Bruges

Getting in

• Brussels Airport-Zaventem: Use the airport rail station, not a private transfer. InterCity trains to Brugge generally take about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, sometimes direct and sometimes with one straightforward Brussels change; allow about €25–30 including the airport railway supplement. Check NMBS/SNCB on the day, especially late evening.
• Brussels-Midi / Bruxelles-Midi: For Eurostar arrivals, buy a separate NMBS/SNCB ticket to Brugge; it is not included with Eurostar. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes, take about an hour, and cost roughly €17–20 second class. Board trains signed for Oostende/Ostend, Knokke or Blankenberge, among other coastbound services.
• Brugge railway station: This is the arrival point that matters. The Markt is about 1.5 km away: walk 15–20 minutes if travelling light, or take a De Lijn city bus/taxi if you have a roller bag. Cobblestones make the apparent short walk unpleasant with a suitcase.
• Brussels South Charleroi Airport: Only use Charleroi if its fare saving is substantial. Take the airport bus to Charleroi-Central, then train via Brussels to Brugge; realistically allow 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and roughly €25–35 total. A direct coach may look cheap but is slower and less useful once schedules slip.
• Ostend-Bruges International Airport: This airport has limited, mainly seasonal passenger flights, so do not choose it expecting broad connectivity. Continue by local transport to Oostende station, then take the frequent train to Brugge (under 15 minutes); allow roughly 45–60 minutes airport-to-station-to-Brugge overall.
• Lille Flandres / Lille Europe: From Lille Flandres, regional trains to Brugge usually require a change at Kortrijk/Cortrai; allow about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. This is workable from northern France but can be awkward to book because the legs use French and Belgian rail systems.
• Zeebrugge cruise port: Do not assume the port is Bruges. Ship shuttles commonly run to Blankenberge; from there, trains reach Brugge in about 20 minutes. Factor in port disembarkation and shuttle queues: this is effectively a half-day shore visit, not a quick hop.