Getting Around Ghent

Walking (the primary way)

The entire medieval core is 1.5 km across. Gravensteen to Belfry is a 5-minute walk. Graslei to Patershol is 10 minutes. Station (Gent-Sint-Pieters, south edge) to the centre takes 20 minutes on foot. You can see almost everything by walking. Wear comfy shoes: cobblestones are everywhere, uneven, slightly slippery when wet. Flat soles grip better than heels. Many locals do this route daily; it is very walkable despite the medieval surface.

Cycling (iconic to the city)

Ghent is a cycling city. Bike lanes are on nearly every street. Locals bike to work, to restaurants, to bars. Rental shops: Donkey Republic (app-based), independent shops near Graslei and station. Cost EUR 8–15 per day. Bikes are typically classic fixed-gear single-speed—no derailleur, one brake, simple, reliable. Helmets not required by law but recommended. Bike lights required at night (most rentals include them). Bike theft is common; always lock to a pole or rack, never a wheel alone. Panniers (side bags) EUR 5–8 extra if carrying shopping.

Tram & bus (De Lijn)

Single tickets: EUR 2.20 (1 zone, valid 1 hour). EUR 3 (all zones, valid 1 hour). Buy at ticket machines (English option), app, or online. Day pass: EUR 6 (unlimited tram/bus, 24 hours from first use). Tram 1 (main line): Runs from Gent-Sint-Pieters (south edge, station) to Sint-Jacobs square (heart of city centre), 10 minutes, every 5–10 minutes. This is the line you need most. Other trams/buses reach outer museums and suburbs. App: download "De Lijn" or "Citymapper" for live schedules and tickets. English menus available.

Train to nearby cities (day trips)

Bruges: 30 minutes, EUR 6 (return day ticket). Multiple trains per hour. Arrive Brugge station (north edge); walk or tram to centre (5 min). Bruges is a day trip or overnight; very walkable, more touristy than Ghent.

Antwerp: 40 minutes, EUR 8 (return day ticket). Multiple trains per hour. Antwerp is larger, grittier, known for fashion and streetwear. A day trip or overnight.

Brussels: 32 minutes, around EUR 11 one way (no return discount; buy two singles for EUR 22 round trip or upgrade to Day Return EUR 12). Trains every 10 minutes. Arrive Bruxelles-Midi station (south edge); tram/metro to centre (15 min). Brussels is larger, formal, less walkable than Ghent. See arrival options.

Book online at belgian-train.be (English available, in advance for discounts) or buy at station ticket machines/counters.

From Brussels to Ghent (arrival)

Train: 32 minutes, every 10 minutes, around EUR 11 one way. Arrive Gent-Sint-Pieters station (south edge). Tram 1 from station to Sint-Jacobs (city centre, 10 min, EUR 2.20). Or walk 20 minutes straight north. The walk is scenic and saves EUR 2.20.

Coach (FlixBus): Cheaper (EUR 5–10) but takes 45–60 min with stops. Arrives at station area. Not recommended unless budget is tight.

Car rental: Not recommended. Ghent core is car-free. Parking is metered, hard to find, and expensive. Low Emission Zone (LEZ) tolls apply (EUR 35 per entry, must register). Tram and bike are faster, cheaper, easier.

Accessibility & mobility

Cobblestones: All medieval streets are uneven stone. Wheelchairs, strollers, luggage wheels are difficult. Tram & bus: Modern De Lijn trams/buses have wheelchair ramps and lifts. Tram 1 (station to centre) is fully accessible. Restaurants & shops: Many have steps at entrances. Tourist sites (Gravensteen, Belfry, etc.) may not be fully accessible. Call ahead if mobility is a concern: visit.gent.be has accessibility info.

Cycling rules (casual, but know them)

Bike lanes: Mandatory where lanes exist; illegal to bike on sidewalks. Lanes are marked; use them. Lights: Required from sunset to sunrise. Rented bikes include lights. Helmets: Not required, but recommended. Locking: Always lock to a fixed pole or rack. Wheel-only locks are insufficient; thieves cut spokes. Right of way: Bikes have right-of-way over cars in many intersections; locals know this, tourists sometimes don’t. Pay attention.

Luggage & storage

If you arrive with a large suitcase, ask your hotel to hold it for a few hours. No public luggage storage is reliably available. Lockers at the train station exist (coin-operated, EUR 5–10 per day) but are small.

Frequently asked questions