How to go from Zeebrugge to Bruges city center

Bruges

The journey from Zeebrugge to Bruges can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how you choose to travel. The easiest way is to use shuttle bus services, but you also have other choices like taking a tram and train or joining a guided tour.


Shuttle Bus (Most Recommended)

FromCruise Terminal Zeebrugge
ToBruges city center

Using a Round-Trip Shuttle Service between Zeebrugge and Bruges is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get, from the Bruges city centre. It takes approximately 30 minutes between Zeebrugge and Bruges.

Shuttles run every 30 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 12 a.m. , so you can also take the shuttle back when you return to Zeebrugge.


Train (Direct)

Train in Belgium
FromZeebrugge-Dorp train station (15-mintute walk from the cruise terminal)
ToBruges station
Taking a local train (L: heading to Malines) from Zeebrugge to Bruges will get you there in 20 minutes. However, keep in mind that the train runs every 60 minutes, so if the timing doesn’t align, you may face longer waits. You can check the train schedule and buy ticket online.
How to Buy Belgian Train Tickets Online
How to Buy Belgian Train Tickets Online
This post is a step-by-step guide explaining how to buy a Belgian railway ticket online.

Kusttram and Train

(c)Alex Noble
(c)Alex Noble

To get to Bruges using public transportation, you can also go to another coastal city called Blankenberge, using the Coastal Tram (Kusttram, or KT in Dutch) . It is a tram line connecting towns along the Belgian coast and offers a scenic route and is a popular choice for both tourists and locals. From Blankenberge, you can take a train to Bruges station.

Bruges Train station
Bruges Train Station

The whole trip takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and it costs around 10 euros per person, depending on passengers age, seasonal discounts, etc.

  1. Tram: From Zeebrugge, you can take the coastal tram (Kusttram, KT in Dutch)
    From: Zeebrugge Stationswijk
    To: Blankenberge Train Station
    Direction: Knokke-Oostende-De Panne
  2. Train: At Blankenberge Train Station, take a train to Bruges (Brugge) Train Station. Trains are frequent and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
  3. Walking: From Bruges Train Station, Walk to reach the city center of Bruges.

If you have some extra time and are interested in exploring Blankenberge, a picturesque coastal resort city, we recommend considering this option.

It’s important to note, though, that this route is longer and might not be suitable if you’re in a hurry. Another point to keep in mind is that walking from Bruges train station to the Bruges city center takes around 20-30 minutes.

Public Transportation in Belgium >>


Private Transfer Services

Shuttle Services Private Transfer

f you prefer a more relaxed journey at your own pace, we recommend considering private transfer services between Zeebrugge and Bruges. While they are pricier compared to other transportation, they offer added exclusivity, including the option of transporting you directly to your hotel in Bruges. Additionally, certain services even provide private guided tours of Bruges as part of the package.