Map of Flanders

Travelling to, in and around Flanders

Flanders is the northern part of Belgium. It's mainly Dutch-speaking and fairly modest in size. To put things in perspective: it’s about the size of the state of Connecticut in the US or the county of Yorkshire in the UK. Because of its compactness, Flanders is an easy place to travel to, in and around.

Brussels is Flanders’ capital and the beating heart of Europe. It has countless flight and train connections. London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin are only a short distance away. Similarly, all of Flanders' cities are within reach of each other and easily accessible by public transport or car.

Map Flanders

By air

Brussels Airport is Belgium's main international airport. Frequent train connections from the airport will take you to Brussels in 20 minutes and to Antwerp in 35. There are plenty of bus lines too, which run from 5 a.m. until midnight, from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the first bus departs at 7 a.m.. Taxis are available 24/7 at Brussels Airport. They will take you to Brussels’ city centre for an average price of 45 euros.

Brussels Airport

Although located in Wallonia, the French speaking part of Belgium, Brussels South Charleroi Airport is a popular point of arrival when visiting Flanders. Brussels South is 37.28 miles (60 km) away from Brussels. A direct bus will take you from the airport to the Charleroi-South railway station in 20 minutes. From there, there are plenty of direct connections to Flanders’ largest cities, as well as direct shuttle buses to Ghent and Bruges.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport

By train

Flanders is easily accessible by international trains from London, Paris and Amsterdam, among other places. The Eurostar will take you from the Brussels South Station to London in less than 2 hours. The Thalys connects that same railway station with Paris (1h25) and Amsterdam (1h52). Reserve your seats in advance at B-Europe or Rail Europe.

B-Europe

Rail Europe

By car: Low Emission zones

Flanders ' city are easy to visit by public transport, but if you were to travel by car, you must keep in mind the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) that have been introduced in Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels

These were introduced as a measure to improve air quality. As a result, the more polluting cars are banned from these city centres. Cars, buses and campers, among other vehicles, must meet certain conditions regarding their emissions to have access to the zone. 

Latest and more information about the specifics of LEZs

By coach

If you’re planning a group trip by coach, keep in mind that most art cities don't allow coaches or large private buses in the city centre. In that case, coaches must park in designated spots. More information on coaches in Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen.

Travelling in Flanders

By train, bus, tram and metro

By train, it often takes less than an hour to travel between two major cities in Flanders. Find out more at Belgian Rail.

Belgian Rail

For more information about the public bus services, visit De Lijn.

De Lijn

When travelling through Brussels, you can rely on STIB-MIVB to take you around town by bus, tram and metro.

STIB-MIVB

By (rental) car

Another way of travelling, to make the most of your time in Flanders, is by rental car. Take a look at some tips from the European Consumer Centre and search for the car of your choice.

Auto Europe

Driving your own car through Flanders is also an option. In that case, don’t forget to check the latest information concerning Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in certain cities

Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

Taxi

If you only need to make a couple of journeys, a taxi might do the trick. You’ll find taxi stands at railway stations- and hotel entrances across the big cities. The taxi fare is always displayed on the meter, including the service charge. Minimum or initial fare in Brussels: € 2.40 (daytime); € 4.40 (evening). Average price per KM (0.62 miles) in Brussels: € 1.80 for journeys within the Brussels Capital Region; € 2.70 for a journey outside the region. Average taxi fare between Brussels Airport and Brussels city centre: € 45.00.

By bicycle

Flanders is a wonderful place to explore by bicycle. A rolling landscape with picturesque views, cosy spots by the water, the iconic (cobbled) slopes of the Flemish Ardennes and the restricted-traffic connecting roads between art cities such as Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. The possibilities are endless. Already itching to go? Then you’re sure to find inspiration with the iconic cycling routes. These are nine impressive cycle routes along attractive cycle paths, each based around a central theme.

Would you rather divide that tour around Flanders into sections? Or would you prefer to travel back after your route, tired but satisfied, to the place where your cycling adventure started? The NMBS railway company is your ally on your bicycle tour through Flanders. You and your bicycle will find a place on every train in our country. The BikeOnTrain travel planner tells you which trains are best equipped for this, for example with lowered entrance steps or separate bicycle wagons. Here are a few tips: avoid rush hours, buy your ticket in advance and don’t forget to purchase your bicycle supplement.