Ostend-Bruges International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The airport's name is partly a marketing move: Bruges, with its canals and medieval center, is actually about 25 km away, while Ostend and its waterfront are just minutes from the terminal. Those flying in for the day or simply looking for the sea find it more convenient to stay in Ostend; those with at least one free night who want to see the UNESCO World Heritage historic center should head for Bruges, accepting a longer transfer and, on weekends, a taxi instead of the bus.

Ostend, Center and Waterfront

City centre · 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.

Pros

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

Cons

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 in this area

Mercure Oostende: About 250 meters from the beach and the Kursaal Casino, in the center of Ostend near the main shopping street.
'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.

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Bruges, Historic Center

Nearby town · 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.

Pros

UNESCO World Heritage historic center, canals and squares just steps from the hotels
Far more choice of restaurants, bars and nightlife than Ostend

Cons

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 in this area

Crowne Plaza Hotel Brugge by IHG: Inside the historic walls, about 220 meters from Burg square: one of the most central locations in Bruges.
NH Brugge: In the historic center, about 10 minutes on foot from the Markt; 149 air-conditioned rooms.
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.

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