Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit to Bruges
Find information on nearby hotels and transportation details below.
** EBD Group does not have a 3rd party hotel booking agency representing this event aside from the official HotelMap link on the website. If you are contacted to book accommodation by any agency this is not recommended, as they are unknown to EBD Group and the hotels.
Getting there
Bruges, situated in northwestern Europe, lies at the heart of the London, Paris, Amsterdam triangle.
With efficient connections to these major European cities, traveling to Bruges is incredibly convenient. Whether you begin your journey from a railway station, airport, or opt for car, bus, or ferry travel, there are multiple ways to reach Bruges. Once you arrive, the city offers plenty of relaxation and enjoyment, along with helpful tips for getting around.
By Train
Bruges boasts excellent connectivity to other Belgian cities and international capitals. Convenient train services connect the city to airports, making travel to and from Bruges hassle-free.
If you’re visiting the city, consider taking a train that stops at ‘Brugge’ station, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic city center. Alternatively, you can opt for a De Lijn bus or even a (bike) taxi for the remainder of your journey.
International train travel
Brussels-South station, known as ‘Brussel-Zuid’ in Dutch and ‘Bruxelles-Midi’ in French, serves as Belgium’s central hub for international train traffic. High-speed trains arrive here daily from various European cities, including Paris (Eurostar and TGV), Lille (Eurostar and TGV), London (Eurostar), Amsterdam (NS InterCity and Eurostar), and Cologne (Eurostar and ICE). Additionally, sleeper trains connect Brussels-South to Vienna (via ÖBB Nightjet) and Berlin (via European Sleeper).
If you’re traveling to Bruges, you can easily transfer to a train that stops at ‘Brugge’ station from Brussels-South. Three trains per hour depart for Bruges, terminating in Ostend, Knokke, or Blankenberge, respectively. The train journey from Brussels-South to Bruges typically takes about one hour.
National train travel
From major hubs like Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven, and Brussels, there are 1 to 4 direct trains per hour to ‘Brugge’ station every day. For an easy trip, visit the Belgian Railways website.
By Plane
Via Brussels Airport
Brussels Airport serves flights from over 200 destinations in 66 countries daily. Traveling from the airport to Bruges is convenient via direct hourly trains from ‘Brussels-Airport’ station. Additionally, other trains from Brussels Airport stop at Brussels-North, Brussels-Central, or Brussels-South stations, with three trains per hour heading to Bruges via Ostend, Knokke, or Blankenberge.
For details, fares, and journey planning, visit the Belgian Railways website.
Pre-booked taxi rides between Brussels Airport and Bruges cost €200.00 (flat rate), subject to seasonal adjustments. Contact Bruges taxi firms for more information.
Via Brussels South Charleroi Airport
This regional airport receives numerous low-cost flights daily from various European cities and regions. Flibco.com provides a direct shuttle bus service between the airport and Bruges, with 12 trips per day (round trip). This convenient option is often more comfortable, cheaper, and faster than other transportation alternatives like trains or bus combinations. The shuttle bus schedule aligns with flight arrivals and departures. The bus stop is located at Terminal 1’s exit, and in Bruges, it stops at the rear of the train station. Booking online is more cost-effective, and there’s a surcharge if you pay on the coach or at the airport. For tickets, visit www.flibco.com.
At the airport, you’ll find plenty of taxis waiting to take you to Bruges. If you arrive very early or very late, it’s advisable to book a taxi in advance with services like Speedy Airport Service, Airpo Taxi Service or Taxi Snel Brugge.
Additionally, pre-booked taxi rides between Brussels South Charleroi Airport and Bruges cost EUR 250 (flat rate), subject to seasonal adjustments. Contact Bruges taxi firms for more information.
Via Ostend-Bruges Airport
Ostend-Bruges Airport is actively expanding its services.
For public transport, take a 15-minute bus ride to Ostend railway station. From there, you’ll find at least three hourly trains to Bruges, stopping at various destinations like Eupen, Welkenraedt, Brussels Airport, Antwerpen-Centraal, or Kortrijk. The journey to Bruges takes approximately 15 minutes. For details, fares, and journey planning, visit the Belgian Railways website and De Lijn websites.
Alternatively, pre-booked taxi rides between Bruges and the airport cost €70.00 (flat rate), with seasonal adjustments. Contact Bruges taxi firms for more information.
By Car
Bruges is easily accessible by road from various directions. If you’re traveling by car or motorbike, consider these routes:
- From the E40:
Take exit 8 ‘Brugge,’ which leads to the N31. Follow the exit ‘Brugge’ to reach Bevrijdingslaan.
- From Tournai, Kortrijk, and Roeselare:
Use the E403 and take the ‘Brugge’ exit to reach Bevrijdingslaan.
- From Antwerp via the N49 expressway:
Join the A11 towards Bruges at Knokke. Continue on N31 and exit at ‘Brugge’ to reach Bevrijdingslaan.
Moving Around
Bio€quity 2025 will take place in Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre (BMCC), which is in the city center of Bruges within walking distance of the city’s hotels and the main train station.
Walking
Bruges is best explored on foot. The compact historic city centre offers winding streets, majestic squares, canalside walks, and stunning bridge views. Every corner reveals pleasant surprises, making it a delightful experience.
If you arrive at Bruges train station or the Bargeplein (via coach), the heart of the city—the Market Square—is just a 20-minute walk away. Along the way, you’ll encounter highlights, museums, and attractions. Everything worth seeing is conveniently close.
For a specific route, consider ready-made walking paths or join a guided tour with local insights.
Enjoy your exploration of Bruges!
By Bike
If you want to explore Bruges without losing the city vibe, consider cycling.
Biking allows you to quickly move from one point to another, even off the beaten path. You can pedal at your own pace, passing by highlights, quiet neighbourhoods, and the green city ramparts. If solo biking isn’t your preference, join a guided cycling tour.
Don’t have your own bike? No worries! Rent one for a few hours, half a day, or even several days. Bike rental locations are available, including spots near 't Zand Square and Market Square in the city centre.
Enjoy your cycling adventure in Bruges!
By Bike Taxi
If you’re not up for cycling yourself, consider hopping on a bike taxi.
These eco-friendly rides offer an original way to reach your destination.
You can catch a bike taxi at several locations:
Market Square (near the Historium)
't Zand Square (near the Concert Hall)
Stationsplein (near the Carrefour, at the side entrance to the train station)
Rates and availability vary among different companies. Here are a few options:
Taxi Fiets Brugge: Contact them at +32 (0)472 67 35 25 or via email at taxifietsbrugge@gmail.com.
Fietskoetsen Brugge: Click here for more information
Greenrides: Click here for more information
Choose the one that suits you best and enjoy your eco-friendly ride!
By Public Transport
Bruges offers a convenient public bus service that shuttles between the train station and the city centre every 5 minutes. It’s a relaxed way to travel to and from the heart of the city. Buses serving the city centre stop within walking distance of main shopping streets, historic buildings, and museums.
Key stops include the train station and 't Zand Square, both important transport hubs.
Here’s how to use the buses:
From the train station to the city centre:
Take bus lines 1 or 2.
For line 1, get off at stops 't Zand, Sint-Salvatorskerk, O.L.V. Kerk, or Dijver.
Line 2 stops at 't Zand, Sint-Salvatorskerk, O.L.V. Kerk, Dijver, Stadsschouwburg, or Jan Van Eyckplein.
Line 1 connects the city centre via a loop around the Sint-Kruis district and a loop to the hospital campus AZ Sint-Jan. Line 2 runs from south to north and vice versa.
From the city centre to the train station:
Use stops Stadsschouwburg (line 2), Zilverpand (line 2), or 't Zand
(lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 31, 35, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 52, 54, 55, 60, 72, 74, and 80).
Tickets:
A €2.50 ticket (prices subject to change) allows unlimited travel for 60 minutes, including transfers.
Purchase tickets on the bus (contactless only), at the Lijnwinkel ticket shop (Stationsplein), or from vending machines (Stationsplein and 't Zand Square).
Pre-sales points (for 10-journey tickets) include the tourist office at 't Zand (Concert Hall), bookshops, newsagents, and supermarkets in the city centre.
Keep an eye on timetables, as unexpected changes may occur due to road works or events.
Visit the De Lijn bus company website for the most up-to-date information.
By Car
In Bruges city centre, vehicle traffic is discouraged, and above-ground parking is not recommended.
If you need to drive into the city, keep these guidelines in mind:
- There are various traffic-free shopping streets and squares.
- The speed limit throughout the city centre is 30 km/h.
- Park your car in free peripheral car parks or Park&Rides outside the city centre.
- Alternatively, use the central underground car parks at Centrum Station and 't Zand.
- Follow digital signs to find other city centre parking garages.
- If staying in the city centre, contact your accommodation provider for parking options.
Motorcyclists have one free parking zone in the city centre. For more details, you can refer to the information on ‘Parking in Bruges’.
You can find more information about parking in Bruges here
By Taxi
If you’re looking for personal and safe transport with an experienced taxi driver, Bruges has a variety of taxi firms to choose from.
You can either pre-book your taxi and get picked up at your desired location, or simply hail one at the official taxi stands:
- In front of the train station (Stationsplein): Convenient for arrivals and departures.
- At the rear of the train station (Sint-Michiels side), near the Spoorwegstraat roundabout: Another option close to the station.
- At the coach stop on the Bargeplein (Kanaaleiland): Ideal for coach travelers.
- In the Boeveriestraat (adjacent to 't Zand Square): Central location near the square.
- On Market Square (near the Provincial Court): Perfect for exploring the heart of Bruges.
- In the Vlamingstraat (across from the City Theatre): Convenient for theatergoers.
- In the Kuipersstraat (next to the Biekorf library): Easily accessible.
- In Zeebrugge at the ABC building (cruise terminal): For cruise passengers.
- In Zeebrugge, at the train station Zeebrugge-Dorp (along the Venetiëstraat): Close to the station.
- In Zeebrugge, at the train station Zeebrugge-Strand (along the Baron de Maerelaan): Another option in Zeebrugge.
Contact Bruges taxi firms for more information.
Choose the most convenient spot and enjoy your taxi ride in Bruges!
Visa Information
For visa requirements, please visit the website of the responsible Belgium ministry.
Should you require an invitation letter for your visa application, please email EBDbilling@informaconnect.com with the information below, and they will be happy to issue the letter for you.
- Full Name as shown on passport
- Passport Number
- Date of Issue
- Date of Expiry
- Date of Birth