Ghent and Bruges are the two most popular day-trip destinations from Brussels, and travelers with only one free day often aren’t sure which to pick. Here’s a straightforward comparison.
Travel time from Brussels
Ghent is the closer option, about 60 km (37 miles) from Brussels Airport — roughly 55 to 70 minutes by private transfer. Bruges is further, about 100 km (62 miles), typically 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. If your day is tightly scheduled, Ghent leaves more time on the ground.
Bruges: postcard-perfect and compact
Bruges is smaller, more visually uniform, and built almost entirely around its medieval core — it’s the city most people picture when they imagine a fairytale European town. It’s also more visited, especially in summer, so its main squares can feel crowded midday.
Ghent: bigger, livelier, less crowded
Ghent has a similarly historic core — including its own castle, Gravensteen — but it’s a working university city with a younger, more local feel and noticeably fewer tour groups. It suits travelers who want medieval architecture without a purely tourist-focused atmosphere.
Can you do both in one day?
It’s possible but tight — Ghent and Bruges are about 45 minutes apart by car. Most travelers get more out of dedicating a full day to one city rather than splitting time between both.
Our recommendation
Choose Bruges for a classic, photogenic city break with more time to spare. Choose Ghent if your day is shorter or you’d rather skip the busiest tourist crowds.
See our Ghent and Bruges transfer pages for booking details.