SNCF summer 2024 tickets are now on sale! Terms apply

TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

What customers say about Trainline

Read real reviews from real users

Travelling by train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)

Looking to travel from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) by train? You've come to the right place!

You can hop on a train in Brussels and be in Bruges in around an hour, with the fastest journeys taking just 53 minutes. You'll be travelling direct on this route with SNCB. On board, you'll find comfortable seating plus space for luggage.

If you’re already visiting Brussels, why not make the most of your stay in Belgium by taking a day trip to Bruges too?

Whether you’re visiting this fairytale-like city to go to the bustling Markt (Bruges’ central square), climb the tower of Bruges’ medieval Belfry, or just indulge in beer and chocolates, taking the train is a popular option with locals and tourists alike.

Once you arrive in Bruges, it’s just a 20-minute stroll along cobbled streets lined with beautiful architecture to the city centre.

Top tip: you may also see Brussels written as Bruxelles or Brussel and Bruges written as Brugge or Brügge as Belgium has 3 official languages.  

Why not start a search for cheap train tickets from Brussels to Bruges with us today?

Or if you want more information, keep reading for:

Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) by train

It takes an average of 59m to travel from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) by train, over a distance of around 55 miles (88 km). There are normally 73 trains per day travelling from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) and tickets for this journey start from £18.31 when you book in advance.

First train

00:30

Last train

23:31

Departure station

Brussels

Arrival station

Bruges (Brugge)

Journey time

From 53m

Distance

55 miles (88 km)

Frequency

73 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £18.31

Train and bus operators

SNCB, Flixbus

Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) train times

Check out the next trains departing from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) for martedì 26º marzo 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:29 13:26 57m, direct
12:37 13:35 58m, 1 change
12:53 13:51 58m, direct
13:04 14:01 57m, direct
13:29 14:26 57m, direct
13:37 14:35 58m, 1 change
13:53 14:51 58m, direct
14:04 15:01 57m, direct
14:29 15:26 57m, direct
14:37 15:35 58m, 1 change

SNCB trains from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)

You can travel from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) on SNCB trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

PhotoMPW57, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.

SNCB classes from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)

Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when travelling from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge).

Onboard services on SNCB

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge).

LuggageLuggageLuggage

When travelling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of luggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg. Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your luggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following luggage on board for free:

  • Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
  • Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
  • Pushchairs and prams
  • Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
  • Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children

As long as they are travelling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children travelling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.

ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes

Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re travelling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.

When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.

PetPetPets

Guide and assistance dogs

Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.

Pets

Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm, you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.

WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.

Cheap train tickets from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)

The price of train tickets from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) starts at £18.31 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

Book in advance

Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) by booking early.§

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting train

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Look out for special deals

Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

Getting from Brussels Airport to the city centre

Flying into Brussels and not sure how to get from the airport to the city centre? Read on for more information on how to get to the heart of the city from Brussels Airport. 

Brussels has one main airport – Brussels-Zaventem Airport – which is located around 7 miles northeast of Brussels city centre. From the airport, you can take a train or bus to reach the city centre.

Trains from Brussels Airport 

If you want to get from Brussels Airport to central Brussels quickly, you should take the train!

The train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi station takes around 20 minutes on the quickest SNCB services. Generally, the train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Midi runs every 10 minutes between 05:00 am and midnight, 7 days a week. The airport train station is located directly below the terminal.

Buses from Brussels Airport 

Although not the fastest option, taking the bus from the airport to the city centre is the cheapest option.

From Brussels Airport, you can take the Airport Line (Line 12) from Level 0, below the arrivals hall (Level 2). You’ll get to the European district, which is a stone's throw from the shops in the upper town, in about 30 minutes. 

You can buy a ticket from an automated machine at the airport before you board the bus. A single trip from the airport to the city centre costs €7 (around £5.96) as of January 2024.

All about Brussels Midi station

How to get to Brussels-Midi station  

Trains to Bruges depart from Brussels-Midi station. Not sure how to get there? We’ve got you covered. 

Brussels-Midi station, also known as Gare du Midi in French and Zuidstation in Dutch, is located in the southern part of Brussels, which is why it is referred to as ‘Midi’ (meaning ‘south’ in French). 

To get to Brussels-Midi station from the city centre, you can use different modes of transport:  

  • Train: If you’re near Brussels Central or Brussels North station, the easiest and most direct way is to take an SNCB train to Brussels-Midi. The journey is short, and trains are frequent. 
  • Metro: You can also take Brussels’ Metro. Lines 2 and 6 both stop at Brussels-Midi – just look for the station marked as ‘Gare du Midi/Zuidstation’.
  • Tram: The tram system in Brussels is extensive, and several tram lines serve Brussels-Midi.
  • Bus: If you’re looking for a cheaper option to get to Brussels-Midi station, you can take one of the many bus services that run between the city centre and the train station. 
  • Walking: If you're staying in the central area of Brussels and don't have too much luggage, you can also walk to Brussels-Midi. Passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks, it takes around 20 minutes to get to the station on foot from Grand Place in the city centre.
  • Biking: Brussels has a bike-sharing system, so you could also rent a bike and cycle to Brussels-Midi if you're comfortable with urban cycling.

 

TOP TIP!

If you've travelled to Brussels by taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels, you’ll already be in the right place! Trains to Brussels from London St Pancras International terminate at Brussels-Midi

What’s on offer at Brussels-Midi station? 

As soon as you arrive at Brussels-Midi station, you can take advantage of the different facilities available: 

  • Shops and boutiques: Brussels-Midi has a variety of shops and boutiques to browse while waiting for your train, including a Carrefour Express supermarket.
  • Restaurants and cafés: There are several places to grab food and drink at the station, including Pret A Manger and Starbucks. SNCB trains don’t offer catering, so it can be a good idea to pick something up at the station before you board.
  • Bureau de change: Bureau de change services are available if you need to convert money. 
  • Waiting areas: There are designated waiting areas with seating for passengers, making your wait for your train more comfortable. There’s also free WiFi available.
  • Luggage storage: Luggage lockers are available if you want to store your bags while waiting for your train. 
  • Accessibility: The station is equipped with facilities and services to assist passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts and escalators. 

Arriving in Bruges from Brussels

In under an hour, your train whisked you from Brussels to Bruges and you’ve arrived at Bruges train station. Now what?

If you need anything at the station, Bruges station has the following facilities:

  • Toilets
  • Luggage lockers
  • Free WiFi
  • Food and drink outlets

Alternatively, you can head straight to the city centre.

Bruges city centre is around a 20-minute walk from the station, or you can catch a bus which takes around 10 minutes. We recommend walking if you can, so you can take in some of the city’s atmosphere as soon as you arrive.

Public transport in Bruges

If you’re looking to explore Bruges, you might think about using public transport. We’ll explain your options.

You can get around Bruges in three ways:

On foot:

The best way to explore Bruges is on foot! The city centre is small so it’s easily walkable. It’s around a 20-minute walk from the train station to the Markt in central Bruges.

Once you’re in the city centre, take it easy and wander down some of Bruges’ oldest streets – did you know that the Historic Centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Buses:

If you don’t fancy the walk from the train station to the city centre, it is possible to take the bus. The trip takes around 10 minutes, and buses run every 5 minutes – so you’ll be in the heart of the action in no time! As of January 2024, a single ticket costs €2.50 (around £2.13).

Bicycles:

You can also rent a bike if that’s more your thing! Whether you want to rent a bike for a whole day or just a few hours, cycling is an environmentally friendly way to explore Bruges.

Things to do in Bruges

Bruges may be a small, walkable city, but it’s still packed full of things to see and do! Check out some of our recommendations.

  1. Head to the market: Bruges’ Grote Markt (Market Square) is home to a number of bars and restaurants. Plus, if you head to the square on a Wednesday morning, you can do some shopping at the farmers’ market and sample some local produce!
  2. Visit the Belfry: For a view of Bruges’ skyline, you can climb the medieval Belfry tower and look out across the city. As it’s 83 metres tall, you can see for miles around!
  3. Take in some nature: If you’re yearning for some green space, head to Koningin Astridpark (Queen Astrid Park). Wander around and relax as you escape the hustle and bustle of the city’s main square.

What to see in Belgium

Whether you’re looking for a fully formed itinerary for your time in Belgium or you just want to know where you can go on a day trip from Bruges, we’ve got ideas aplenty for you.

Explore Europe by train with an Interrail Pass

After visiting Bruges, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With an Interrail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.

You can use an Interrail Pass if you’re a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country. If you’re not a European citizen or resident, you can use a Eurail Pass instead.

 

Where to travel next after Bruges

So it’s time to say goodbye to Bruges, but your European adventure doesn’t have to stop there. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite destinations – and you can get there by train!

Head from Bruges to London

If you’re looking at heading to the UK after your trip to Belgium comes to an end, why not go by train? It’s simpler than heading to the airport, and more environmentally friendly too!

You can get from Bruges to London by train in around 4 and a half hours.

First, take the train from Bruges to Brussels. This will take around an hour. Then, hop on a Eurostar train from Brussels to London and you’ll be across the channel and arrive at London St Pancras station in under 2 hours!

Check out our picks for 14 of the best things to do in London, or our suggested 3-day London itinerary for more inspiration.

Travel from Bruges to Amsterdam

If you want to discover the Netherlands, one of Belgium’s neighbouring countries, why not take the train from Bruges to Amsterdam? Whether you want to visit Amsterdam’s Royal Palace or the Rijksmuseum, there are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam.

There are generally two ways of getting to Amsterdam from Bruges.

  1. You can take a train to Brussels, and then change for a train to Amsterdam.
  2. You can take a train to Ghent, then change and travel to Antwerp. From Antwerp, take a train to Amsterdam.

These options are all clearly displayed in our Journey Planner, so you can pick the itinerary that best suits your plans.

Board a train from Bruges to Ghent

Want to see more of what Belgium has to offer? Head from Bruges to Ghent – it only takes around 20 minutes by train!

Hop on board a train at Bruges station and you’ll soon be at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, ready to explore a brand-new city.

There’s plenty to see and do in Ghent, Belgium’s third largest city, whether you fancy a stroll along the river or you’d rather brush up on your history in the Gravensteen castle.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) take?

The average journey time by train between Brussels and Bruges (Brugge) is 59 minutes, with around 73 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Brussels and Bruges (Brugge) by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) is 53 minutes.

How much does the train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) cost?

Train ticket prices from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) can start from as little as £18.31 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) without having to change trains. There are 57 direct trains from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) leave?

The first train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) leaves at 00:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) leave?

The last train from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) leaves at 23:31. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Brussels and Bruges (Brugge) by train?

Trains travelling from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge) cover a distance of around 55 miles (88 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge).

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team blog

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. We also believe about taking those journeys and sharing our experiences with you, so you can sit back, relax and get the most out of your trip.

The perfect day trip by train from Brussels to Bruges!

Bruxelles-Midi/Zuid (Brussels South) Station

Trains from Brussels to Bruges depart from a few main train stations across Brussels as the mainline interconnecting track runs right through the city. These are Bruxelles-Nord (Brussels North), Bruxelles-Central (Brussels Central), and Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels South). I departed from Bruxelles-Midi as it was a 15-minute walk from my hotel on the south side of the city centre, which is the same station that the Eurostar trains from Brussels to London depart from. The station has entrances on both sides that lead into a large ground-level concourse situated beneath the platforms that’s filled with plenty of food and coffee shops and a large departure board. There are toilet facilities that cost 50c to use (in both Brussels and Bruges stations), so if you can wait until the train arrives you can use the toilets on there for free. Bruxelles-Midi railway station is also connected to the Brussels Metro station called Gare du Midi/Zuidstation, so don’t get confused by going down any stairs or escalators like I did!

The small departure boards on the platforms only show the final destination of the train, not the stops, so you’ll have to float around the central departure board to check the ticker that shows all the stops of the journey. Always check the departure boards at the station, or if in doubt, ask someone at the information desk. In most major destinations the information staff usually understand basic English.

The trip from Brussels to Bruges (Brugge)

Our double-decker yellow and white SNCB train bound for Blankenberge rolled into the platform. We hopped on the train onto one of the second-class carriages, where you can choose to sit anywhere on the upper or lower deck as you can’t reserve a seat on SNCB trains. The carriages were fairly basic, but very clean and spacious. There were toilets in every second carriage, but not a lot of room for luggage. The seats are in a 2-2 configuration and all had pull-down tray tables, and there are also a few compartment-style seats split by a central table which are great for families or small groups.

As the train pulled out of the platform, we passed through the city outskirts for around 10 minutes until we reached the beautiful green countryside and a load of large barns and cottages. As the train reaches top-speed, we made our way past a load of fields laden with wind farms before passing a small town called Melle, where you can see a large church spire and water tower. A few minutes later we pulled into Ghent (Gent), the second-largest city in Belgium. As you’re pulling in to the famous Gent Sint Pieters station, look out to the right of the train for a large round red brick clock tower at the front of the station and some amazing castle-like buildings. As you pull out of the Ghent station, look into the distance, also on the right side of the train, where you can see the multiple church spires including the famous Belfry of Ghent.

A short while after pulling out of Ghent, my phone reception faded out, so I stared out the window at the rolling green fields which had some snow left over beside the tracks after some recent early-December snowfall. I kept checking the LED displays inside the carriages to see where we were, but the writing was all in Dutch as this is more commonly spoken in the North of Belgium. The screen kept flashing things like “Bestemming: Blankenberge” (which means Destination: Blankenberge), “De volgende halte is…” (which means The next stop is…) and “We komen aan in…” (which means We arrive in…) as you pull into stations. Frustratingly these screens didn’t show the rest of the stops on the line, so at one point I had no idea whether I was still on the right train as I had no phone reception to check where we were on the map.

After just one hour on the train, we pulled into Brugge station (Bruges station) which is situated on the west-side of the town. The walk from the station to the town centre is a brisk 15-20-minute stroll down some long cobble streets that make you feel like you’re walking through a fairy-tale village. The architecture in Bruges in spectacular along the walk into town so don’t bother taking the taxi – It’ll save you a few pounds and it’s definitely worth the walk!

The verdict

Making the trip from Brussels to Bruges by train on our weekend Belgian trip was definitely an amazing idea. Bruges is an incredible place that resembles every fairy-tail you’ve ever watched, and you can very easily see it all in a day as the train trip only takes around an hour each-way. The second-class carriages are comfortable, had plenty of seats and clean toilets, which is all you need for an hour-long trip. You can also catch the bus from Brussels to Bruges too which takes around double the time (around two hours each-way), but the trains got us straight back to Bruxelles-Midi station where we had to go to catch our Eurostar back to London which was very convenient. The only reason for not giving this five-stars is the fact the train LED displays and platforms don’t show the stops each train calls at until you get there, but apart from that, it was excellent.

About Michael

Michael, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Brussels and Bruges.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.