Get the app

Travel leg · Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail

Brussels to Ghent

Brussels and Ghent sit about 50 km (31 mi) apart in a straight line, with Ghent to the north-west. It is leg 2 of 3 on our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail itinerary, an 8-day trip. Here is how long it takes by train, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.

Directions in Google Maps See the full Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail route
Brussels, where this leg starts
From · Brussels
Ghent, where this leg ends
To · Ghent
Straight-line distance
50 km · 31 mi
Est. road distance
60–70 km
Est. drive time
45 min – 1 h 30 min
Direction
Heading north-west
Curated routes
1 itinerary

Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.

Ways to get there

We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.

By train

Our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail itinerary is planned around rail, so a train is the likely way to cover this leg. Timetables and direct connections vary — check the operator before you book.

By car

Driving is an estimated 60–70 km (37–43 mi) and 45 min – 1 h 30 min at typical average speeds, not a routed time.

Trains run the whole route: Amsterdam to Brussels takes about 2 hours, then Ghent and Bruges are each under an hour onward. All city centers are walkable, and you will not need a car.

Open Brussels → Ghent directions in Google Maps ↗

Worth stopping for

Picks from our curated guides at both ends.

When you arrive in Ghent

University city with medieval quays; 2 nights.

Before you leave Brussels

Belgian capital; 1–2 nights for art, architecture and beer.

On this curated route

Where Brussels → Ghent sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.

Going the other way? Ghent to Brussels is the same 50 km in a straight line, heading south-east. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗

Weather at each end

Average daytime highs at both ends stay within 1°C of each other all year, so you can pack the same way for both.

Average monthly high temperature and rainfall in Brussels and Ghent
MeasureJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Brussels high5°7°10°15°19°22°24°23°20°15°10°6°
Ghent high6°7°10°15°18°21°23°23°20°15°10°6°
Brussels rain696055385963757955636978
Ghent rain696055385964768157677379

Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Ghent month guides.

Brussels to Ghent: questions travelers ask

How far is Brussels from Ghent?

Brussels is about 50 km (31 mi) from Ghent in a straight line, with Ghent to the north-west. By road, we estimate 60–70 km (37–43 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.

How long does it take to drive from Brussels to Ghent?

An estimated 45 min – 1 h 30 min, assuming 60–70 km of road at average speeds of 50–80 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day. Our itinerary leans on rail, so check train times too.

Which itineraries include the trip from Brussels to Ghent?

Our Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail itinerary includes this leg. Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail runs about 8 days across 4 stops, best in Apr – Jun, Sep.

Onward from Ghent

Getting to Brussels

Guides for both ends

Ghent by month

More to explore

Plan Brussels → Ghent with your crew

Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.

Get TripsCircle