Travel to Bruges

How to Get to Bruges

Flights to Bruges

The simplest way for people to travel to Bruges is by catching a plane to Charleroi International Airport. The Airport is located around 150 kilometres from Bruges itself, but there are excellent public transport links. Simply take the train from Charleroi to Brussels-Midi and change to a service to Bruges. Airlines serving Charleroi Airport include Ryanair, Wizz Airways and Thomas Cook.

Trains to Bruges

You can easily travel to Bruges by train, thanks to the Eurostar network. The best way is to catch a Eurostar to Brussels, before switching to a service to Bruges. From London, the whole journey will take around 3 hours 30 minutes. At Bruges, the station is located a couple of kilometres to the south of the historic centre. That's not a problem though, as buses like the 62 and 63 stop directly outside the station and run to central destinations.

Coaches to Bruges

Coaches are a convenient and affordable way to travel to Bruges as well. Both Eurolines and Megabus provide daily connections between British cities and Brussels, and many services also stop at Bruges. You can also catch a Eurolines service to Liege, which is not far from Bruges, before transferring to local coaches. When you get to Bruges, there are no trams or subway services - but the city has an excellent bus network. Purchase a multi-journey ticket for the best prices.

About Bruges

Bruges is one of Europe's tourist gems - with a unique beer scene, great food and a beautiful medieval city centre to explore. Take a canal tour around the city's many waterways, tour the 14th century Stadhuis and munch some traditional mussels and chips from one of Bruges' many street stalls. There is also a vibrant live music scene, and the beach at Zeebrugge is not far away as well.

Best Time to Visit Bruges

The best time to visit the city of Bruges is in the summer months between June and August. In Bruges, the climate is mild and damp throughout the year, including during the summer. Temperatures in the summer hover around the low 60s for most of the day and rain showers are frequent. The best weather of the year can be experienced in the summer months and to celebrate this, there are a number of outdoor festivals held throughout the summer season. The two biggest events are the Mood and Cactus Festival, which are both multi-day music events that attract artists from all over the world. Summer is also perfect for exploring the pretty streets of Bruges and the surrounding green countryside. Spring is a beautiful time to visit the city for those that enjoy flower displays. As the weather warms up, the flowers bloom and the whole city is filled with the delightful scent of blossoms and picture-perfect floral displays. Winter is a popular time to visit Bruges, as the city hosts a number of Christmas markets from late November until the day before Christmas. Pack a warm coat for exploring the Christmas markets as the daytime temperatures often drop below freezing.

Public Transport in Bruges

Known for its breathtaking views and dozens of canals and bridges, Bruges is the perfect travel destination with fascinating historic experiences. Trains and buses facilitate public transport within and outside this medieval city. Companies such as Bruges Bike Rental, De Ketting and Adventure Bike Renting offer bicycles for hire throughout the city. These companies also provide bike tours for first-time visitors, or those who are keen on exploring. There are more than ten bus lines serving the city center with a main hub at Markt Square, located at the heart of the city. Lined with fancy restaurants, shops, and hotels, Markt Square is the pulse of Bruges city. Buses in Bruges leave travellers within walking distance of the city's attractions, which include the historic Belfort, the Lake of Love at Minnewaterpark, and the Groeninge Museum. Tickets for the buses can be purchased from drivers, ticket machines at the stations or at Lijnwinkel Stores. Tour buses are also available at a fee for visitors. Trains in Bruges city center provide direct connections to cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Hasselt. Train tickets are sold at Station Brugge which is the city's only train station.