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Travel to Bruges
Bruges is centrally located in Europe and is easily accessible by train, plane, international coach and car. Major European transport hubs offer convenient connections to the city.
Once you arrive, Bruges is easy to explore on foot. The main railway station, Summit venues, hotels, restaurants and historic attractions are all located within or close to the city centre.
The Concertgebouw is about ten minutes on foot from Bruges railway station. The Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre is also within walking distance.
Whenever possible, we encourage participants to consider travelling by train or coach. These options are comfortable, convenient and more sustainable.
Travel times are indicative. Please consult the relevant journey planner before departure.
Your way to Bruges
Pick where you start. The legs to the Concertgebouw follow in order, down to the last ten minutes on foot.
Choose a starting point and your legs appear here.
Every leg is taken from the sections that follow: train, plane, coach and car. Travel times are indicative. Please consult the relevant journey planner before departure.
Travel by train
Travelling by train is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to reach Bruges.
International rail connections
Brussels South railway station, known locally as Bruxelles Midi or Brussel Zuid, is Belgium’s main international railway hub.
International rail services connect Brussels with many major European cities:
- London, Paris, Lille, Amsterdam and Cologne with Eurostar
- Frankfurt, Cologne and other German cities with ICE
- Major French cities with TGV INOUI
- Rotterdam, Schiphol Airport and Amsterdam with Eurocity Direct
From Brussels South, direct domestic trains run regularly to Bruges. The journey takes approximately one hour.
Plan or book an international rail journey through SNCB International
Travelling within Belgium
Bruges has frequent train connections with cities throughout Belgium. Typical travel times include:
- Brussels Airport to Bruges in approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Brussels South to Bruges in approximately 1 hour
- Ghent to Bruges in approximately 25 minutes
- Ostend to Bruges in approximately 15 minutes
Direct trains are available from Brussels Airport and Brussels South.
When using the Belgian railway journey planner, enter Brugge as your destination.
Plan your journey with SNCB NMBS
From Bruges railway station
The main railway station is located just outside the historic city centre.
The Concertgebouw can be reached in about ten minutes on foot by walking through the King Albert I Park. The BMCC and many centrally located hotels can also be reached on foot.
Local buses connect the railway station with ’t Zand and the historic city centre. Taxis are available on both sides of the station.
Travel by plane
Several Belgian airports provide convenient connections to Bruges.
Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport is Belgium’s main international airport. It offers connections with destinations throughout Europe and around the world.
The railway station is located directly beneath the airport terminal. Direct trains to Bruges are available. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It is also possible to travel to Bruges with a change at one of the main railway stations in Brussels.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Brussels South Charleroi Airport mainly serves European destinations.
Direct shuttle coaches connect the airport with Bruges. The coach stop in Bruges is located behind the main railway station.
Advance booking is recommended.
Brussels South Charleroi AirportCheck connections and book with Flibco
Ostend Bruges Airport
Ostend Bruges Airport is the closest airport to Bruges. It serves a selection of European destinations.
From the airport, take a local bus or taxi to Ostend railway station. Direct trains from Ostend to Bruges take approximately 15 minutes.
Antwerp Airport
Antwerp Airport serves a selection of European destinations.
From the airport, travel to Antwerp city centre. You can then continue by train from Antwerp Central railway station to Bruges.
Travel by bus or international coach
International coach services connect Bruges with cities across Belgium and Europe.
FlixBus operates connections between Bruges and destinations such as Brussels, Paris, Lille, Amsterdam and London.
Most international coaches stop near the rear entrance of Bruges railway station.
Direct Flibco shuttle coaches also connect Brussels South Charleroi Airport with Bruges.
Travel by car
Bruges is easily accessible by road.
- From Brussels, Ghent or the Belgian coast, follow the E40
- From Kortrijk, Tournai or Roeselare, follow the E403
- From Antwerp, follow the E34, N49 and A11
Car traffic is discouraged in the historic city centre. Several streets are car free or have restricted access at certain times.
We recommend using one of the larger public car parks and continuing on foot or by local bus.
Centrum ’t Zand
This underground car park is located directly beside the Concertgebouw and within walking distance of the BMCC.
The car park is open 24 hours a day and provides charging facilities for electric vehicles.
- Navigation address
- ’t Zand 22, 8000 Brugge
Current information and parking tariffs for Centrum ’t Zand
Centrum Station
This large car park is located beside Bruges railway station.
The Summit venues can be reached from here on foot or by local bus. A bus journey to the city centre for up to four people is currently included with the parking ticket on the day of arrival.
- Navigation address
- Chantrellstraat 42, 8000 Brugge
Current information and parking tariffs for Centrum Station
Oesterparking
Oesterparking is located behind Bruges railway station. It is a convenient and affordable option within walking distance of the Summit venues and public transport.
- Navigation address
- Koning Albert I laan, 8000 Brugge
Current information and parking tariffs for Oesterparking
For all parking possibilities, accessible parking spaces and Park and Ride facilities, consult the official parking overview for Bruges.
Accessible travel
We want every participant to be able to plan their journey with confidence.
VISITFLANDERS and accessibility experts provide practical information about travelling to and within Flanders. This includes information about airports, railway assistance, adapted transport, parking and accessible routes.
Accessible Conferences guide (PDF)Accessible visitor information for BrugesFree railway assistance from SNCB NMBSAccessibility information for De Lijn buses
If you require assistance at an airport, railway station or coach terminal, we recommend contacting the transport provider well before your journey.
Summit travel offers
We are exploring collaborations with airlines, railway operators and mobility partners to make travelling to the Summit as convenient as possible.
Information about possible delegate fares, travel benefits and booking arrangements will be published here once confirmed.
Plan your journey
Belgian domestic trainsInternational trainsLocal buses in BrugesTravel and mobility in BrugesSearch for flights
Stay in the heart of Bruges
Bruges offers a wide range of accommodation for every preference and budget, from international hotel chains and distinctive boutique hotels to welcoming family-run hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday homes and youth hostels.
Thanks to the compact nature of the city, many accommodation options in and around the historic centre are within walking distance of the Summit venues BMCC and Concertgebouw.
Special Summit Rates
We are currently working with Visit Bruges (visitbruges.be) to arrange preferential rates at a selection of hotels for Summit participants.
Further information about participating hotels, rates and booking instructions will be published on this page as soon as it becomes available.
Summit accommodation offers coming soon
Find Your Accommodation
Would you already like to explore the available options? The official Visit Bruges website offers a comprehensive overview of accommodation in and around the city.
Explore accommodation in Bruges
Accessible Accommodation
Are you looking for accommodation that meets specific accessibility requirements? The VISITFLANDERS Accessibility Finder provides detailed information to help you plan your stay. We also recommend confirming your individual requirements directly with the accommodation provider before booking.
Discover accessible accommodation
You can also consult the practical guide Bruges – Accessible for Everyone, covering accommodation, transport, parking and other useful accessibility information.
