Getting to Ghent

Trains to Ghent depart directly from Brussels Airport (BRU). The station is located inside the airport terminal on the lower level (-1). Just follow the signs for “Train / SNCB/NMBS” after collecting your luggage.

• Departure station:
  Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven (Dutch) / Bruxelles-National-Aéroport (French)

• Arrival station in Ghent:
  Gent-Sint-Pieters (Dutch) / Gand-Saint-Pierre (French)

Trains run approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, and the journey takes about one hour, usually with a transfer at Brussels-North or Brussels-Central. Some trains are direct.

1. Fast direct train ~55 minutes

2. Slow direct train ~1 hour 23 minutes

3. Train with a connection at one of the Brussels stations ~1 hour total travel time

You can take any of these trains, but note the following:

• If you are not on the fast direct train, you will need to transfer in Brussels.

• You can change trains at any of the three Brussels stations:

  • Brussel-Noord / Bruxelles-Nord

  • Brussel-Centraal / Bruxelles-Central

  • Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi

From there, transfer to an Intercity (IC) train toward Oostende, Knokke, or De Panne. These trains stop at Gent-Sint-Pieters. Always check the train information displays to make sure the train stops at Gent-Sint-Pieters. 

Tickets for domestic travel within Belgium can be purchased:

• Online via the official Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) website: Belgian railways website. 

• At ticket machines or counters in the airport train station

If you're under 26, look for a youth ticket for a discounted fare.

Option 1: Shuttle Bus to Ghent (Recommended)

A direct shuttle bus runs between Charleroi Airport and Ghent (Dampoort Station), operated by Flibco.

• Travel time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

• Departure location: just outside the airport terminal

• Arrival: Ghent Dampoort Station (20 minutes by tram or 10 minutes by taxi from Gent-Sint-Pieters)

• Booking & schedule: tickets should be booked in advance via the Flibco bus shuttle website.

This is the most convenient option if you prefer not to transfer between buses and trains. 

Option 2: Bus + Train via Charleroi-Central Station

Alternatively, you can take a local bus from the airport to Charleroi-Central train station, and then a train to Gent-Sint-Pieters.

Step 1: Bus to Charleroi-Central

• Bus line: A (operated by TEC)

• Travel time: ~20 minutes

• Tickets: available from machines at the airport or on the TEC app

Step 2: Train to Ghent

• From Charleroi-Central station, take a train to Gent-Sint-Pieters

• Travel time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (usually with a change in Brussels)

Tickets for domestic travel within Belgium can be purchased:

• Online via the official Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS) website: Belgian railways website. 

• At ticket machines or counters at the airport station

Tip: If you're under 26, look for a youth ticket for a discounted fare.

Travel time from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Ghent is also around 2 hours and 30 minutes. You have two main options: 

Option 1: Eurostar (High-Speed)

• Take a Eurostar train directly from Schiphol to Antwerp Central (Antwerpen-Centraal)

• Transfer to an IC train to Gent-Sint-Pieters

• Total travel time: ~2 hours 6 minutes

• A reservation is required for the Eurostar.

Option 2: Intercity (IC) Train

• Take a direct IC train from Schiphol to Antwerp, then transfer to Ghent

• Travel time ranges from 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on connection times

• No reservation required, but trains may be slower or more crowded

You can book tickets for these journeys through various national railway websites: the Belgian railway website or the Dutch railway site. 

On the Belgian Railways website, use:

• Departure station: Schiphol (NL)

• Arrival station: Gent-Sint-Pieters

Travel time from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Ghent (Gent-Sint-Pieters) is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are two possible routes, and the faster option depends on your arrival time and the specific train schedule: 

Option 1: Via Brussels (Recommended for speed and simplicity)

• Take a TGV or Eurostar train from CDG to Bruxelles-Midi / Brussel-Zuid

• From there, transfer to a Belgian Intercity (IC) train to Gent-Sint-Pieters

• This is typically the fastest and most straightforward option

Option 2: Via Lille (Rijsel)

• Take a TGV from CDG to Lille Europe, then connect to a Belgian train to Ghent

• This route can work well, depending on connections, but may involve longer transfer times

Important: All TGV and Eurostar trains require seat reservations, which should be made in advance. 

You can book tickets for these journeys through various national railway websites: the Belgian railway website or the French railway site. 

On the Belgian Railways website, use:

• Departure station: Aéroport Charles de Gaulle TGV (FR)

• Arrival station: Gent-Sint-Pieters

Taxis are available outside the terminal at all major airports, including Brussels Airport, Charleroi Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. 

However, we do not recommend taking a taxi to Ghent, as taxi services in Belgium are very expensive, especially for long distances. 

For example, a taxi from Brussels Airport to Ghent can cost over €150, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. 

We strongly recommend using train or shuttle services, which are typically faster, more reliable, and significantly more affordable.