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How to get from Bruges to Ghent
Belgian SNCB/NMBS trains run from Brugge to Gent-Sint-Pieters in about 25 minutes for around €7–8, several times an hour. Driving on the E40 takes about 45 minutes but parking in both historic centres is restricted.
Best option: Train. Trains are frequent, quick and cheap, and you avoid the low-traffic city centres.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train SNCB/NMBS trains from Brugge station to Gent-Sint-Pieters | about 25 min | several per hour | about €7–8 | No booking needed; buy at the machine or in the SNCB app. Gent-Sint-Pieters is about 20 minutes by tram to the old centre. |
| car E40 motorway | about 45 min | fuel only, no motorway tolls | Ghent has a car-free centre and a circulation plan; use Park & Ride. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- From Gent-Sint-Pieters take tram 1 to Korenmarkt for the old centre.
- Weekend return tickets are often cheaper; check the SNCB app.
- Some trains also stop at Gent-Dampoort, closer to the north-east of the centre.
- If driving, use the Park & Ride sites around Ghent rather than entering the centre.
Common questions
Is there a direct train from Bruges to Ghent?
Yes. Direct trains run several times an hour from Brugge station to Gent-Sint-Pieters, taking about 25 minutes. They are part of the main line towards Brussels, so you can board any train heading in that direction that stops at Ghent. No reservation is needed and tickets cost around €7–8 one way.
How do I get from Gent-Sint-Pieters to the old town?
Gent-Sint-Pieters is about 2 km south of the historic centre. Tram 1 runs frequently to Korenmarkt, taking around 10–15 minutes, and you can buy tickets in the De Lijn app. Walking takes about 25–30 minutes. Taxis wait outside the station but are rarely necessary.
Can I visit Bruges and Ghent on the same day?
Yes. Because the train takes only about 25 minutes, many visitors see both in one day, usually spending the morning in one and the afternoon in the other. Both are compact and walkable. Staying a night in either gives you quieter evenings after day-trippers leave.
Is driving between Bruges and Ghent a good idea?
Only if you already have a car. The E40 takes about 45 minutes, but both cities restrict traffic in their centres and Ghent has a low-emission zone. Park at a Park & Ride and take a tram or bus in. For most travellers the train is faster door to door.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.