Bruges is often called a fairytale city, and a weekend is enough to see why — canals, medieval architecture, and a compact historic center make it one of Belgium’s most rewarding short trips.
Getting to Bruges
Most visitors arrive via Brussels Airport, about 100 km (62 miles) away — roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by private transfer. A pre-booked chauffeur is especially useful here, since Bruges’ train station sits a 20-minute walk from the historic center, while a private transfer can drop you much closer.
Where to stay
Hotels inside the historic core, near the Markt or Burg squares, put you within walking distance of everything, though some streets restrict car access — your chauffeur will get you as close as local rules allow. Hotels just outside the ring canal offer easier vehicle access and often better value, still a short walk from the center.
Getting around once you’re there
Bruges’ historic center is entirely walkable, and most visitors don’t need a car once they’ve arrived — canal boat tours, horse-drawn carriages, and simply walking cover the main sights. Bicycles are also widely available for exploring slightly further out.
Making it a day trip instead
If a full weekend doesn’t fit your schedule, Bruges also works well as a day trip from Brussels or Ghent, with a round-trip or wait-and-return transfer keeping the logistics simple.
See our Bruges Airport Transfer page for details, or compare it with a Ghent trip in our Ghent or Bruges guide.