Planning a city break to Bruges, the picturesque “Venice of the North” from the UK? This guide will delve into five different transportation options, from the speedy Eurostar train to the scenic ferry ride, helping you choose the best way to reach Bruges from the UK.
Eurostar trains to Bruges from UK
If you’re seeking a seamless journey, Eurostar trains offer a convenient option, connecting London to Bruges in 3h25. Whilst the Eurostar itself runs from London to Brussels, you can continue your journey from Brussels to Bruges with a local SNCB train. The ticket is included in your “any Belgium station” Eurostar ticket.
Ferry to Bruges from the UK
Since the Hull-Zeebrugge ferry route has closed down, there are currently no direct ferries to Bruges. However, travelers from England are advised to take a ferry crossing from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais. When traveling from north england and scotland, the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam is a great option.
| Ferry Route | Operator | Crossing time | Remaining distance to Bruges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hull to Zeebrugge | Closed route | // | // |
| Dover to Dunkirk | DFDS | 1h50 | 93km / 58 mile |
| Dover to Calais | DFDS, P&O Ferries, Irish Ferries | 1h30 | 117 km / 73 mile |
| Newcastle to Amsterdam | DFDS | 16h | 355km / 220 mile |
| Dublin to Cherbourg | Irish Ferries | 19h | 584km / 363 mile |
Tips for ferries
Prices for a Calais crossing start around 45€, with special promos often available. Utilize our partner Direct Ferries for price comparisons, and check ferry company websites for exclusive offers.
Flights & trains to Bruges
When traveling from the UK to Belgium by plane, you’ll have two main options for your arrival airport: Brussels-Zaventem Airport (BRU) or Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL).
BRU is the more centrally located and convenient option, while CRL offers lower fares for budget travelers. However, CRL is significantly farther from Bruges, requiring a shuttle bus transfer before reaching the city’s train station.
Bus from London to Bruges
Flixbus offers a bus connection from London to Bruges with prices starting around 25€
Eurotunnel to Bruges
Travelers with their own motorised vehicles can use the ‘channel tunnel’ from Folkestone to Calais. The trip through the “Chunnel” itself takes 35minutes. The remaining drive from Calais to Bruges is about 117 km / 73 mile and generally takes 1h20.
Ticket fares for a single journey range from £104 when you book in advance, up to £160 for last-minute bookings during rush-hour. However there are special deals on return tickets for day-trips and short stays, with prices as low as £30 for a single journey.
For tickets & more info visit https://www.eurotunnel.com/uk/tickets-and-fares/
