Amsterdam-Brugge Itinerary

We spent a total of 8 nights split between Brugge in Belgium and Amsterdam. Flying into Brussels Airport, we then took a one hour Belgian Rail (commuter rail) train from the airport directly to central Brugge. When leaving Brugge, we again took Belgian Rail from Brugge to Antwerp, changing there for the Thalys high speed train to Amsterdam. The beautiful Antwerp Central Train Station is worth a stop. We flew home from Amsterdam.

• 3 nights in Brugge — just right; though we could have done four, especially if it were in warmer weather.

• 5 nights in Amsterdam — perfect; also could see staying longer in spring or summer.

GT Tips on this itinerary:

• There is no need for a car in either Brugge or Amsterdam, hence why we decided to take the train between destinations. Brugge is completely walkable (though Uber and taxis are an option) and in Amsterdam there are trams, taxis and Ubers readily available. Or, in warmer weather you can take your life in your hands and rent a bike!

• There are trains from Brugge through both Brussels and Antwerp where you then change for the Thalys high speed train to Amsterdam. We chose Antwerp because (a) it’s more direct geographically, (b) the train station is pretty and (c) it’s smaller.

• The total train journey between Brugge and Amsterdam, if connecting to a Thalys high-speed train in Antwerp, is a bit over 3 hours.