The Perfect Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges: Train, Tours & My Itinerary

Looking to do a day trip from Brussels to Bruges? I’ve got you covered. From train tips and tour options to what to see, eat and book, here’s how I’d plan the perfect day trip—from someone who’s done it!

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Although Brussels is a brilliant city break in its own right, sometimes it’s worth adding another Belgian city into the mix.

For me, that city was Bruges.

I first visited Bruges as a day trip from Brussels when I was 19, and even now, after going back for an overnight stay, I still think it’s one of the best day trips you can take from the Belgian capital.

On that first trip, I stayed in Brussels at NH Collection Brussels Centre, took the train to Bruges myself, then did a guided walking tour with a canal boat ride once I arrived.

It gave me a good mix, in my opinion. I had someone to explain the city properly, but I also had time afterwards to wander around Markt, find chocolate shops, take photos along the canals and enjoy Bruges without feeling like I was being hurried from stop to stop.

But if you’d rather have the full day arranged for you, you’re in luck!

There’s also some great Brussels-to-Bruges tours, including options that combine Bruges and Ghent in one day—so you get the best of both worlds.

With that said, here’s my full guide to planning a day trip from Brussels to Bruges, including how to get there, whether the train or taking a tour is better, what to see in Bruges in one day, where I’d stay in Brussels, and the exact route I’d follow once you arrive.

Shall we?

P.S. – If you’re planning the rest of your trip, read my one day in Bruges itinerary, my guide to visiting Bruges without a car and my honest guide to the best time to visit Bruges next.

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.

P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

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

Is Bruges Worth a Day Trip from Brussels?

Yes, Bruges is absolutely worth a day trip from Brussels.

If you’re already staying in Brussels, Bruges gives you a completely different side of Belgium without needing to change hotels.

In Brussels you’ll get all the buzzing energy of a capital city—big squares, museums, food tours, comic-strip murals, Belgian beer, shopping streets and neighbourhoods like the cool Sablon and the cultural corners of Matonge.

But Bruges is much smaller and more storybook-looking, with canals, cobbled lanes, stepped-gable buildings, chocolate shops, beer cafés and the famous Belfry towering over the picturesque Markt.

I wouldn’t say one is “better” than the other, because they feel very different. With that said, if you have more than one day in Brussels, I’d definitely use one of those days for Bruges.

In terms of things to do, one day is enough to see Bruges’ main sights, take a canal boat tour, have a chocolate stop and get a good first feel for the city.

Would I stay overnight if you have the time? Yes. Two days in Bruges is definitely worth the trip, and there’s plenty of places to stay in Bruges.

But if you’re based in Brussels, a day trip still gives you a strong first visit.

Read More: Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice

Brussels to Bruges Day Trip: Quick Picks

Should You Do Bruges by Train or Book a Tour from Brussels?

If you’re comfortable using trains in Europe, I’d do Bruges independently by train (that’s what I did and highly recommend!).

The train gives you much more control over your day—with the freedom to choose when you arrive, how long you’ll stay, where to eat and whether you want to head back to Brussels at 5pm on the dot or linger a little longer.

But I do think it’s worth adding a tour once you’re actually in Bruges.

On my first trip, I did a guided walking tour with a canal boat ride, and I’m so glad I did.

Bruges is beautiful enough to wander on your own, but a guide gives you a lot of history and context behind the streets, squares, churches and canals you’re looking at, which for me, really deepened the experience.

I’d book a tour from Brussels if you’d rather not think about the train, if you’re travelling with family, or if you want to combine Bruges and Ghent in one day.

In short:

Take the train if you want more freedom.

Book a tour from Brussels if you want the day arranged for you.

Take the train and book a tour in Bruges if you want the best of both.

That last option would be my pick for most first-time visitors.

How to Get from Brussels to Bruges by Train

The best way to get from Brussels to Bruges is by train.

The journey takes about an hour with trains running throughout the day, and you can leave from Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi/Zuid or Brussels-North depending on where you’re staying.

It can get a little confusing given trains to Bruges leave from several Brussels stations, including:

• Brussels-Central
• Brussels-Midi/Zuid
• Brussels-North

If you’re staying around Grand Place, De Brouckère, Rue Neuve or the central historic area, Brussels-Central will often be the most convenient station (especially if you’re staying at this hotel).

If you’re arriving from London or Paris by Eurostar, you’ll arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid and can head to Bruges from there.

P.S. – The arrival station is usually shown as Brugge. That’s the Dutch/Flemish name for Bruges, so don’t worry if you see Brugge on tickets, apps or station boards.

Once you arrive at Brugge station, you can walk into the historic centre in around 15–20 minutes.

If you’re only doing a day trip, I’d travel with a light bag and walk in through Minnewater and Begijnhof. It’s a much nicer way to arrive than heading straight for the busiest part of the city.

If you have luggage, take De Lijn bus 1 or 2 from the station, use a licensed taxi or request Uber Taxi through the app instead. Bruges’ cobbles are lovely to look at. Less so with a massive suitcase.

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

You don’t usually need to book Brussels to Bruges train tickets far in advance for a normal Belgian domestic train (standard SNCB/NMBS domestic tickets can normally be bought online, in the app, at a station machine or counter).

That said, I still prefer sorting tickets before travelling so I’m not dealing with ticket machines on the day.

For a day trip, I’d also check the live timetable and your return options before you leave Brussels, especially if you’re planning dinner or drinks back in the city afterwards.

Where I Stayed in Brussels

For my Brussels trip, I stayed at NH Collection Brussels Centre, and I’d happily use it again as a base for a Bruges day trip (or any Brussels trip).

The hotel is parallel to Rue Neuve, around a 10-minute walk from Brussels-Central and a short walk from Grand Place, so it worked really well as a central Brussels base.

For this specific trip, I would say staying central matters. A Bruges day trip is already a full day, so I wouldn’t choose somewhere that adds a long journey before you’ve even got to the train station.

Brussels to Bruges Tours to Consider

If you’d rather book a tour from Brussels, there are a few ways to do it.

I personally took the train and then did a Bruges tour once I arrived. But a tour that departs from Brussels is fantastically useful if you want the transport, timing and guide handled from the start.

From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Day Tour – 2 Fairytale Cities

This is the tour I’d look at if you want to see both Bruges and Ghent in one day.

It’s a full-day tour from Brussels that’s around 10.5 hours, with air-conditioned coach transport, a multilingual guide, and guided walking tours in both Ghent and Bruges, plus free time to explore each city.

The meeting point is outside the National Bank of Belgium at Boulevard de Berlaimont 18, and you’ll get back to Brussels around 7:30p.m.

If you have limited time in Belgium and want to see both major Flemish cities without planning the train route yourself, it’s absolutely the best practical option.

Bruges Day Trip: Canal Boat, Windmills & Damme

Another tour I’d consider is a Bruges day trip with a visit to Damme—for panoramic coach views of the Kruisvest windmills and medieval walls, and a good chunk of free time in Bruges.

It runs for around 10 hours, with round-trip air-conditioned coach transport from Brussels, a guided introduction in Damme and an interactive digital city map.

This one’s interesting if you’ve already seen the obvious Bruges photos and want the day to include a little more than Markt and Rozenhoedkaai.

How to Spend One Day in Bruges from Brussels

If you’re doing Bruges as a day trip from Brussels, I’d keep the day fairly focused itinerary-wise with a bit of room for the spontaneous (and of course, chocolate).

I’m just going to say it—you don’t need to see every museum, every church and every chocolate shop.

But a good meander through Bruges’ cobbled streets, a canal boat tour, and a few beautiful viewpoints will give you all you need to experience just how fairytale and wonderful this city is.

Here’s how I’d plan it.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

Read More: Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice

Morning: Take the Train from Brussels to Bruges

If you’re doing the trip independently, my own preference would be to leave Brussels in the morning and aim to arrive in Bruges around 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m.

That gives you a generous day without making the morning feel too intense.

If you’re staying at NH Collection Brussels Centre or somewhere similarly central, check whether Brussels-Central or Brussels-Midi/Zuid works best for your departure.

P.S. – If you’re leaving from Brussels-Central, Melbourne Coffee is inside the station’s main hall and nice for grabbing a coffee before your trip!

Late Morning: Walk from Bruges Station to Minnewater

When you arrive at Bruges station, walk towards Minnewater, also known as the Lake of Love.

This is one of the prettiest ways to enter Bruges from the station, with water views, swans, bridges and an admittedly fairytale first impression before you reach the busier streets.

From there, you can continue towards the Begijnhof, which sits right nearby.

It’s a peaceful collection of whitewashed houses and a convent garden founded in 1245—once home to beguines, lay women who lived a pious and largely independent communal life without taking formal monastic vows.

Well worth the stop!

Late Morning: Church of Our Lady, Bonifacius Bridge and Dijver

From the Begijnhof, walk towards the Church of Our Lady, Bonifacius Bridge and Dijver.

This part of Bruges gives you some of the best first-trip views without needing to cross back and forth across the city.

Bonifacius Bridge is a popular photo spot, but it’s also close to several major Bruges sights, so it’s worth adding even if you’re not trying to recreate every postcard.

If you have two days in Bruges, I’d consider adding museums like Groeningemuseum or Gruuthusemuseum to your short but sweet itinerary.

For a day trip from Brussels, I’d mostly enjoy this area from the outside (they’re both stunning), but if the weather is a little Belgian that day or you’re keen on Bruges’ museum scene, you can tuck inside.

Midday: Rozenhoedkaai, Burg Square and Markt

Next, walk towards Rozenhoedkaai.

This is the famous canal viewpoint you’ve probably seen in every Bruges guide. It gets busy, but it’s still an undeniably pretty view I’d make sure to include on a first trip.

From there, head to Burg Square, where you’ll find Bruges City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Then walk over to Markt, Bruges’ main square, with the Belfry, colourful stepped-gable buildings, café terraces and horse-drawn carriages.

This is also where you’ll decide whether or not to climb the Belfry of Bruges.

The Belfry has 366 steps and a carillon of 47 bells, so I’d only add the climb if the view is genuinely something you care about.

I cared about it!

If you’d rather spend that time on the canals, food, chocolate shops or wandering the centre, admiring it from Markt is still a perfectly good first visit.

Lunch: Keep It Central

Lion Belge, Bruges

For lunch, I’d stay central and keep your plans more or less realistic.

If you want something quick, add a waffle from Chez Albert or House of Waffles.

If you want a full stomach, look at places like Cambrinus, De Koetse or Lion Belge, depending on how much time you want to spend sitting down.

If you’re not that hungry yet, I’d do a smaller stop and save room for chocolate or hot chocolate later.

Read More: Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try

Read More: Best Cafés in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip

Afternoon: Take a Bruges Canal Boat Tour

A Bruges canal boat tour is one of the main things I’d recommend for a day trip.

I did a canal boat ride on my first visit as part of a guided walking tour, and I’d recommend it for anyone seeing Bruges for the first time.

If you don’t want a walking tour with it you can also take an independent Bruges boat tour, which I did on my second visit!

You’ll get a much-welcomed different view of the city from the water, and it helps break up the walking without taking your eyes away from the sights.

Boat trips in Bruges are guaranteed from early March to mid-November, while winter sailings depend more on the operator, weather and demand (something to keep in mind!).

If you’re visiting in spring, summer or autumn, I’d definitely make this one of the main parts of your day.

Read More: Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go

Read More: Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences

Afternoon: Add a Chocolate, Café or Beer Stop

Before heading back to Brussels, I’d choose one final Bruges stop based on the kind of day you want.

For chocolate, I’d look at Dumon Chocolatier, The Chocolate Line, La Belgique Gourmande or Atelier Verbaert.

For hot chocolate, The Old Chocolate House is the one I’d keep in mind, especially if it’s cold or raining.

For coffee, I’d look at Coffeebar Adriaan, Dees Koffiebranders or AVI’38.

For beer, I’d consider ’t Brugs Beertje, Café Rose Red, Cambrinus or De Halve Maan Brewery, depending how much time you have left.

(This is also why I like doing the train independently. If you want one more stop before going back to Brussels, you can usually make that call yourself).

Evening: Return to Brussels

When you’re ready, walk or take the bus back to Bruges station and return to Brussels by train.

If you have dinner plans back in Brussels, check return times before the day runs away from you, but if you don’t—you can take pleasure in being a bit more relaxed, enjoy dinner in Bruges or a more flexible journey back to the big city.

Should You Visit Bruges and Ghent in One Day from Brussels?

Ghent!

You can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day from Brussels, but I’d only do it as a tour.

Independently, it’s a lot of moving around for one day, and you’ll have less time to enjoy both cities.

In short, if Bruges is your main priority, I’d say explore independently and give Bruges the full day.

If you want to see both cities because your Belgium trip is short, book a Brussels to Bruges and Ghent tour and let someone else handle the timings and logistics.

Read More: Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Read More: Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both

Should You Take the Bus from Brussels to Bruges?

You can take the bus from Brussels to Bruges, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a day trip.

For most visitors, the train is the better option because it’s direct, frequent and brings you into Bruges station, where you can walk into the historic centre.

A bus may be cheaper depending on the date, but for a day trip, I’d prioritise time and convenience over saving a small amount.

Should You Drive from Brussels to Bruges?

I wouldn’t drive from Brussels to Bruges for a standard day trip.

The distance is not the issue. The issue is parking, traffic and the fact that Bruges is much better explored on foot.

Once you’re in Bruges, you’ll be walking between canals, squares, churches, chocolate shops and beer bars anyway, tough life but someone’s got to live it!

With that said, driving makes sense if Bruges is part of a bigger Belgium, northern France or Europe road trip…otherwise, take the train!

Read More: How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

Best Time to Do a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

For a Brussels to Bruges day trip, I’d choose spring or autumn if your dates are flexible.

April, May, September and October are all good months for walking around Bruges, taking a canal boat and enjoying the city without the slight chaos of peak summer crowds—at least, that’s my own preference.

Summer still works, but I’d arrive earlier in the day and expect busier spots around Markt, Rozenhoedkaai and the canal boat queues.

Winter can be lovely if you’re visiting for Christmas markets, lights and hot chocolate, but check daylight hours and canal boat schedules before you go.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

What to Book Before Your Brussels to Bruges Day Trip

If you’re doing the trip independently, I’d sort your:

• Brussels to Bruges train ticket
• Bruges walking tour or canal boat tour (or both)
• Bruges lunch or dinner stops (only worth reserving for a specific restaurant or a busy weekend)
• A central Brussels hotel
• Return train options

If you’re booking a tour from Brussels, I’d sort your:

• Brussels to Bruges/Ghent tour
• A central Brussels hotel
• Dinner plans back in Brussels

I’d also keep your bag light and very comfortable shoes. Bruges is a walking city, and you don’t want to carry half your suitcase around all day.

How I’d Pair Brussels and Bruges in One Trip

If you’re using Brussels as your base, I’d plan the trip like this.

Day 1: Brussels

For me, I’d spend your first day on the main Brussels sights, a few local detours and 1-2 food stops.

This includes Grand Place, Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace of Brussels, St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, the cool Sablon neighbourhood, Parc de Bruxelles and the very entertaining comic-strip route if you want something uniquely Brussels.

For cafés, I’d look at The Unusual, BOUCHE Specialty Coffee, BARKBOY or Taylor’s Café.

For beer have a sip (or two) at Beer Capital Brussels and Delirium.

And if you want a guided Brussels tour, here’s a few I’d look at.

• Brussels Historical Tour with Chocolate & Waffle Tasting
• Brussels Belgian Chocolate Making Workshop
• Brussels City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings

Day 2: Bruges

Take the train from Brussels to Bruges and follow the route in this guide above or my one-day Bruges itinerary, including a walk around Rozenhoedkaai, Burg Square and Markt, a canal boat tour, a chocolate or café stop and return to Brussels in the evening.

Day 3: Ghent, Antwerp or More Brussels

Ghent

And finally, I’d use your third day for Ghent, Antwerp or a more relaxed Brussels day.

If it’s your first time in Belgium, I’d personally choose Ghent, which pairs fabulously with a trip to Bruges, as I cover in my Bruges and Ghent itinerary.

If you’re short on time, you can take a day tour from Brussels to Bruges & Ghent—just prepare your temptation for a second trip…

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

Although it’s not a huge amount of time, a day trip from Brussels is still a very worthy trip.

My ideal version? Take the train from Brussels in the morning, walk into Bruges through Minnewater and the Begijnhof, then spend the day between Rozenhoedkaai, Burg Square, Markt, a canal boat and one good chocolate, coffee or beer stop before heading back.

If you’d rather have the transport and timings handled for you, book a Brussels tour. But if you’re comfortable using trains, I’d keep the journey independent and add a walking tour or canal boat once you arrive.

You won’t see every corner of Bruges in one day, but you can absolutely have a day that feels worth the train ride—canals, chocolate, cobbles and all!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

💭 Can you do a day trip from Brussels to Bruges?

Yes, you can easily do a day trip from Brussels to Bruges. The train takes around an hour, and Bruges is compact enough to explore mostly on foot once you arrive (sans heavy luggage).

💭 Is a day trip to Bruges from Brussels worth it?

Yes, a day trip to Bruges from Brussels is worth it, especially if you only have a few days in Belgium. One day gives you enough time to see Markt, the Belfry, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, the canals, the Begijnhof, Minnewater, and take a canal boat tour.

💭 How long is the train from Brussels to Bruges?

Around 1 hour 4 minutes, you can get your ticket here!

💭 How far is Bruges from Brussels?

Around 100 km from Brussels by road, or one hour by direct train!

💭 Which train station do you use from Brussels to Bruges?

You can take trains to Bruges from Brussels-Central, Brussels-Midi/Zuid or Brussels-North. If you’re staying centrally (like at NH Collection Brussels Centre), Brussels-Central is usually the most convenient. If you’re arriving by Eurostar, you’ll arrive at Brussels-Midi/Zuid.

💭 What station do you arrive at in Bruges?

You’ll arrive at Brugge station. Brugge is the Dutch/Flemish name for Bruges, so don’t worry if you see it on ticket machines or train screens.

💭 Can you walk from Bruges station to the city centre?

Yes, you can walk from Bruges station to the historic centre in around 15–20 minutes. If you’re travelling light, I’d walk in via Minnewater and the Begijnhof. If you have luggage, take a bus, licensed taxi or Uber Taxi instead.

💭 Do you need to book Brussels to Bruges train tickets in advance?

You don’t usually need to book Brussels to Bruges train tickets weeks in advance for a normal Belgian domestic train, and standard tickets don’t reserve a specific seat. With that said, I’d still sort your ticket before travelling so you’re not dealing with the ticket machines on the day.

💭 Is it better to take the train or a tour from Brussels to Bruges?

Take the train if you want more flexibility. Book a tour if you want transport, timing and a guide arranged for you. My personal preference is taking the train, then doing a guided walking tour and canal boat ride in Bruges.

💭 Can you visit Bruges and Ghent in one day from Brussels?

Yes, you can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day from Brussels, but I’d do it as an organised tour like this one. If Bruges is your main priority, give Bruges the full day.

💭 Is Brussels or Bruges better if I can only pick one?

Choose Brussels if you want a bigger city with museums, food, nightlife and transport connections. Choose Bruges if you want canals, cobbled streets, chocolate shops and a smaller historic centre. Ideally, if you’re short on time, I’d say just stay in Brussels and take a day trip to Bruges.

💭 How many days do you need for Brussels and Bruges?

I’d do at least three days if you want Brussels and Bruges: two days for Brussels and one day for Bruges. If you also want Ghent or Antwerp, add another day or two.

💭 What should you see in Bruges on a day trip from Brussels?

On a Bruges day trip from Brussels, I’d see Minnewater, the Begijnhof, Bonifacius Bridge, Rozenhoedkaai, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Markt, the Belfry, the canals and at least one chocolate shop. Or five…

💭 Should you take a canal boat tour on a Bruges day trip?

Yes, I’d definitely take a canal boat tour on a Bruges day trip. It gives you a different view of the city and works really well when you only have one day.

💭 Can you drive from Brussels to Bruges?

You can drive from Brussels to Bruges, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a standard day trip. The train is more practical, and Bruges itself is best explored on foot.

💭 Is there a bus from Brussels to Bruges?

Yes, coach services are available between Brussels and Bruges, but schedules vary. For a day trip, I’d normally choose the direct train or an organised tour instead. But you can check bus options here.

💭 Where should you stay in Brussels for a Bruges day trip?

I’d stay somewhere central so you can get to the station or tour meeting point without adding too much travel time. I personally stayed at NH Collection Brussels Centre, and it worked really well as a base for Brussels and a Bruges day trip.

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

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

Before you book

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences

What to do and where to eat

• The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try
• Best Cafés in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip