Can You Day Trip Between Ghent and Bruges?

Absolutely. The two cities are connected by direct trains, making it easy to stay in one and visit the other as a day trip.

Direct trains run frequently throughout the day between Ghent and Bruges; the journey takes around 22–30 minutes.

Because trains run from early morning until late evening, you can spend a full day in either city without changing accommodations or moving your luggage.

If your goal is to see both cities during the same trip, basing yourself in one city and taking a day trip to the other is very doable.

A Helpful Note About Belgian Trains

Belgian trains are labeled by their final destination rather than the major city you’re traveling to.

For example, a train departing from Ghent that includes Bruges as a stop will actually display Oostende (Ostend) on the departure board.

If you’re unsure which train is yours, match the train number and departure time on your ticket with the information displayed at the station.

You can also ask a station attendant which platform to board if you’re unsure—that’s what I did since I didn’t realize that the train to Oostende made a stop in Bruges.

Why I Would Stay in Ghent Next Time

I stayed in Bruges and did a day trip to Ghent.

I enjoyed my time in both cities, but if I were planning this trip again, I would stay in Ghent and do a day trip to Bruges instead.

Here’s why:

Ghent Has More to Do

One of the highlights of my visit to Ghent was Gravensteen Castle.

I spent over an hour exploring the castle with the audio guide and then joined a walking tour afterward. Even with a full day, I felt like I barely scratched the surface of what Ghent had to offer.

Once you factor in meals, praline tastings, churches, viewpoints, and simply wandering the city, the day starts to feel surprisingly short

Ghent Feels More Lively

Compared to Bruges, Ghent felt more like a living city rather than a tourist destination.

There were more restaurants, more people out in the evening, and generally more things to do and more sights to see in Ghent.

If you enjoy a livelier evening atmosphere, plenty of dining options, and more activities to choose from, Ghent is the better choice as a base.

Ghent Deserves More Time

By the end of my day trip to Ghent, I found myself wishing I had another day to explore different neighborhoods and attractions—I simply didn’t have enough time to see it all.

Why Bruges Works Better as a Day Trip

Bruges Is More Compact

Bruges is beautiful, but it’s also compact and manageable.

I joined a walking tour and felt like I had seen most of the city’s major highlights within 2 hours.

After the tour, I still had plenty of time to wander the canals, browse shops, take photos, and grab a waffle.

Bruges Is Easier to Experience in One Day

Because Bruges’ historic center is compact, it’s easier to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

If you’re deciding which city to visit as a day trip, I think it should be Bruges.

Bruges Has a More Romantic Atmosphere

This is where Bruges wins.

The canals, medieval architecture, and smaller scale make it feel more romantic, charming, and picturesque, especially in the early morning or evening.

If atmosphere is your top priority, choosing Bruges as your base might be the better option for you.

Getting to the City Center from the Train Stations in Ghent and Bruges

The train journey between the two cities is short, but getting from the train station to the historic center is slightly easier in Bruges.

From Bruges railway station, you can walk to the city center in about 15–20 minutes. You can also take one of the De Lijn city buses (Lines 1 and 2), which will get you to the city center in about 10 minutes.

In Ghent, the main train station (Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station) is located farther from the historic center. Most visitors take Tram 1 toward Korenmarkt, although walking is also possible and typically takes around 25–35 minutes.

Which City Should You Choose As Your Base?

You really can’t go wrong with either.

If you’re looking for romance, postcard-perfect scenery, and a smaller-town atmosphere, Bruges is an excellent choice.

If you want more attractions, more restaurants, and a livelier atmosphere, I’d choose Ghent.

Personally, after staying in Bruges and visiting Ghent as a day trip, next time I would stay in Ghent and visit Bruges for the day, but only because I felt a day trip wasn’t enough time to see everything in Ghent.