Canals, Flemish art and Belgian beer
This is leg 3 of 3, the final leg.
Travel leg · Amsterdam to Bruges by Rail
Ghent to Bruges
Ghent and Bruges sit about 38 km (24 mi) apart in a straight line, with Bruges to the north-west. It is leg 3 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.
- Straight-line distance
- 38 km · 24 mi
- Est. road distance
- 46–54 km
- Est. drive time
- 35 min – 1 h
- 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 46–54 km (29–33 mi) and 35 min – 1 h 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.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Bruges
Medieval canal city; 2 nights to see it early and late.
Belfry of Bruges
366 steps to a carillon tower above the Markt.
Bruges canal boat tour
Half-hour ride past bridges and backyards.
Minnewater and Beguinage
Quiet lake and walled 13th-century beguinage.
Cambrinus
Beer brasserie with Flemish stew and 400 beers.
De Halve Maan Brewery
Family brewery with tours, a rooftop view and a courtyard bar.
Basilica of the Holy Blood
Romanesque lower chapel and Gothic upper chapel on the Burg square.
Before you leave Ghent
University city with medieval quays; 2 nights.
On this curated route
Where Ghent → Bruges sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Bruges to Ghent is the same 38 km in a straight line, heading south-east. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Ghent to Bruges: questions travelers ask
How far is Ghent from Bruges?
Ghent is about 38 km (24 mi) from Bruges in a straight line, with Bruges to the north-west. By road, we estimate 46–54 km (29–33 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 Ghent to Bruges?
An estimated 35 min – 1 h, assuming 46–54 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 Ghent to Bruges?
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.
Getting to Ghent
- Brussels to Ghent 50 km
Guides for both ends
- Ghent travel guide
- Ghent weather best time to visit
- Bruges travel guide
- Bruges weather best time to visit
Bruges by month
Plan Ghent → Bruges 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.