Getting Oriented

An expanding network of high-speed trains puts Brussels, Brugge, and Gent within commuting distance of many European cities. An extensive regional rail network makes it easy to hop around Belgium; the country is also covered by a large network of four-lane highways. It's an easy drive from Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, and Paris.

Belgian Railways sends two trains each hour to Brugge from Brussels (60 minutes) via Gent (25 minutes from Brugge). The trains all pass through Brussels's three main stations, but Gare du Midi/Brussel Zuid is the largest and has the clearest signage and directions. It's also the terminus for the Eurostar service connecting London and Paris, as well as the Thalys network that links Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, and Paris. You can also travel to Brugge and Gent from Amsterdam through Antwerp station, where there are three trains an hour to Gent, one of which continues on to Brugge.