Visitors often design Ghent, Belgium, as a hidden alternative to Bruges: packed with medieval architecture easily on par with the more famous Bruges, instead, the city has a peaceful, small-town atmosphere despite its quarter million. of inhabitants, not to mention curiously few tourists. As a university city, Ghent also has a lively atmosphere, courtesy of the local student population, which breathes new life into its medieval buildings. And, just over 200 miles (125 km) from Amsterdam, it’s easily accessible from the Dutch capital by train, bus, and car.
Amsterdam to Ghent by train
While there is no direct train connection between Amsterdam and Antwerp, the journey takes just two hours and 25 minutes on the Thalys train, with a transfer in Antwerp. Fares from Amsterdam Central Station to Gent-Sint-Pieters, the city’s main train station, start at € 35.40 ($ 50) one way. Travelers can also take the “Intercity Direct” train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, then an Intercity from Rotterdam to Antwerp and another from Antwerp to Ghent; The duration of the trip is approximately three hours, 18 minutes, and fares start at € 38 ($ 50) one way.
Tickets for both routes can be booked on the NS Hispeed website.
Amsterdam to Ghent by bus
Unsurprisingly, the international bus to Ghent is the slowest but most economical option for travelers. Two international coach companies travel between Amsterdam and Ghent; Fares start from € 9 ($ 12.40) one way on Eurolines, € 15 ($ 20.60) on Megabus. However, don’t be too tempted to save that € 6 with Eurolines: while the Megabus route takes just three hours and 40 minutes, Eurolines takes an astronomically slow six hours and 15 minutes to reach Ghent. Book early to get the cheapest rates.
Each bus company has its own departure and arrival points: the Megabus Amsterdam stop is located at the Zeeburg bus station on Zuiderzeeweg in Amsterdam (served by tram 26 and buses 37 and 245), while the Ghent stop is found at the Campanile Hotel, Akkerhage 1, which is about a half hour bus ride (line 65 or 67) from the city’s main station, Station Gent-Sint-Pieters, and the southern edge of the city center. Eurolines stops are outside Amsterdam Amstel station, about 10 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station and Gent-Dampoort station, just east of the city center and half an hour from Gent-Sint- station. Pieters.
Amsterdam to Ghent by car
Traveling to Ghent by car can be as quick, if not faster, than the train, and quite convenient if you plan to visit several nearby cities. The 137 mile (220 km) drive takes approximately 2.5 hours or less without traffic. Choose your preferred route, find turn-by-turn directions and calculate travel costs on ViaMichelin.
Ghent Tourist Information
Europe Travel provides an excellent introduction to Ghent and its top attractions such as its iconic Belfort and Lakenhalle (Belfry and Cloth Hall) in its Ghent travel resources. Consider a Brussels – Ghent – Bruges itinerary to discover these three nearby cities that comprise some of the best tourist destinations in the country.
