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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Bruges by First Class Rail

London to Bruges by Eurostar and First Class rail, three nights

Illustration of Bruges by First Class Rail

Planet Rail's Bruges by First Class Rail is a four-day independent holiday from London to one of northern Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. The journey begins at London St Pancras with a Eurostar service in Standard Premier Class, where a light meal and drinks accompany you across the Channel. You change in Brussels onto an InterCity train in First Class to reach Bruges by late afternoon, settling into one of three four-star hotels in the city's historic heart. Days two and three are entirely free: wander the step-gabled streets and waterways that inspired the nickname 'Venice of the North', join a walking tour or canal cruise, visit an artisan chocolate maker or Belgium's celebrated brewery museum, or take a day trip to the First World War monuments at Yprès. On day four you reverse the journey by First Class and Eurostar back to London. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a taste of cross-Channel train travel, couples wanting a romantic city break with time to explore together, and independent travellers who value comfort and flexibility over a guided schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Taxi from Bruges station to the hotel is not included and must be paid locally
  • Walking tours and canal cruises mentioned in the itinerary are optional and charged separately
  • The trip ends on day four with arrival at London St Pancras; no onward travel is arranged

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    London to Bruges

    Your short break begins at iconic St Pancras International, where the Eurostar service speeds you to Brussels in a spacious Standard Premier Class seat with a light meal and drinks. In Brussels change onto the InterCity train to Bruges, then a short taxi ride (payable locally) takes you to your hotel for 3 nights, ideally located in the heart of medieval Bruges.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    At leisure in Bruges

    Two full days in Bruges. Get your bearings on a walking tour (payable locally), uncover the history of this medieval masterpiece, or enjoy a relaxing canal cruise (payable locally) for a romantic view of the city.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bruges

    At leisure in Bruges

    Journey further afield to Yprès and the monuments of the First World War, including the Menin Gate and the In Flanders Field Museum, or indulge in two of Belgium's most celebrated traditions with a visit to an artisan chocolate-maker and the renowned brewery museum.

  4. Day 4rail

    Bruges to London

    Return to Bruges station and travel by InterCity train to Brussels, where you join the Eurostar service back to London, relaxing with a light meal and drinks before arrival into London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St Pancras in Standard Premier Class, crossing the Channel with a light meal and drinks before connecting to an InterCity First Class train to Bruges
  • Day 2Explore medieval Bruges on foot or by canal cruise, discovering Markt Square and the Basilica of the Holy Blood at your own pace
  • Day 3Option to visit artisan chocolate makers or the renowned Belgian brewery museum, or travel to nearby Yprès to see First World War monuments
  • Day 4Return journey on InterCity First Class to Brussels, then Eurostar Standard Premier Class back to London St Pancras with light refreshments

Included

  • Eurostar Standard Premier Class between London and Brussels with light meal and drinks
  • First Class rail on the InterCity train between Brussels and Bruges
  • 3 nights at a 4 star hotel in the heart of medieval Bruges (Hotel Aragon, Hotel Dukes' Arches or Grand Hotel Casselbergh)

Not included

  • Taxi from Bruges station to your hotel (payable locally)
  • Walking tour and canal cruise (payable locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The price includes Eurostar Standard Premier Class from London St Pancras to Brussels with a light meal and drinks, and InterCity First Class trains between Brussels and Bruges in both directions.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent and tailor-made by Planet Rail. There is no tour guide; you make your own way from Bruges station to your hotel by taxi and plan your days freely.
Which hotels are available?
Planet Rail offers three four-star hotels in central Bruges: Hotel Aragon (from £895), Hotel Dukes' Arches (from £925), or Grand Hotel Casselbergh (from £949) for three nights.
What is not included in the price?
The taxi ride from Bruges station to your hotel, walking tours, canal cruises, visits to chocolate makers or breweries, and the optional trip to Yprès are all payable locally.
How much time is free to explore Bruges?
Two full days (days two and three) are at your leisure. You can join optional walking tours, take canal cruises, visit museums or breweries, or travel to nearby sites independently.
What does Eurostar Standard Premier Class include?
A light meal and drinks are included on the Eurostar service between London and Brussels in both directions.

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