The Western European state of Belgium is relatively young, if we consider it from the point of view of an independent state. But the history of its phased formation dates back long before the start of a new era. At all times, this territory was part of any conquering state - like the Roman Empire, Spain, France, the Netherlands. Only since 1830 did Belgium become an independent state.
Puppet Kingdom
Belgium is adjacent to the Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg and is washed by the waters of the North Sea. Numerous tourists from all over the world are attracted by the advantageous territorial location of Belgium, a large number of medieval architectural monuments, European cleanliness and comfort, and a neat "doll" look of this kingdom.
Tourists traveling to Belgium, it is advisable to visit not only its capital, but also the beautiful Belgian city of Bruges, located at a short distance from Brussels. Consider all public ways to get from Brussels to Bruges.
Brussels Air Gate - National Airport
Most guestsenters the country through the air gate - Brussels National Airport, located in the small town of Zaventem (11 km from Brussels).
Getting to Brussels is very easy, thanks to regular train routes. Every fifteen to twenty minutes (daily from 05:00 to 00:00) the train arrives directly at the airport building (on the “minus first” floor).
Besides this, there are a large number of bus routes. The bus station for city routes is also located within the terminal, on the ground floor. For the convenience of passengers, another bus route is provided that runs to the capital through the Brucargo cargo terminal.
It remains to mention the most comfortable way to travel - a taxi. There are plenty of taxis located at the parking lots (at the exit from the airport).
For passengers whose ultimate destination is not Brussels, but Bruges, the question arises of how to get from Brussels to Bruges. There are many options. It all depends on personal preferences, the amount of free time, financial possibilities and the purpose of the trip.
From the airport to Bruges
How to get from Brussels Airport to Bruges? The railway, motor transport companies, taxi companies and companies specializing in providing vehicles for hire will provide their services. There is no need to make a special trip to Brussels for this.
Every half an hour, different types of trains depart from the airport - the fast "IC" and the regular "P". The difference in time spent on the road is insignificant - twentyminutes, and the price is about 7-8 euros.
There is no direct bus route, but there are buses from Germany, England or Holland that go to Zaventem and go to Bruges.
To Bruges from Brussels
A ridiculous distance, by Russian standards, separates the Belgian capital from the large coastal city of Bruges. Approximately 95-110 km, depending on the chosen route - highway E40 or N9.
Bruges is a fabulously beautiful and unusual European city. Only 17 km separates this "Venice of the North" from the sea.
How to get from Brussels to Bruges? You can get from Brussels to Bruges by train or bus, as well as in a comfortable rental car or taxi.
Tourist preferences
Guests of the country give their preference to railway communication, considering this option the most convenient and optimal, based on the ratio of financial costs, comfort and time spent. How to get from Brussels to Bruges by train?
Brussels is served by three major stations:
- Brussel Nord;
- Brussel Central;
- Brussel Midi – Zuid.
The train to Bruges is marked on each of them, which is very convenient for passengers. There is no need to cross the whole city to catch the train departure.
Departure of passenger trains to Bruges occurs every twenty minutes. Travel time is approximately one hour.
There are no difficulties with purchasing tickets either. They canbuy:
- at the ticket office of any railway station;
- in special terminals, which are equipped not only in the station premises themselves, but also outside them;
- on the website of the Belgian railway.
A lot of queues happen at the cash desks, terminals in this case become an ideal option. Purchasing a ticket on the official website is not always convenient. A personalized ticket must be printed out in advance and only then presented to the controller along with an identity document (driver's license, passport, etc.).
Ticket price ranges from 5 to 20 euros (depending on the type of train and passenger class).
There is another way to purchase a ticket - "last minute". Late passengers can buy a ticket in the train car from the controller. Be sure to inform the conductor when boarding to avoid pen alties.
Bus service Brussels - Bruges
How to get from Brussels to Bruges by bus? There will be no problems finding a suitable flight, given that intercity and international regular buses can be added to the infrequent direct routes Brussels - Bruges.
But, frankly, the bus following this route is far from a competitor to the train:
- significant time intervals between flights;
- you need to make a special trip to the bus station, since the bus (unlike the train) does not run throughout the Belgian capital to “pick up”wishing to head to Bruges;
- buses are less comfortable, much slower due to frequent traffic jams at junctions;
- intercity and international buses do not enter Bruges itself, they park in the southern part of the city in specially equipped parking lots.
The way is expensive, but comfortable
How else can you get from Brussels to Bruges? Those who appreciate comfortable transportation can be advised to take a taxi. The only but obvious disadvantage of such a trip is the cost. Belgium has many first-class, high-quality services that are attractive due to their relative cheapness compared to Germany or France. Unfortunately, taxis are not among them. The price bar starts to creep up from two hundred euros.
But there is a great opportunity to see the equally attractive Ghent, a city located approximately in the middle of the road if you move along the N9 highway. Maldegem will not stand aside either. Both highways (E-40 and N9) are laid almost in parallel and are located at a small distance from each other. Is it worth talking about the quality of the road surface? Like everything else, in this "doll" kingdom, the roads are impeccable. "A car enthusiast's dream", there is no other way to say it.
There are a large number of gas stations, shops and cafes along the roads. You definitely won't be bored on the road.
You can rent a car. But in this case, it will become a real burden for tourists. In Bruges, especially in the "old town" area, you can face a serious problem when looking forconvenient car parking.
To get from Brussels to Bruges cheaply and comfortably, the best way to do this is by train.
