Parking the car and walking, Brugge

From Mons we drove by car and it took an hour or an hour and a half--we had so much fun on the way I'm not sure how long it took, but I'd say probably at least an hour's drive from Brussels.

The train station is located very near and might be most convenient if you are coming from Brussels.

Cars are not to be found in this area so walking or riding a bike--which might be uncomfortable on the cobbled streets--seem to be the most efficient way of getting around.

We got around by foot. We parked the car and walked everywhere. As a small and charming city, is the best way of seeing everything--at least in and around the town center. Though at the time I walked with a cane, walking around the streets of Bruges seemed not to be stressful for me at all.

Brugge is about an hour from Brussels, but finding a parking spot can be difficult. The city is very popular, and the main parking lot at the edge of the city (which offers bus rides to the center) might be full, as it was in our case. There is a parking lot underground at the end of 'T Pandreitje street a block from the very center of the city.

Driving is not the best way to see the city. There are a lot of pedestrians, one-way winding streets, bicycles, etc. Try to park and walk around, or supplement walking by a boat or carriage tour.

The day we went to Brugge, there was a carnival in town and it was a beautiful, sunny day, so parking was at a premium. We were lucky that we found a spot within walking distance of the Centrum. We paid a flat fee for the day. I couldn't believe how many people chose to drive through the city in their cars. It was so conjested and they really didn't get very far. We did much better by foot so the moral of the story is PARK THE CAR AND WALK.

Brugge makes coming by car an attractive option. Parking your car in the garage at the railway station is not only relatively cheap (we paid 2 euros for three hours), you also can take the bus to the centre for free. Show your parking ticket at the office of De Lijn (the buscompany) at the front of the station and you'll get a free ticket for driver and passengers. It's a nice extra. You might however just as well walk because the centre is nearby.

There are other options to park your car, but I can hardly imagine those being as cheap as this one.

I tend to prefer the underground car park near to the centre of Brugge. I beleive it is on Hoefijzerlaan and you access it when in a tunnel.

I think if you follow signs for the centre and the train station that you should find it.

Prices are relatively cheap and payment can be made in cash or by card.

YOU CAN RENT A BIKE AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PREVIOUS tip BUT....YES, ALSO scooters.

ENLARGE PHOTO and read......

A scooter will enhance your RADIUS OF ACTION considerably!

ADDRESS: 't KOFFIEBOONTJE
Hallestraat 4 8000 BRUGGE

Parking and traffic in Brugge

During the past few years traffic pressure in the historic inner city has been gradually reduced so as to preserve its unique heritage for locals and visitors alike.Traffic is funneled into five main one way arteries starting and exiting on the ring road.

Arriving by car, you will be able to use one of the five underground parkings (3.675 pl.) in the inner city or one of the parking lots alongside the ring road from where you will quickly reach downtown, walking or using one of the frequently operated bus lines.Cycling, too, is a most enjoyable way to get around in Bruges: cyclists are allowed to ride in both directions in more than 50 one way streets.

Finally, when arriving by train, the Tourist Office near the main exit of the railway station is at your service for tourist information and hotel bookings.The traffic circulation plan applied today in Bruges was designed to reduce traffic pressure in the inner city, so as to preserve the unique heritage you've come to enjoy.

Coaches are only allowed into the inner city only to drive clients to their hotel(s) and to pick them up again. Exceptions to this rule are within the exclusive competence of the local police authorities (Hauwerstraat 3, tel. 32(0)50/448844).

Coach drivers are offered free parking space at the 'Katelijnebrug'-coach park (map: F14) with a total capacity of 140 coaches, and facilities such as toilets and telephone. Frequent city bus services are operated between coach park and city centre.

For other special facilities (a/o. emptying of coach toilets) adequate services are proposed by 'Eltebe' (Lieven Bauwensstraat 41, 8200 St.-Andries, tel. 32(0)50/32.01.11, fax 31.32.65).

Finally, the coach park is an ideal departure point for city walks with local guides

There are quite a few (underground) parking lots in Bruges (EUR9 for a whole day), but many streets are oneway, not to mention the cul-de-sacs. So if you really want to go by car, park it at the railway station and take a bus to 't Zand.
In Bruges, the best way to explore the city is on foot.

We have been there by car and it was no problem to find a parking there. In the city center you have to pay the parking, but a bit more to the ring there are a lot of free parking capacities.....
By foot. We found Brugge bigger than we thought, but I still think that this is the best way to explore the town. Another good idea might be to rent a bike!!!

There are boat and horse carriage tours available too.

By train, or by car but then you should park your car near the train station in the underground parking place. If you show your ticket (2.5 euro/day) you can go by bus for free (to the centre).
By foot!!! Walk walk walk!