Day trips from Brussels at a glance
Four Flemish cities are reachable on a direct train from Brussels: Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven. The times below are averages for the Brussels route. They are not a promise for a specific train from Bruxelles-Central, so look up the exact departure in the SNCB planner for your day.
Bruges is the classic choice, and Visit Bruges is our separate guide to the city. Ghent is the fastest of the three tourist cities, and Leuven is the closest. You can go on your own by train or book a guided day trip from the list below.
Our picks: day trips from Brussels
The first two cover Bruges and Ghent with a guide; the third is a 10.5-hour day with radio headsets. Budget extra for entry tickets and lunch.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Bruges and Ghent by coach from Brussels
- Professional guide
- Free radio headsets
- Air-conditioned vehicle
A day of about 10.5 hours to see both cities with a guide. Check before you book what the price covers for entry tickets.
Check availability →
Bruges and Ghent in one day
- Air-conditioned coach
- Multilingual guide
- Walking tours in Ghent and Bruges
A 10.5-hour day with a guide and radio headsets. Entry tickets and lunch cost extra.
Check availability →Day trip to Bruges and Ghent by coach
- Return transport from Brussels
- Guided walking tours
- Free time in Bruges and Ghent
Two Flemish cities in one day, with about 2 hours of free time in Bruges. Guided walks are not part of the At Your Pace option, and monument entries cost extra.
Check availability →Day trips from Brussels
Guided day trips to Bruges, Ghent and more, with live prices and availability.
Train times to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Leuven
Average travel time and the number of trains per day on each route.
| Route | Average time | Trains a day | Of which at peak times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels to Bruges | 1 h 04 min, direct | 65 | 19 |
| Brussels to Ghent | 36 min, direct | 86 | 24 |
| Brussels to Antwerp | About 45 min, direct | 71 | 19 |
| Brussels to Leuven | 25 min, direct | 99 | 29 |
The fastest trains are a little quicker, at about 1:01 to Bruges, 35 minutes to Ghent and 41 minutes to Antwerp, so use the planner for the real departure. The number of trains is a count of services over the day, not an even interval. For most visitors, Ghent is the easiest first day trip: the train is the shortest of the three cities, and there are many services.
Fares changed on 1 February 2026. Look up the fare for your travel date in the SNCB planner before you decide, and check the last return train before you plan a late evening.
Which day trip suits you
Pick by how much time you have.
Bruges
The longest of the four at about an hour each way. Plan a full day.
Ghent
About 36 minutes on average, with 86 trains a day. It works as a day trip or as a half day.
Antwerp
About 45 minutes on a direct train, 71 trains a day.
Leuven
The closest at an average of 25 minutes, with 99 trains a day. A short trip that fits into an afternoon.
Ghent and Bruges on one day
Both cities are on direct trains from Brussels, but the average time to Bruges is about an hour. Ghent is only 36 minutes, so a single-city day leaves more time on the ground. Two cities in one day work only if you leave early and check the return trains.
Waterloo from Brussels
The battlefield of 1815 needs a train and a bus.
The battlefield estate is on the Route du Lion in Braine-l'Alleud. Take the Brussels to Charleroi train to Braine-l'Alleud, then bus W. From the centre of Brussels, bus 365 plus W also works. Parking at the site is free. Waterloo station is not a short walk from the site, so do not plan a walking arrival from the train. Check the current bus timetable and the total journey time on the day.
Day trips from Brussels: frequently asked questions
How long does the train to Bruges take?
On average 1 h 04 min on a direct train, with 65 trains a day. The fastest services take about an hour.
What is the quickest day trip from Brussels?
Leuven, at an average of 25 minutes, with 99 trains a day.
How often do trains run?
The route pages list trains per day, not a fixed interval: 65 to Bruges, 86 to Ghent, 71 to Antwerp and 99 to Leuven. Check the planner for your exact day.
How much is the train ticket?
Fares changed on 1 February 2026. Look up your route and date in the SNCB planner.
Can I visit Waterloo as a day trip?
Yes. Take the train towards Charleroi to Braine-l'Alleud, then bus W to the battlefield estate. Check the bus times before you go.
Which day trip is best for a first visit?
For most visitors, Ghent: it has the shortest train ride of the three cities and many services. Plan a full day for Bruges.