How to Get from Brussels Airport to Ghent?

How to Get from Brussels Airport to Ghent?

Marko Jovanović, 30 Aug 2025

Ghent, in Belgium’s Flanders region, blends medieval charm with a lively cultural vibe. Highlights include Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, and the riverside Graslei and Korenlei. The city is home to some of the most impressive museums in the world you must see, including the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and the contemporary SMAK. With its canals and student energy, Ghent feels both historic and modern. From Brussels Airport, you can reach the city easily with premium transfer services at AirportTransfer.com.

The closest major airport to Ghent is Brussels Airport (Zaventem), located about 67 kilometers east of the city. The transfer from Brussels Airport to Ghent takes around 1 hour by private car.

About the Airport

Official Name: Brussels Airport (BRU), also known as Zaventem Airport

Location: About 12 km northeast of Brussels city center, Belgium, and around 67 km from Ghent.

Facilities: Brussels Airport, Belgium’s busiest hub, has one main terminal with shops, restaurants, lounges, car rentals, free Wi-Fi, and easy train and bus links, plus tourist info desks and play areas for children.

So, How do you get from Brussels Airport to Ghent? You can get from Brussels Airport to Ghent by train, bus, taxi, car rental, or private transfer. The bus and train takes about an hour with only 30-minute intervals, while taxis cost €200–€300 and can have a surcharges. For the most convenient option, a private Brussels Airport transfer option provides first class VIP door-to-door service, comfort, and reliability without the hassle of navigating public transport.

<b>Image by Gabriele Alonso Rodriguez from Pixabay</b>

Image by Gabriele Alonso Rodriguez from Pixabay

Ghent’s old town is full of historic sights. You can visit Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress with towers, dungeons, and city views. St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. Along the river, the Graslei and Korenlei feature beautiful medieval houses, best seen on a boat tour. The Belfry of Ghent, a UNESCO site, also rewards visitors with great views after the climb.

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Bus from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

Journey Time: The bus ride from Brussels Zaventem Airport to Ghent takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The trip uses the FlixBus line B840 and runs directly between the airport and Ghent Dampoort station.

Key Point: Travelers who want the cheapest way to reach Ghent from the airport often choose this bus. It departs from Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan (Parking P16) at Zaventem and goes straight to Ghent Dampoort. The arrival point is close to the city center, making it easy to continue your trip.

The FlixBus service from Brussels Airport usually departs at 12:35. The trip time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Alternative Option: Take bus #272 or #471 from Brussels Airport to Brussels North Station, transfer to bus #212 or #214 to Aalst Station, then continue with bus #96 to Gent St Pieters.

Bus Fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

The bus fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent ranges between €6 and €16.

  • The bus leaves from Zaventem, Brussels Airport Leopoldlaan (Parking P16) and arrives at Ghent Dampoort station in the city.

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Train from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

Journey Time: The train from Brussels Airport-Zaventem to Ghent Saint-Pierre takes about 55 minutes. Most trains run directly, while some routes include a quick transfer in Antwerp.

Key Point: From Brussels Airport, the train station is located right below the terminal on Level -1. Signs inside the airport guide you to the ticket area and platforms. Direct Intercity (IC) trains go to Ghent Saint-Pierre, the main station in the city. Some schedules use Eurocity trains with a transfer at Antwerp-Berchem, where the change takes only a few minutes before the train continues to Ghent.

Good to Know: During rush hour, finding a seat on the Gent train might be difficult. There is a slower train that makes many stops between the airport and Ghent, taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach its destination

Train Fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

The train fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center is about €15–17 for a one-way trip.

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Taxi from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Ghent is about 43 minutes. The distance between the airport and Ghent is around 66 kilometers.

Key Point: Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall at the official airport taxi rank. The ride goes directly from the airport to Ghent with no stops. The cost during the day is about €170–210, but at night between 22:00 and 06:00, the price can rise to about €255.

Travelers often pay in cash, but many drivers prefer smaller coins and notes. Some drivers may not have change for bills under €20, especially very early in the morning.

Taxi Fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center

The daytime fare from Brussels Airport to Ghent City Center is usually around €210. At night, the price goes higher, about €255. Extra charges may also apply if the driver uses a highway toll road or if there is heavy traffic.

In Brussels, you have several ride-hailing options, including Uber, Bolt, and FREENOW. Ride-hailing services in Brussels face criticism due to legal and labor disputes with traditional taxis, leading to driver protests over low pay. Customers may encounter issues like unreliable service, sudden trip cancellations, and unpredictable fare surges during busy times.

<b>Private Chauffeur Service from Brussels Airport to Ghent</b>

Private Chauffeur Service from Brussels Airport to Ghent

Private Transfers from Brussels Airport to Ghent

If you plan a weekend trip to Belgium, Ghent is a great city to see. It is often less known than Brussels or Bruges, but it feels young, lively, and full of culture. Many visitors wonder how to get from Brussels Airport to Ghent. Public transport can be confusing, especially if you don’t know the language. A premium airport transfer with AirportTransfer.com makes it simple. You go straight from the airport to your hotel or any place in Ghent without stress.

AirportTransfer.com offers first class transfer service with a private driver who waits for you at the terminal with your name sign. Cars include sedans, limousines, SUVs, and large minivans, so the service fits solo travelers, students, or groups. Prices are fixed with no hidden costs, and every ride is private. You can also ask for extras like child seats, bike racks, or VIP service.

The service runs 24/7 with on-time pick-ups and local drivers who know the city well. They can even share tips on places to visit. You also get free cancellation up to 48 hours before your ride and a 100% refund if plans change. You can book your Brussels Airport to Ghent transfer through the AirportTransfer website, AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.

<b>Brussels Airport to Ghent Group Bus Transfers</b>

Brussels Airport to Ghent Group Bus Transfers

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Ghent Group Bus Transfer from Brussels Airport

AirportTransfer.com offers group bus rental from Brussels Airport to Ghent for people arriving together. A private bus keeps everyone in one vehicle with a driver who knows the route well. Buses come in different sizes for small or large groups. Each bus has clean seats, air conditioning, luggage storage, and space so all passengers travel together with no stress.

Group transfer in Ghent is helpful because the city has many places that work well for shared trips. Sports teams often travel to Ghelamco Arena for matches. Families use the service for day trips to nearby towns. Cultural groups visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle, and the Museum of Fine Arts. In spring, large groups often ride from Brussels Airport to Ghent for the Flower Festival, where a bus rental option keeps everyone together and on time.

Booking stays simple with clear prices and no hidden fees. To book your Ghent bus hire, contact AirportTransfer.com and get direct travel from Brussels Airport to Ghent city center.

<b>Ghent Hotel Airport Transfers with Fixed Fares</b>

Ghent Hotel Airport Transfers with Fixed Fares

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Ghent Hotel Transfers

After landing at Brussels Airport (BRU), you can book Ghent hotel transfer services with AirportTransfer.com. Options include private sedans, minibuses for groups, or first class segment vehicles for a premium ride. A first class VIP option is also available for those who want extra comfort. All transfers run with clear prices and no hidden fees.

Ghent has many hotels that match different needs. In the city center, well-known names include NH Gent Belfort, Ghent Marriott Hotel, and Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel. For style and charm, travelers choose 1898 The Post or Hotel Harmony. Families stay at Holiday Inn Gent Expo or Novotel Gent Centrum. Larger groups use Ibis Gent Centrum Opera or Cour St. Georges, both with more space and easy access to local sights.

The best Brussels Airport transfer reviews are at airporttransfer.com!