Ostend-Bruges Airport sits on Belgium's North Sea coast, approximately 5 km from Ostend's city center and about 25 km from Bruges, one of Belgium's most visited historic cities.
It handles limited passenger traffic, mainly charter and seasonal flights, alongside cargo operations.
How to get to Ostend-Bruges International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to OST
Parking near Ostend-Bruges International Airport
The car park is located a short distance from the terminal, with 4 areas (P1-P4, totaling over 1,400 spaces).
P1: 2 euros/hour; P2 and P3: 1.50 euros/hour; P4 (more economical, for long stays): 10.50 euros/day up to 7 days, 9.50 euros/day beyond, ceiling 150 euros/month. Advance booking is not available.
How to get to Ostend from OST
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ostend-Bruges International Airport
Several car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the Belgian coast beyond Bruges.
You need a driver's license, passport and credit card; the IDP is typically required as well.
Hotels near Ostend-Bruges International Airport
Ostend, Center and Waterfront
De Lijn bus line 60 connects the terminal to the center and Ostend station in 10-15 minutes, with services every 15-20 minutes; by taxi the trip is even shorter.
Best for: Travelers flying in for the day, with heavy luggage, or simply looking for the sea, staying just minutes from the terminal.
- Just minutes from the terminal, convenient for those flying in for the day or with heavy luggage
- Beach, waterfront and the Kursaal Casino within walking distance of the center
- Less monumental than Bruges: those looking for canals and a medieval historic center need to travel
- Out of season, several waterfront venues close early in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Mercure Oostende About 250 meters from the beach and the Kursaal Casino, in the center of Ostend near the main shopping street. View availability
- 't Zandmanneke A B&B in Ostend's belle époque district, less than a kilometer from the beach; carefully prepared breakfast with home-made bread, often praised as one of its strong points. View availability
Bruges, Historic Center
About 25 km from the terminal: by train you first need to reach Ostend station by the 60 bus (10-15 minutes) and then take the train to Bruges (15 minutes, frequent services); a direct taxi takes 20-25 minutes.
Best for: Travelers with at least one free night who want to see the canals and medieval center, accepting a longer transfer.
- UNESCO World Heritage historic center, canals and squares just steps from the hotels
- Far more choice of restaurants, bars and nightlife than Ostend
- No direct connection with a single mode of transport: a train/bus transfer or a pricier taxi is needed
- On summer weekends, the center of Bruges is very crowded with tourists
Recommended hotels
- Crowne Plaza Hotel Brugge by IHG Inside the historic walls, about 220 meters from Burg square: one of the most central locations in Bruges. View availability
- NH Brugge In the historic center, about 10 minutes on foot from the Markt; 149 air-conditioned rooms. View availability
- ibis budget Brugge Centrum Station An affordable option just minutes from Bruges station, useful for those arriving or leaving by train; about twenty minutes on foot from the Belfort. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The path from check-in to gate takes roughly 5-10 minutes in this compact terminal.
Security checks are generally quick; for international flights it's still advisable to arrive at least 2 hours early.
Map of Ostend-Bruges International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Better to land in Ostend to visit Bruges?
It's a valid option if there are no convenient flights to Brussels: Bruges is about 25 km away (30-35 minutes), often faster by train from Ostend city than by car during summer rush hours.
Q. Why is Ostend linked to the painter James Ensor?
He was born there and spent most of his life in the city: the house-museum dedicated to him holds works by the celebrated Belgian exponent of Expressionism, making the city an interesting stop for art lovers too, in addition to its beaches.
Q. Does Ostend airport have year-round flights?
Traffic is more frequent in summer, with several charter and seasonal routes: always check up-to-date schedules in the off-season.
Q. What to buy at the Ostend duty free?
Belgian chocolate and the famous grey shrimp (garnaal) from the Flemish coast, preserved, a local specialty little known outside Belgium.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
