The Europe CruiseFor the American voyager

Zeebrugge

Gateway to Bruges, Brussels, Ghent.

Photo: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The short answer

Zeebrugge is a working port, but a free shuttle takes you from the ship to the cruise terminal in Zeebrugge town. From there you can explore Zeebrugge on foot or go on to Bruges by train or tram connection (details on the free terminal map). Brussels is about 1 hour beyond Bruges by train.

Getting ashoreShip docks
Distance to townThe cruise terminal is a few minutes from Zeebrugge's old fishing harbour. Bruges is 'a few kilometres' away (Visit Bruges); distance and transfer time to Bruges not confirmed. Bruges to Brussels-South is about 1 hour by train.
Gateway forBruges, Brussels, Ghent.
Free shuttle to Zeebrugge cruise terminal, then train to Bruges to BrugesShuttle + train; time not confirmed · Shuttle free; train fare not confirmed
On the chart

Where Zeebrugge lies

Antique-style chart of The Atlantic Coast with ports markedZeebruggeAvignonBarcelonaDoverLisbonLyonMarseilleParisPortoRotterdamSouthamptonA CoruñaAlicanteBilbaoCartagenaCherbourgCobhFalmouthGuernseyHonfleurIbizaLe HavreMahón, MenorcaPalma de MallorcaPortlandSaint-MaloSèteTarragonaValenciaVigoWaterford

Where your ship docks

Ships dock in the port of Zeebrugge. A free shuttle takes you from the ship to the Zeebrugge cruise terminal in town, where you can pick up a free map (Visit Bruges). From the terminal you can walk to Zeebrugge's old fishing port, shops and a signposted Heritage Walk.

Shuttle. Free shuttle from the ship to the Zeebrugge cruise terminal (Visit Bruges). Shuttles or coaches to Bruges depend on your line.

From the gangway

Getting to the sights

The wayTimeCost
Free shuttle to Zeebrugge cruise terminal, then train to Bruges to BrugesShuttle + train; time not confirmedShuttle free; train fare not confirmed
Train from Bruges to BrusselsAbout 1 hour from Bruges (Brussels-South)not confirmed

Free shuttle to Zeebrugge cruise terminal, then train to Bruges to Bruges

Time Shuttle + train; time not confirmedCost Shuttle free; train fare not confirmed
  1. Take the free shuttle from the ship to the cruise terminal.
  2. Pick up the free map, which shows how to get to Bruges.
  3. Train from Zeebrugge to 'Brugge' station (not Brugge Sint-Pieters), then walk to the centre.

Visit Bruges: get off at 'Brugge' station, which is within walking distance of the historic centre. SNCB fare not confirmed (trip planner could not be read). Your line may instead run its own coach to Bruges or Blankenberge.

Train from Bruges to Brussels

Time About 1 hour from Bruges (Brussels-South)Cost not confirmed
  1. Continue from Brugge station.

Visit Bruges: 3 trains an hour between Brussels-South and Bruges, about 1 hour. Fare not confirmed. Long day; check all-aboard.

Worth the trip

What to see

Bruges Markt and Belfry

Medieval square and bell tower.

How
Walk from station.
Time
1.5 hours
Tickets
Belfry paid; unverified

Bruges canal boat

See the city from the water.

How
Docks in center.
Time
30 minutes
Tickets
Unverified

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Relic chapel.

How
Burg square.
Time
30 minutes
Tickets
Unverified

Brussels Grand-Place

Ornate main square.

How
Train.
Time
Long day
Tickets
Free
A day ashore

Your day, hour by hour

Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.

  1. Shuttle + train to Bruges.
  2. Markt, Burg, canal boat.
  3. Chocolate and lunch.
  4. Train back 90 minutes before all-aboard.
Wise counsel

What goes wrong, and how to avoid it

Beware

  • Bruges is a train ride from the port.
  • Bruges is crowded in summer.
Practical matters

Fees, money and access

Accessibility

Bruges is flat but cobbled.

Money

Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted. Carry a little cash for small cafes, toilets, and markets.

Onward

More of the The Atlantic Coast

Le HavreFrance Ship docksBilbaoSpain Ship docksA CoruñaSpain Ship docksVigoSpain Ship docksLisbonPortugal Ship docksPortoPortugal Ship docksCherbourgFrance Ship docksHonfleurFrance Ship docks
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
Still being confirmed
  • Train fares and transfer time to Bruges
  • Attraction prices