How far is the train station from the port in Zeebrugge?

We'll be on the Emerald Princess and plan to take the train to Brugge and possible Ghent or Antwerp. Is the train station within walking distance, or will a bus or taxi be needed. Thanks for any help.:)

SEveral years ago our ship had a shuttle bus to train station.

The port in Belgium is Zeebrugge and it is only about eight miles from Bruges, a wonderful place to see for a full day.

For a detailed description of how to do the train trip or otherwise (depending on when you arrive and whether or not your cruise company has made arrangements to have shuttle service), go to an earlier post:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=729070&highlight

If you want to see how we did it last July, go to

http://www.*****.com/Bruges.html

and if you want to take a walking tour of Bruges, go to http://www.*****.com/Brugge%205.html

I would really like to add that unless you have some special reason to visit Ghent (relatives, etc.) and only have one day in port, SEE Bruges!

Lair Bear and Roberts....Thank you very much for your help.:)

Hi Lair Bear, is the train from Zeebrugge to Brugge operating in May? We will be in the Port of Zeebrugge off a cruise ship.

I would think so, as it is part of a wider journey that goes on to Brussels. Although it seems a bit strange to use another country's rail website, http://www.deutschebahn.de (Germany) is a great place to look up all sorts of railway travel in Europe and can be accessed in English.

We were there last May and yes the train was operating. It is part of their national railway. We walked to the tram stop and took the tram to the train station. It would be at least a 30 min wait, so we took the bus and were in Bruge in about 20min. There were enough of us to get a group discount on the tram and the bus. The trip to Bruge was quite fun--all the locals were tlaking to us asking question and answering our questions. Public transit in Europe is great. Pat

We were there last May and yes the train was operating. It is part of their national railway. We walked to the tram stop and took the tram to the train station. It would be at least a 30 min wait, so we took the bus and were in Bruge in about 20min. There were enough of us to get a group discount on the tram and the bus. The trip to Bruge was quite fun--all the locals were tlaking to us asking question and answering our questions. Public transit in Europe is great. Pat

Thank you, Pat. We always take trains and buses in Europe, and I agree that that is the best way to go. I'm also happy to know that there is a bus station near the train station. Another option is always helpful. :)