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

Looking to visit Bruges without a car? Here’s how I’d do Bruges by train and on foot—including station tips, walking routes, public transport and what to know if you end up driving anyway. From someone who’s visited Bruges twice, without a car!

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Wondering if you need a car in Bruges?

After visiting Bruges twice, I can confidently say: no. And honestly, I think Bruges is one of those cities that makes far more sense without one.

The whole point of Bruges (in my opinion) is walking between the canals, getting distracted by chocolate shops, cutting through cobbled lanes, and stopping at a Bruges coffee shop you didn’t necessarily plan for.

A car doesn’t really help with any of that.

If you’re coming from Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp or even London via Brussels, the train is usually the easiest way to get to Bruges.

Belgium’s train system is genuinely good (like most of Europe), and once you arrive at Bruges train station, you’re already close enough to walk into the historic centre.

With that said, in this mini guide I’ll cover how to visit Bruges without a car, how to get there by train, what to know about Bruges train station, whether you can walk to the centre, how public transport works and what to do if Bruges is part of a bigger Europe road trip and you’re driving anyway.

Shall we?

P.S. – If you’re planning the rest of your trip, read my one day in Bruges itinerary, my Bruges weekend itinerary and my guide to where to stay in 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.

Do You Need a Car in Bruges?

No, you don’t need a car in Bruges.

For a normal Bruges city break, I wouldn’t hire one. I wouldn’t plan around one. I wouldn’t even want one.

Bruges is small, historic and wonderfully walkable, with most of the places you’ll want to see sitting within a fairly easy route of each other.

Markt, De Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai Bridge, the Belfry of Bruges, the canals, the Begijnhof, Minnewater, Sint-Anna and the windmills can all easily be worked into an entirely on-foot itinerary.

And that’s before you add in the cafés, beer bars, chocolate shops and waffle stops that will inevitably slow you down.

Which, by the way, is not a bad thing.

How to Get to Bruges Without a Car

The easiest way to get to Bruges without a car is by train to Brugge Station.

P.S. – The station is Brugge in Dutch, so you’ll probably see both Bruges and Brugge when checking routes. Same city, different language, no need to panic at the ticket machine!

Brussels to Bruges by Train

If you’re coming from Brussels, the train is the obvious choice.

The Brussels to Bruges train is direct, frequent and takes around an hour, with multiple direct services throughout the day.

It’s the route I’d recommend for most first-time visitors, especially if you’re flying into Brussels, spending a few days there first, or arriving from London by Eurostar.

If you’re coming from London, the route would be:

London St Pancras → Brussels-Midi/Zuid (from around 1 hour 53 minutes on the fastest direct Eurostar services)

Then you’d take the train from:

Brussels-Midi/Zuid → Bruges/Brugge (takes about an hour)

I’d book the Eurostar leg ahead, but you do not normally need a seat reservation for the Belgian domestic train from Brussels to Bruges—just buy a valid ticket before you travel.

Brussels Airport to Bruges Without a Car

If you’re flying into Brussels Airport, you can still get to Bruges by train.

There’s plenty of direct trains between Brussels Airport-Zaventem and Bruges, with the direct journey taking around 1 hour 25 minutes (but not every departure is direct).

Depending on your itinerary, you’ll occasionally need to change at Brussels-Midi, so be sure to check your route in the SNCB app before travelling.

But no, you don’t need to hire a car just because you’re landing at the airport!

Ghent, Antwerp, Paris and Amsterdam to Bruges

Ghent!

Ghent to Bruges is also very easy by train, which is why the two cities pair so well on a Belgium itinerary.

Antwerp to Bruges is also straightforward by train, with some direct services available; otherwise, just a simple connection.

Paris and Amsterdam take longer, but both work well by train if Bruges is part of a wider Europe trip.

P.S. – For the London, Paris and Amsterdam routes via Brussels, don’t forget to add the separate Brussels-to-Bruges leg afterwards.

Can You Walk from Bruges Train Station to the City Centre?

If you’re travelling light, you can definitely walk from Bruges’ train station to the city centre.

Otherwise, catch bus ‘1’ or ‘2’, they leave from Bruges Station on platform A1 and run into the centre.

A standard De Lijn ticket currently costs €3, is valid for 60 minutes, and you can pay with your contactless card on the bus. You can also use an official taxi in Bruges or grab an Uber.

The walk from Bruges train station to the historic centre takes around 15–20 minutes and is very manageable. Depending on where you’re staying, you can reach Minnewater, the Begijnhof or the southern edge of the old town even sooner.

Just be mindful that if you have a heavy suitcase, wobbling across the cobbled streets is not fun, so take the bus or Uber instead if you’ve packed quite a bit…

How to Get Around Bruges Once You’re There

For most visitors, walking is the best way to get around Bruges.

Not because there’s no public transport, but because walking through the city itself really is part of the experience.

A simple first-time walking route through Bruges could look something like:

• Seeing the iconic Markt
• Climbing the Belfry of Bruges
• Hanging out in Burg Square
• Visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Getting photos at Rozenhoedkaai Bridge
• Taking a canal boat trip
• Seeing Bonifacius Bridge
• Exploring the Begijnhof

You don’t need to follow this exactly, but just to give you an idea!

P.S. – If you want the full version, read my one day in Bruges itinerary next.

How to Use Public Transport in Bruges

Bruges public transport system is fairly easy to get the hang of, but I wouldn’t plan your whole trip around it.

Buses are useful if you’re getting from Bruges train station to your hotel, staying slightly outside the centre, travelling with someone who doesn’t want to walk too much, or arriving in bad weather.

For a normal first-time trip, you’ll probably use the bus once or twice at most.

You can buy De Lijn tickets in the app, at the Lijnwinkel or ticket machine at Stationsplein, at the ticket machine by ’t Zand, or contactlessly on the bus.

A standard single ticket currently costs €3 and lets you travel and change buses for 60 minutes (check the latest bus fares before your trip).

P.S. – You can pay with your contactless card for all the buses in Bruges, just tap!

What About Taxis in Bruges?

Taxis are useful in Bruges for luggage, if you’re arriving late, have accessibility needs, or there’s terrible weather.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother.

Once you’re in the historic centre, walking is usually easier than getting in and out of taxis. But if you need one, use the official Visit Bruges taxi directory, pick up a taxi at an official rank or request an Uber Taxi through the app.

Can You Cycle Around Bruges?

Yes, and cycling can be a lovely option if you want to go slightly beyond the centre.

I’d consider a bike if you’re heading towards the windmills, Damme, or the countryside around Bruges. For a first visit focused on the main sights, you don’t need one.

P.S. – I recommend Ben’s Bike if you’re looking for a bike hire in Bruges! You can find it at ’t Zand 34 and rent city bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes and tandems.

Things to Do in Bruges Without a Car

You can do almost everything most first-time visitors want to do in Bruges without a car, including:

• Markt (Bruges’ main square, with the Belfry, iconic colourful stepped-gable buildings, café terraces and horse-drawn carriages)
• Burg Square (one of Bruges’ most historic squares, home to the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Bruges City Hall)
• Rozenhoedkaai (the famous canal viewpoint you’ve probably seen in every Bruges photo)
• The Belfry (Bruges’ 83-metre medieval bell tower on Markt, with 366 steps to the top)
• The Begijnhof (a peaceful historic courtyard with whitewashed houses, once home to Bruges’ beguines)
• Minnewater (the Lake of Love area near the station, with water views, swans, bridges and a calmer side of Bruges)
• Dijver (a pretty canal-side stretch near Groeningemuseum, Gruuthusemuseum and some of Bruges’ best walking views)
• Sint-Anna (a quieter neighbourhood in Bruges, known for its windmills, local streets and a less crowded feel than the historic centre)
• The windmills (historic windmills along Kruisvest and De Vesten, Bruges’ old city ramparts)
• Chocolate shops (some of my favourite include La Belgique Gourmande and Atelier Verbaert)
• Belgian beer bars (some of my favourites include De Halve Maan Brewery, ’t Brugs Beertje or Joey’s Café.)
• A canal boat tour (a short boat trip through Bruges’ canals for views you don’t get from the streets)
• A Bruges café stop (for a slower coffee, brunch or hot chocolate pause between canals, chocolate shops and sightseeing)

The boat tour is worth mentioning here because although it’s not public transport, it is a lovely way to see Bruges from a different angle.

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

Should You Drive to Bruges?

Only if the car is already part of a bigger European trip.

Driving can make sense if you’re doing:

• A Calais to Bruges road trip
• A Belgium Christmas market trip
• A northern France and Belgium itinerary
• An Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges route
• A longer Europe road trip with luggage
• A countryside or small-town Belgium trip

In those cases, fine. Bring the car. But once you arrive in Bruges, park it and leave it.

Bruges is a place to walk around, not drive around.

Where to Park in Bruges if You’re Driving

If you are driving to Bruges, I’d definitely plan out your parking before you arrive.

For most visitors, Centrum-Station is one of the easiest options. It has 1,690 spaces, sits beside Bruges train station and is around an eight-minute walk from the city centre.

Otherwise, here’s where to park in the city.

Where to Stay in Bruges Without a Car

If you’re visiting Bruges without a car, I’d stay central.

You don’t need to be directly on Markt, but I would stay somewhere walkable enough that you can enjoy Bruges properly without constantly thinking about transport.

Good areas to consider:

• Near Markt or Burg Square for first-time sightseeing
• Near Dijver or Rozenhoedkaai for canal views and easy wandering
• Near Minnewater or the Begijnhof for easier station access
• Slightly away from the busiest centre streets if you want a calmer overnight stay

The Hotel I Stayed at for a Car-Free Bruges Trip

I personally stayed at Hotel Acacia, and it worked really well for my car-free trip.

It’s just a 3-minute walk from Markt and the historic centre—in other words, incredibly easy to explore all the best bits of Bruges on foot.

Best for: a central car-free stay, first-time sightseeing and easy walking routes
Why book: it puts you close to Markt and the historic centre once you’ve arrived!

Read More: Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges

Best Hotel if You’re Driving to Bruges

If Bruges is part of a road trip, your hotel choice matters more. I’d personally stay at a hotel that has parking on-site to make things easiest.

Hotel Navarra is one of the hotels I recommend in Bruges, and it has around 30 private on-site parking spaces. Parking currently costs €30 per night, cannot be reserved and is subject to availability; but if it is full, Biekorf public car park is just 50 metres away.

Best for: road trips and central overnight stays with a car
Why book: private on-site parking (and let’s be honest, a lush stay)

Final Thoughts on How to Visit Bruges Without a Car

Personally, I’d visit Bruges without a car every time.

Take the train, walk from the station if your luggage allows, stay somewhere central, and use buses or taxis only when they make the day easier.

Have the most incredible trip, and enjoy the walk!

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Visiting Bruges Without a Car

💭 Do you need a car in Bruges?

No, you don’t need a car in Bruges. For a normal city break, I actually think Bruges is much better without one. The historic centre is walkable, most of the main sights are close together, and driving doesn’t really add anything once you’re there.

💭 Is Bruges easy to visit without a car?

Yes, Bruges is very easy to visit without a car. You can arrive by train, walk from the station into the historic centre, and explore most of the city on foot. For luggage, bad weather or accessibility needs, buses, taxis and Uber are easy to get ahold of too, so not to worry!

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

Yes, you can walk from Bruges train station to the city centre. It usually takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on where you’re heading and how much luggage you have. If you’re travelling light, it’s very manageable. If you have a heavy suitcase, I’d take a bus, taxi or Uber Taxi instead.

💭 What is the easiest way to get to Bruges without a car?

The easiest way to get to Bruges without a car is by train. Brussels to Bruges is direct and takes around 1 hour 4 minutes. Ghent is an easy direct train, while Antwerp is sometimes direct, otherwise with a simple connection. You can also travel in via London, Paris or Amsterdam.

💭 Is Bruges walkable?

Yes, Bruges is very walkable. You can easily walk between Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, the Belfry, the canals, Bonifacius Bridge, the Begijnhof, Minnewater, cafés, chocolate shops and beer bars without needing a car.

💭 Do you need public transport in Bruges?

For most first-time visitors, you won’t need much public transport in Bruges. Walking is the best way to see the city. Buses are useful if you’re getting from the train station to your hotel, staying outside the centre, travelling with luggage or visiting in bad weather.

💭 Can you use Uber or taxis in Bruges?

Yes, you can use taxis or request an Uber Taxi in Bruges, and they’re useful for luggage, late arrivals, accessibility needs or bad weather. But once you’re in the historic centre, walking is usually easier.

💭 Can you do Bruges as a day trip without a car?

Yes, Bruges works very well as a day trip without a car, especially if you’re coming by train from Brussels, Ghent or Antwerp. I’d just keep your itinerary realistic and focus on the main sights, a canal boat tour, a chocolate stop and maybe one Bruges café or beer stop.

💭 Should you drive to Bruges?

I’d only drive to Bruges if the car is already part of a bigger Europe or Belgium road trip. Once you arrive, park it and leave it. Bruges itself is much better explored on foot.

💭 Where should you stay in Bruges without a car?

If you’re visiting Bruges without a car, I’d stay somewhere central and walkable. I stayed at Hotel Acacia, around a 3-minute walk from Markt. If you’re driving, Hotel Navarra has limited paid on-site parking, but just bear in mind you can’t reserve spaces.

💭 Is Bruges better with or without a car?

For most visitors, I’d say Bruges is better without a car. You notice more when you’re walking and can easily miss canals, cobbled streets, chocolate shops, cafés, beer bars and little streets if you’re just focused on parking and traffic.

💭 Can you cycle around Bruges?

Yes, you can cycle around Bruges, especially if you want to go slightly beyond the historic centre towards the windmills, Damme or the countryside. If you’d like to rent a bike for your Bruges trip, I recommend Ben’s Bike. Otherwise, if your first visit is focused on the main sights, walking is enough.

💭 Is it hard to park in Bruges?

Parking in Bruges can be more stressful than arriving by train, especially if you’re trying to get close to the historic centre. If you’re driving, I’d plan your parking before you arrive and consider Centrum-Station car park or an underground car park near the edge of the centre.

💭 What can you do in Bruges without a car?

Without a car, you can still see Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, the Belfry, the canals, the Begijnhof, Minnewater, Dijver, Sint-Anna, the windmills, chocolate shops, Belgian beer bars, cafés and take a Bruges canal boat tour. In other words, pretty much everything!

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 Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• 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