Simple, fast and inexpensive ways to get from Brussels to Bruges. Which is more convenient: train, bus or traveling with fellow travelers via Blablacar.
Brussels, of course, remains the main city of Belgium. Not only the capital, but also the business and industrial center of the country. But it is Bruges that attracts most tourists. Excursions to this town, called the “Venice of the North,” are organized not only from the Belgian capital, but also from Amsterdam and even Paris . The Belgians themselves love to go there on weekends. So if you are already in Brussels, you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of getting to Bruges.
However, there are two news. The good thing is that transport links in Belgium are excellent. Trains run like clockwork. Negativity is created by an endless stream of travelers in this direction. The result is pandemonium and unnecessary hassle.
In this article we will tell you how to get to Bruges faster and easier . What are the cost of tickets and is it worth buying them in advance?
How to get to Bruges from Brussels
By train
Service for this traffic was primarily taken over by the local railway – SNCB. Once upon a time, Belgium was one of the first in Europe and the world to begin to develop its network. And the current generation of residents of this small country can benefit from the results of this work. It may seem that cast iron has been brought to almost all populated areas, let alone Bruges.
Trains to this city pass through all key stations in Brussels. For example, if you wish, you can take Nord or Central.
It is, of course, more convenient for a traveler to navigate towards Brussel Midi, which is located almost in the very center, not far from the famous Grand Place . Literally 10 minutes away if you get there by metro. You need to look for lines No. 2 and No. 6. By underground tram (routes No. 3 and No. 4) or by regular tram (No. 31, 32, 51) it will take a little longer, but it doesn’t matter.
- The first direct flight from Midi station departs quite early by European standards – at 5:53 am.
- The last train from Brussels to Bruges leaves at 23:32 at night. Just in case, there is also night IC 545, which departs at 00:29.
- During the day, trains run every 20-30 minutes. The entire journey from Brussels to Bruges takes just one hour.
- You will have to pay 14.1 euros for second class. But there is an opportunity to save. Various discounts are provided for young people up to 26 years of age, pensioners and large families. But if you entered the country on a Brussels Airlines plane, you can get a ticket completely free of charge. To do this you will have to enter a code.
There is no point in buying tickets much in advance. Unlike other European railways, SNCB does not offer any special advance booking rates. There are also almost always free places. But you shouldn’t put it off until the last minute either. Crowds at the cash registers are not uncommon, and there are also queues at the terminals. Therefore, the best option is to buy online. But we must remember that such a ticket is personal, you will need an ID card.
You can warn the conductor that you do not have a ticket. And take it from the controller. But the price of the Brussels – Bruges route will be the most expensive.
By bus
Compared to rail transport, buses immediately attract attention due to their favorable tariffs. The connection between Brussels and Bruges is served by only one company – Flixbus. She offers tickets for only 5 euros when ordering on the website and several weeks in advance. Closer to departure, the price may increase, but not much, to 6-8 euros. Unfortunately, there are not many flights. In winter there are only three of them, in the season their number is increased to six. Departures are set at 4:40, 6:55, 13:20, 14:50, 16:00 and 19:00, but the times change quite often.
Travel time is from one and a half to two hours. Buses depart from Brussels Nord station, which in turn can be reached by tram routes 3 and 4.
Other ways
There are only 100 km between the cities if you travel by road. Therefore, they often consider traveling by car. You can use the Blablacar service. One place will cost somewhere between 6-11 euros. However, it will take a long time to find a suitable offer. For some reason, the Belgians are not very willing to take travel companions. As an alternative, some suggest considering a taxi. But this option is quite expensive. Even economy class will cost an average of 130 euros.
Of course, the trip can be divided between four passengers or even take a minivan for seven. The latter, however, will cost 180 euros.
How to get to Brussels from Bruges
In Bruges, when it’s time to return, it’s even easier to navigate.
- You need to look for the train station. It is located on the outskirts of the historical center. But it is very easy to get to it from all parts of the city. For example, seven bus routes are organized from the center at once (No. 1, 3, 4, 11, 13, 14, 16). One ticket will cost 3 euros if you take it from the machine. A one-day pass costs only 5 euros.
- Flixbus buses depart either directly from the station or from the Bruges Bargeplein bus station . She is one kilometer away from him, on a small island. It is better to check the place of departure immediately before ordering. They are connected by city bus No. 12. Flixbus schedules are as follows: 7:30, 11:50, 12:05, 16:40, 21:00 and 22:30.
In the opposite direction, the first train leaves even earlier – at 4:08 am, the last – at 23:23 pm. The movement interval is the same – 20-30 minutes.
There is one important nuance. Returning tourists prefer flights that pass through Brussels Zaventem Airport . They depart at 4:31 and every hour thereafter. Naturally, they fill up better, and there may not be any free seats in second class. Get them early!