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Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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Take the train from Bruges to Brussels
Hop on a train at Brugge station and arrive in Brussels in under an hour, stress-free. The train is a cheap and easy way to travel between the two cities, with just under 60 services running to Brussels per day. You’ll be sipping a delicious Belgian beer in the capital before you know it.
Arriving into Bruxelles-Midi station, you’ll be well placed to explore Brussels. The Palais de Justice (Law Courts of Brussels) is just 20 minutes on foot from the station – the views you get of the city from the Law Courts are fantastic. The Royal Palace of Brussels is just up the road. While it’s no longer the Belgian Monarchy's official residence, the building is stunning nonetheless. Ready to travel to Brussels? Then cast your eyes down this page for useful information on travelling from Bruges to Brussels by train, including ticket prices and FAQs.
FAQs about the train journey from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels
Want to know more about your journey from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How far is the train ride from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels?
Who operates the trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels?
What is the best way to travel to Brussels from Bruges (Brugge)?
What time does the first train run from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels?
How late does the train from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels run?
How many trains go from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels per day?
When do tickets from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels?
SNCB trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels
SNCB is the national railway company of Belgium, with services that include national (Intercity) and regional (Local) express trains. All SNCB trains come with both First Class and Second Class carriages. Belgium has one of the densest rail networks in the world. Seat reservations aren’t possible for any of the company's trains.
More information
SNCB classes from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels
Compare the different travel classes offered by SNCB when traveling from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels.
Second Class
If you're traveling in Second Class, you'll find plenty of baggage storage and power outlets as standard. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
First Class
Upgrade to First Class and enjoy more legroom and comfortable seats. You can reserve your seat only if you buy a group ticket.
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- More legroom
Onboard services on SNCB
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels.
When traveling with SNCB, each passenger can take 3 items of baggage on board, as long as the total weight does not exceed 30kg (66.1 pounds). Once you’ve found your seat, you can stow your baggage in the space provided above and below your seat. You can take the following baggage on board for free:
- Briefcases, rucksacks and suitcases
- Wheelchairs (manual or automatic)
- Pushchairs and prams
- Folding bikes, unicycles, scooters
- Sports equipment (e.g. skis)
Currently, SNCB does not offer a food and drink service. Although, you may bring food and drink with you to enjoy on the train.
SNCB offer free WiFi in their main stations, including Brussels Central, Bruges, Antwerp Central and more. Currently, SNCB do not offer WiFi onboard their trains.
As long as they are traveling with a person aged 12 or above with a valid ticket, children under 12 can travel for free without a ticket. However, please note that this only applies to a maximum of 4 children per passenger with a valid ticket. If you have any additional children traveling with you, they will need a half-price Kids Ticket.
Hoping to travel with your bike? You’ll need to add a Bike Supplement to your ticket. However, if you’re traveling with a folding bike, you don’t need to worry about paying. Bike Supplements are paid on top of your rail fare and cost €4 for a single journey.
When boarding, speak to the train conductor and they will tell you if there are spaces available and where you can put your bicycle. SNCB advise you not to travel with a bike at Peak times, because bicycle spaces may not be available.
Guide and assistance dogs
Travel is free for guide and assistance dogs. You won’t need to add a Pet Supplement to your ticket.
Pets
Pets are welcome to travel on SNCB trains if they are on a lead or in a small basket, cage or box. For animals on a lead, a Pet Supplement costs €3 for a single trip. If your pet is in a small basket, cage or box that is smaller than 30 x 55 x 30 cm (11.8 x 21.6 x 11.8 inches), you do not need to pay for a Pet Supplement. Finally, your pet is not allowed to sit on the seats or tables.
Passengers with reduced mobility should directly contact SNCB to make use of their free assistance service. You can take your wheelchair on board the train for free, regardless of whether or not you use the SNCB's free assistance service. If you are blind or partially sighted, you can take the train for free in 2nd class.
Cheap train tickets from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Bruges (Brugge) to Brussels by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
Traveling from Bruges to Brussels in SNCB First Class
After a lovely day in Bruges, we took one of SNCB’s double-decker IC trains back to Brussels, and it was a smooth experience.
Bruges station
Navigating Bruges station was easy, just like at Brussels Midi - clear signs led us to the platform, and there was no need to scan our e-tickets or go through a ticket gate. The train arrived on time, making the journey stress-free from the start.
On board the train
This time, we opted for First Class, and it was well worth the small extra cost. The car was much less crowded than Second Class, allowing us to enjoy some peace and quiet after a day of exploring. The leather seats were more comfortable, with bigger folding tables, plenty of legroom, and power outlets at every seat - perfect for recharging both ourselves and our devices.
Conclusion
The only downside was the lack of WiFi, even in First Class, but overall, it was a very pleasant journey back to Brussels.
About Paola
Paola, a former Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Bruges and Brussels.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.