Parking and accessibility: where to park in Bruges near the meeting point?
Why parking in the centre of Bruges is a challenge
The historic centre is a living neighbourhood, and the city keeps it that way. Most of the space in the narrow streets goes to residents and delivery vans. A one-way system steers through traffic back to the ring road around the old town.
The few street spots that are left are paid, limited to four hours and rarely free when you need one. Circling around looking for a spot is the quickest way to arrive at your tour stressed and late. I would rather meet you with a smile.
The best place to park in Bruges: the railway station
My advice to every guest arriving by car: park at the Centrum-Station car park, next to the railway station. It is the cheapest parking in Bruges and the easiest to reach, straight from the ring road.
What it costs
You pay by the hour, with a daily maximum of just over seven euros for 24 hours. Compare that to more than double for a full day in one of the underground garages in the centre. Check the current rates on the Interparking or Visit Bruges website before you leave.
A free bus into town
Here is the part most visitors miss: your parking ticket includes a free bus ride to the city centre and back, for the driver and up to three passengers. Show your parking ticket at the De Lijn office at the station bus terminal to get your bus ticket. It is valid on the day you park.
Taxi or on foot
Prefer a door-to-door ride? There is a taxi rank right at the station, and the ride to the Market Square takes only a few minutes. Good walkers can also stroll to the Markt in about 20 minutes, a nice warm-up before the tour.
Staying overnight? Ask your hotel
If you sleep in the old town, the answer is usually even simpler. Most hotels in the city centre have private parking or a reserved spot in a nearby garage. Spaces are limited, so mention your car when you book.
Once the car is parked, leave it there. Everything in Bruges is within walking distance, and your private tour starts only a short stroll from most hotels.
No hotel parking and no wish to go to the station? The underground garages in the centre, such as 't Zand, are a comfortable backup. Just expect a higher price for a full day.
Accessibility: a tour at your pace
The Market Square is largely car-free and easy to reach from the station by bus or taxi. The station car park has reserved spaces for people with disabilities.
Bruges is flat, which helps, but its charm comes with cobblestones and the occasional narrow pavement. That is where a private tour makes the difference. We walk at your pace, take a break when you want one and choose a route that suits you, whether you travel with a stroller, a walking stick or a wheelchair.
Just let me know in advance, and I will plan the tour around it.
Park smart, start relaxed
So, where to park in Bruges? At the railway station: cheap, easy to find, and with a free bus that brings you to the Market Square in minutes. Staying in town? Your hotel has you covered.
Leave the medieval streets to the pedestrians and save your energy for what matters: seven centuries of stories waiting on the Market Square.
Ready to explore Bruges in style? Book your private walking, bike or culinary tour here. Tell me how you are travelling and I will send you the best route to our meeting point.
FAQ
1. Where is the meeting point for my private tour?
On the Market Square (Markt 5), in the heart of the old town. A different meeting point, such as your hotel or the station, is possible on request.
2. Can I park near the Market Square?
Hardly. Street parking in the historic centre is scarce, paid and limited to four hours. The railway station car park is a much better choice.
3. What is the cheapest place to park in Bruges?
The Centrum-Station car park at the railway station, with a daily maximum of about seven euros.
4. How do I get from the station car park to the meeting point?
Take the free bus included with your parking ticket, grab a taxi at the station rank, or walk about 20 minutes.
5. Who can use the free bus ticket?
The driver and up to three passengers, to the city centre and back, on the day you park.
6. My hotel is in the city centre. Where do I park?
Most central hotels have private parking or a deal with a nearby garage. Mention your car when booking.
7. We are a group arriving by coach. What do you advise?
Coaches cannot enter the historic centre and drop groups off at a fixed coach parking, about 20 minutes on foot from the Market Square. Group members who find walking difficult can take a taxi to the Markt and join us there.