Brussels to Ghent by Train: My Experience, Ticket Tips & Day Trip Guide

Taking the train from Brussels to Ghent? Here’s a practical (and easy) guide for your Brussels to Ghent train trip, including which station to use, how long the journey takes, ticket tips, Brussels Airport advice and how I’d turn it into an easy Ghent day trip. From someone who’s done it!

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If you’re planning a Belgium trip and wondering how to get from Brussels to Ghent, I have good news…

It’s one of the easiest train journeys you can do in Belgium!

Yes, really.

You’ll get on a direct train in Brussels, take in Belgian views for 35 to 40 minutes, then arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters—ready to spend the day among canals, medieval towers, cafés, chocolate shops, bookish corners and one very picturesque castle.

café in ghent Le Bal Infernal - used book café in ghent

I’ve been to Ghent twice now, and for my own Brussels to Ghent trip, I took the train and found the whole thing smooth, easy and exactly why I loved using public transport in Belgium.

Overall, for a first visit, I’d take an early-ish train, start your Ghent day around St Michael’s Bridge, follow the historic centre towards Graslei and Korenlei, then decide whether your afternoon needs Gravensteen Castle, a Ghent boat tour, or a very reasonable amount of time in a Ghent café.

Although Belgium’s train system is wonderfully useful, with three languages and multiple stations—it’s not always easy to navigate.

With that said, here’s everything you need to know for your Brussels to Ghent train journey, from how tickets work to what to do if you’re coming from Brussels Airport-Zaventem and what I’d know before turning it into a Ghent day trip.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: Brussels to Ghent by Train

Question	Quick answer
Is there a direct Brussels to Ghent train?	Yes, the route is usually direct between Brussels and Gent-Sint-Pieters.
How long does Brussels to Ghent by train take?	Around 35 to 40 minutes on average, depending on the station and your specific train (+ delays etc.).
Which Brussels station should you use?	Brussels-Midi/Zuid if you’re arriving by Eurostar; Brussels-Central if you’re already in the city centre.
Which Ghent station do you need?	Gent-Sint-Pieters
Should you book in advance?	You don’t usually need to book weeks ahead for Belgian domestic trains, but I would still book your train ticket at least a day in advance.
Is Ghent good as a day trip from Brussels?	Yes. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Brussels by train, especially if you start early and stick to the historic centre.

Book Your Ghent Trip

Where I recommend staying: For your trip, I’d stay at the stylish and central NH Collection Gent (Ghent), right next to the historic centre. You can also compare more hotels in Ghent here.

Getting to Ghent: Compare train times and prices for Brussels to Ghent, Bruges to Ghent and Antwerp to Ghent, plus Eurostar and onward train connections from London, Paris and Amsterdam.

The tour I’d book for a first trip: I’d choose this 50-minute guided boat trip. It’s scenic, packed with history and short enough that you’ll still have most of the day to explore on foot.

Visiting from Brussels and want to see Bruges too? I’d choose this full-day Bruges and Ghent tour, which includes a guided walk and free time in both cities, plus the option of a canal cruise in Ghent. It’s a packed day, but a useful one when your Belgium itinerary is tight and you’d rather leave the transport, timings and city introductions to someone else.

For food lovers: I’d book this 2.5-hour Ghent food tour. It pairs five local tastings at independent food stops with a walk through the city, so you’ll get plenty of Ghent history along the way too.

Stay connected: Set up your Europe eSIM before your trip. It takes less than five minutes, and you’ll have mobile data ready to use when you arrive.

For extra peace of mind: Take a look at SafetyWing’s travel medical insurance before your trip (it’s the one I personally use and recommend).

How to Get from Brussels to Ghent by Train

Candace Abroad in Brussels Main Square looking back — Brussels

The easiest way to get from Brussels to Ghent is to take a direct SNCB/NMBS train from Brussels to Ghent.

In Brussels, you can usually board from one of the main city stations, including Brussels-Midi/Zuid or Brussels-Central. Once in Ghent, you’ll arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters.

The Brussels to Ghent train journey usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes, which is exactly why it works so well as a day trip.

But once you arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, keep in mind you won’t be immediately in the postcard-perfect historic centre. But don’t worry. You can easily take local public transport (Ghent’s tram) and pay with your contactless card, grab a taxi or walk for 20-30 minutes if you’re happy to stretch your legs before sightseeing, just put your first stop into Google Maps!

P.S. – For a first trip, I’d head towards the historic centre and begin around St Michael’s Bridge for first views across the water towards St Nicholas’ Church, the Ghent Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral.

Which Brussels Train Station Should You Use?

Given Brussels has several stations, one of the trickiest bits is simply figuring out which to use. Let’s break it down.

If you’re arriving in Belgium by Eurostar, you’ll most likely arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid. In that case, stay in the station, follow signs for Belgian domestic trains/SNCB/NMBS, and take the train from Brussels-Midi to Gent-Sint-Pieters.

If you’re already sightseeing or staying in central Brussels, Brussels-Central is often the easiest station to use.

Brussels-Central Station is also just a 10-minute walk from NH Collection Brussels, where I stayed for my trip!

Important: Given it’s Belgium, Brussels’ station names appear in French, Dutch and English—so for example, Brussels-Midi, Brussel-Zuid and Brussels South all refer to the same thing. An excuse to brush up on your language skills!

Which Ghent Train Station Do You Need?

The main train station in Ghent is Gent-Sint-Pieters, which is where I’d recommend arriving for your Brussels to Ghent train journey.

The only caveat is you’ll need to take a short tram from the station to the historic centre; otherwise, it’s a 20-30 minute walk.

But not to worry: right outside the station, just hop on the Tram T1 or T3 towards Korenmarkt, and tap in with your contactless card (you don’t need to tap out).

Once you’re in the centre, Ghent becomes wonderfully walkable.

How to Buy Brussels to Ghent Train Tickets

In other words, how to beat the queues at the station so you can get to exploring Ghent!

The official way to buy Brussels to Ghent train tickets is through the SNCB/NMBS website, the SNCB/NMBS app, a ticket machine or a ticket office at the station.

But for the most convenient option, especially if you like having your travel sorted before you arrive, I’d book your Brussels to Ghent train ticket in advance here.

It’ll help keep your route simple and lets you compare train times in one place so you’re not fiddling with ticket machines when you could already be thinking about Ghent cafés and Ghent chocolate shops.

You don’t need to book months in advance, but I’d recommend at least a day or so. And you’ll absolutely need one before boarding the train.

P.S. – If you’re under 26 or travelling at the weekend or off-peak, you may be able to get a cheaper ticket too. Have a look at your options here.

Book your Brussels to Ghent train ticket in advance

How to Get from Brussels Airport to Ghent by Train

If you’re flying into Brussels Airport-Zaventem and heading straight to Ghent, you can take the train from the airport too.

This is different from starting at Brussels city stations, so make sure you search for Brussels Airport-Zaventem as your departure station, not simply Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi.

I’d also give yourself a little buffer if you’re landing and going straight to Ghent—you are in an airport after all!

Is Ghent Worth Visiting as a Day Trip from Brussels?

Yes, Ghent is absolutely worth visiting as a day trip from Brussels by train.

If you made me argue, I’d say it’s one of the best Belgium day trips, especially if you want medieval charm, good food, canals and history without the same crowds as Bruges (on that note: here’s how to decide between Ghent and Bruges for your trip).

Not to mention you can go from Gravensteen Castle to a Ghent boat tour, a used-book café and a graffiti tunnel all in one day.

Candace Abroad walking on graffiti street Ghent

For the smoothest day, I’d use my one-day Ghent itinerary, keep your sightseeing fairly central and avoid trying to “complete” the city. Just get a lovely taste…

Read my one-day Ghent itinerary

P.S. – Want more Ghent recommendations? Once the train bit is sorted, I’d use my best things to do in Ghent guide to decide what deserves your time, then narrow the day with my free things to do in Ghent, unusual things to do in Ghent, best restaurants in Ghent and Ghent chocolate shops guides depending on how much time you have before your train back to Brussels.

How I’d Plan a Brussels to Ghent Day Trip by Train

Candace Abroad on St Michael's Bridge Ghent riverside

If I were doing Brussels to Ghent by train as a day trip, I’d keep the day simple.

Take the train from Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi/Zuid in the morning, arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, then make your way into the historic centre.

Start with St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei. This is the view you probably have in your head when you think of Ghent, and one I recommend soaking in early before the day gets too full.

From there, walk towards St Nicholas’ Church, the Ghent Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral. If you want the big-ticket sight, make time for the Ghent Altarpiece inside St Bavo’s Cathedral.

For lunch, I’d either book De Rechters for Belgian food near Sint-Baafsplein, or choose something more casual from my Ghent cafés guide.

In the afternoon, I’d pick one bigger experience rather than trying to do everything. For history, choose Gravensteen Castle. For the prettiest overview, book a 50-minute guided Ghent boat trip. For a slower local respite, go to Ludo Kafe, Le Bal Infernal or Lloyd Coffee Eatery.

Then wander back via Korenmarkt or the waterfront, head back to Gent-Sint-Pieters, and take the train from Ghent to Brussels when you’re ready.

Should You Visit Ghent and Bruges on the Same Day?

Candace Abroad in Markt, Bruges’ Main Square

You can visit Ghent and Bruges by train in the same Belgium trip, but I wouldn’t usually squeeze both into the same day unless your time is very tight.

The Bruges or Ghent question comes up constantly, and I get why. Both are beautiful, both are easy by train, and both look like they should fit neatly into one Flanders day.

But in real life, Ghent deserves more than a quick look at the water and a rushed march towards the station. If you only have one day from Brussels, I’d pick either Ghent or Bruges and enjoy it properly.

With that said, there is an alternative.

If you’re short on time and don’t mind someone else handling all the timings and logistics, then a full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels can be the perfect option for your trip.

It’s not the slowest way to experience either city, but it is practical when you’d rather not juggle train times, walking routes and introductions to both places yourself.

Book the full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels

P.S. – If you’re planning to visit both cities independently, read my Bruges and Ghent itinerary.

Where to Stay If You Decide to Sleep in Ghent

A Brussels to Ghent day trip is easy, but I do think Ghent gets even better when you stay overnight or do a weekend in Ghent.

The city quiets down, you can pop into more local Ghent restaurants and Ghent cafés and truly take your time when it comes to exploring.

For a first trip, I’d stay in the historic centre. My top pick is always NH Collection Gent, as it’s close to Sint-Baafsplein, St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and is a beautiful, stylish base for your trip.

Check NH Collection Gent prices & availability

P.S. – If you’re basing yourself in Brussels instead, then I recommend their sister hotel NH Collection Brussels—I really loved my stay here on my Brussels trip!

My Top Brussels to Ghent by Train Tips

Check the exact Brussels station before you leave. Brussels-Midi/Zuid and Brussels-Central are not the same station, and Belgium loves a multilingual station name.
Buy your ticket before boarding. Use the SNCB/NMBS website, app, ticket office or station machines or book your ticket in advance here.
Arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters. The main Ghent train station for most Brussels to Ghent day trips.
Don’t forget the final hop into the centre. Gent-Sint-Pieters is not directly in the historic centre, so be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk or take Tram T1 or T3 towards Korenmarkt (just tap in with your contactless card, no need to tap out).
Check the return train before dinner. Trains are frequent, but I’d still check the real-time timetable before you settle into a long Ghent dinner or one last beer.
Keep your day in the historic centre. If you’re only in Ghent for one day, I’d stick to central sites and views like Gravensteen Castle, a Ghent boat trip, one good Ghent meal and a central walk through the historic city centre.

Final Thoughts on Taking the Train from Brussels to Ghent

Taking the train from Brussels to Ghent is easy, quick and absolutely worth doing if you want a simple Belgium day trip with a lot of reward for very little travel effort.

Use Brussels-Central if you’re already in the city centre, or Brussels-Midi/Zuid if you’re connecting from Eurostar.

Arrive at Gent-Sint-Pieters, book your ticket in advance and leave yourself at least a full day in Ghent to actually enjoy the city once you arrive.

From there, let Ghent do what Ghent does best: canals, towers, café culture, good food, and enjoy your taste of one of the coolest cities in Belgium.

Have the best trip to Ghent!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Brussels to Ghent by Train

How Long Does Brussels to Ghent by Train Take?

A Brussels to Ghent train journey usually takes around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on your departure station and exact train (if we want to be technical, around 36 minutes).

How Far Is Brussels from Ghent by Train?

54.8 km, or under 40 minutes, making Brussels to Ghent a very lovely day trip.

Is There a Direct Train from Brussels to Ghent?

Yes, there’s loads of direct trains from Brussels to Ghent from morning to evening. Have a look at the latest timetable to book your journey.

Which Brussels Station Goes to Ghent?

You can usually travel to Ghent from major Brussels stations, including Brussels-Midi/Zuid and Brussels-Central. If you’re arriving by Eurostar, use Brussels-Midi/Zuid. If you’re already in central Brussels, Brussels-Central may be more convenient.

What Is the Main Train Station in Ghent?

The main train station in Ghent is Gent-Sint-Pieters. It’ll be the best station to use for your Brussels to Ghent trip.

How Do You Get from Brussels Airport to Ghent by Train?

It’s easy! Just book your ticket in advance from Brussels Airport-Zaventem station and follow the signs to the train station once you land (it’s within the airport).

Do You Need to Book Brussels to Ghent Train Tickets in Advance?

You don’t usually need to book far in advance for a standard Belgian domestic train journey, but you do need a valid ticket before boarding. You can book your ticket here for your trip.

How Much Does Brussels to Ghent by Train Cost?

Brussels to Ghent train prices depend on your age, ticket type, class and timing, but tend to start from around €10. Check the latest prices here.

Can You Visit Ghent and Bruges by Train from Brussels?

Yes, you can visit Ghent and Bruges by train from Brussels, but I’d usually avoid squeezing both into the same day independently unless you’re short on time. If you want both handled for you, consider a full-day Bruges and Ghent tour from Brussels.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for a Day Trip from Brussels?

Both work well by train, but they’re definitely different trips. Bruges is more postcard-pretty and compact, while Ghent feels livelier, more lived-in and better if you want a mix of canals, medieval sights, cafés, food and student-city vibes.

Plan the rest of your Ghent trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Ghent guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.