Amsterdam to Brugge, Ghent-best way??

[jtb123]

We are going to be in Amsterdam a few days before our cruise and would like to see Brugge and Ghent. Any suggestions on best way to do this? Any recommendations for a private tour guide?

Thanks,

Barb

[Hlitner]

Well, I can only suggest what we would do in that situation. Simply rent a car. The roads are very good, signs pretty easy to follow and you are talking about relatively short distances with the longest leg (Amsterdam to Brugges) about 3 hours. Trains are OK, but you still need to deal with schedules, and local transportation. A car gives you more flexibility.

 

Hank

[Bill S]

We were in the same situation in 2005. We flew into Schipol, stowed our big bags at the modern & secure "Left Luggage" facility in the basement of the airport, and caught a train from the airport train station. We did this all within an hour after arriving.

The train system is excellent. We had to change trains once, I believe at Antwerp or Brussels. The total ride was about 3 hours each way. We bought first class tickets and the cars were very clean and comfortable.

The train station at Brugge is some distance from the old part of the city but there are taxi's and city busses available.

We spent 2 nights in Brugge, at the Crown Plaza, and received an upgrade upon check-in. The hotel was first-rate. Brugge is one of favorite places. We used Rick Steves' book on Amsterdam & Belgium as our touring resource and guide.

Hope this helps!

 

[ab0si]

There are hourly trains from Schiphol (Amsterdam airport) to Antwerp (Berchem..the stop before Antwerpen Centraal) and from there very frequent service to Ghent and Brugge. Both stations are on the edge of the old cities. It's an easy walk (a lovely walk in Brugge) and there are buses and taxis if schleping luggage or saving your legs for sightseeing.

 

I can think of no good reason to drive rather than taking the train. Both are lovely towns. Ghent is not as overrun with tourists. While there, remember, Belgian beer is the best in the world as is its chocolate.

 

Paul