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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Bruges and Brussels from London

Independent 5-day rail trip from London to Bruges and Brussels

Illustration of Bruges and Brussels from London

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation linking London, Bruges and Brussels over 5 days and 4 nights. The trip begins with the Eurostar from London to Brussels, where travelers transfer onto a local train into Bruges for a two-night stay in its UNESCO World Heritage medieval centre. Day 2 includes a city tour and time to visit the Church of Our Lady, home to the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy. On day 3, a train journey of just under an hour carries travelers to Brussels for two more nights, with time to explore the Grand Place, its museums and the cafes of the Grand Sablon. Day 4 is free for further sightseeing, with suggestions including the Magritte and Rubens collections at the Classical Art Museum. Because it's independent rather than escorted, the trip suits travelers who are comfortable navigating short train journeys and planning their own city time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package lists 12 hotel options across price tiers in Bruges and Brussels rather than one fixed hotel, so the exact hotel depends on the tier chosen at booking.
  • The Bruges to Brussels train leg takes just under an hour; most of the 5 days is city sightseeing rather than train travel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    Your Journey Begins in Bruges

    Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels, where you transfer onto the local train to Bruges. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend two days exploring the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed centre of Bruges, either on foot through the medieval cobbled streets, or by boat along the pretty canals.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    Bruges

    Get your bearings of this beautiful city thanks to a 50min city tour, then head for the glorious Markt Square that lies in the heart of the city and perhaps enjoy a tasty Moules-Frites. Maybe pay a visit to the impressive Church of Our Lady, home to the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy, and 16th century Flemish paintings.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Brussels

    Bruges to Brussels

    After breakfast, take the train from Bruges to Brussels (journey time is just under an hour). On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled into the hotel, why not spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the cafes in the Grand Sablon, or perhaps visit the monumental Grand Place and its many museums, including the famous Matisse Museum.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    After breakfast in the hotel this morning, continue exploring Brussels at your own leisure. Art lovers may wish to admire the works of Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel, and Rubens at the Classical Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. You might also choose to visit Autoworld and the Musée du Cinquantenaire.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    Your Journey Ends in Brussels

    Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before continuing your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in either city, or with another destination in Europe, one of our Rail Consultants would be happy to assist you.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Travel by Eurostar from London to Brussels, then transfer to a local train into Bruges.
  • Day 2Take a city tour of Bruges, then visit the Church of Our Lady, home to the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.
  • Day 3Take the under-an-hour train from Bruges to Brussels and settle in near the Grand Sablon.
  • Day 4Visit the Grand Place and its museums, including the Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel and Rubens works at the Classical Art Museum.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bruges
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Brussels
  • City Tour of Bruges

Questions travellers ask

Does this trip include train travel?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary: the Eurostar from London to Brussels, a local train onward to Bruges, and later a train back to Brussels.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent. Aside from the included Bruges city tour, travelers explore Bruges and Brussels at their own pace.
Where does the trip start and end?
Day 1 begins with the Eurostar from London to Brussels, then a local train into Bruges, where the two-city stay begins. The trip ends in Brussels on day 5.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 12 hotel options across price tiers, including Die Swaene, Dukes Academie and Grand Hotel Normandy Bruges in Bruges, and Le Louise Hotel Brussels MGallery and DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City in Brussels.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights in Bruges and two nights in Brussels, for 5 days and 4 nights total.
What does it cost?
Prices start at $519 per person.

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