How to Travel Easily from Brussels to Ghent?

Written by Emeline

Hi, welcome to Flyalong! I’m a Belgian travel enthusiast, sharing the best of my beautiful country, so you can enjoy visiting Belgium as much as I enjoy discovering places around the world. Happy discovering!

Belgium is a small country with excellent transportation options. Traveling from Brussels to Ghent is easy and offers great opportunities to explore. Here is a clear guide for tourists.

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Table of Contents

Distance from Brussels to Ghent

The distance between Brussels and Ghent varies depending on the measurement method:

Straight-line (airline) distance: Approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles).
Driving distance: Approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles), depending on the specific route taken.

Traveling by train between Brussels and Ghent typically takes about 35 to 40 minutes, with frequent services available

Option 1: Travel by Train to Ghent

Trains are the fastest way to get from Brussels to Ghent. The train company in Belgium is NMBS.

Departure Points: Trains leave from major Brussels stations: Brussels Central, Brussels Midi, and Brussels Nord.
Frequency: There are frequent trains, about every 15-20 minutes.
Travel Time: The journey takes around 30 minutes.
Tickets: Buy tickets at the station, online, or through the SNCB/NMBS app. A one-way ticket costs about €10-€12.

Trains are comfortable and offer direct connections. Ghent’s train station, Gent-Sint-Pieters, is well-connected to the city center by trams and buses.

Option 2: Travel by Bus

Buses are an affordable option for budget travelers but a bit slower than trains. Still, they are very comfortable with the possibilities of charging your phone and reserving your seat.

Provider: FlixBus offers routes between Brussels and Ghent.
Travel Time: The journey takes about 1 hour.
Cost: Tickets range from €5 to €10 if booked in advance.
Pickup Locations: Buses usually depart from Brussels-North Station.

Option 3: Amazing Tour from Brussels to Ghent and Bruges

If you’re looking to discover the highlights of Belgium during a holiday than this tour is perfect for you. Not only will you discover Ghent but you will also experience Bruges and enjoy a boat tour in the famous Canals.

Recommended Tour: Ghent and Bruges Full-Day Tour
Highlights: This tour includes transportation and guided exploration of Ghent’s landmarks such as Gravensteen Castle and St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Cost and Booking: Only €48 to visit the three best cities of Belgium! Book online to secure a seat, as this tour is likely to sell out during peak season.

How to Get Around in Ghent

Once in Ghent, public transportation and walking are the best ways to explore.

Trams and Buses: Use De Lijn services. Tickets cost €2.50 for a single trip or €7.50 for a day pass.
Walking: Ghent’s city center is pedestrian-friendly and compact.

What to See in Ghent

When visiting Ghent, consider these attractions:

Gravensteen Castle: A medieval fortress with a history museum.
Korenlei and Graslei: Picturesque streets by the river.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral: Famous for the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painting.