change with the timetable each December.
Can I visit Bruges as a day trip from Amsterdam?
It is possible but tiring. With roughly 3 hours each way you would have about 5–6 hours in Bruges, enough for the Markt, the canals and a museum. Leave early in the morning and book a late return. Many travellers prefer to spend a night in Bruges or combine it with Ghent and Brussels.
What is the cheapest way?
Long-distance coaches are usually cheapest, often around €15–25 if booked ahead, though they take longer than the train. Early-booked train fares via Antwerp can also be reasonable. Driving costs only fuel, since Dutch and Belgian motorways have no tolls for cars, but parking and possible congestion around Antwerp add time and cost.
Do I need to book ahead?
For the Eurostar section to Brussels, yes: seats are reserved and prices rise closer to departure. The Eurocity Direct and Belgian domestic trains do not need seat reservations, but buying the international ticket early is cheaper. Coaches also price dynamically, so booking a week or more ahead saves money.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.