Bus Hire in Bruges

Bruges (Brugge) is a medieval city in the West Flanders province, 95 kilometres west of Brussels via the E40 motorway. The historic centre of Bruges, including its canal network, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000) and one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Europe. The city's main canal (the Reie) runs through the centre, connecting the Minnewater lake (the Lake of Love) in the south to the outer ring canal (the Coupure). The Markt (Market Square) and the adjoining Burg Square form the civic heart, dominated by the 83-metre Belfort (Belfry Tower, with 366 steps to the top and a 47-bell carillon).

Bruges receives approximately 8 million visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited cities in Belgium. The city is served by Ostend-Bruges Airport (OST) 25 kilometres west, and Brussels Airport (BRU) 95 kilometres east. The coach park at Bargeplein (on the canal ring north-west of the city centre, 10 minutes walk from the Markt) is the designated arrival and departure point for tourist coaches; no tourist coaches are permitted in the historic centre streets.

The Markt, Belfry, and the Burg

The Markt (Market Square) is the civic centre of Bruges, framed by the Belfort (Belfry Tower, 1240-1297, 83 metres, with a carillon of 47 bells rung by a mechanical drum and a resident town carilloneur), the Provincial Government building (Neo-Gothic, 1887), and a row of guild houses converted to restaurants and cafes. The square is pedestrianised and horses-and-carriages operate from the Markt. The Burg (Burghers' Square, adjacent to the Markt and connected by a narrow passage) is enclosed by the Gothic Town Hall (1376-1420, one of the oldest and finest in the Low Countries), the Basilica of the Holy Blood (a 12th-century Romanesque chapel below a 15th-century Gothic upper chapel, housing the relic of the Holy Blood of Christ brought from Jerusalem after the Second Crusade in 1150), and the Renaissance-facade Old Civil Registry (1537). Coach drop is at the Bargeplein car park; walking time to the Markt is approximately 10 minutes via the Langestraat.

The Canal Network and Boat Tours

Bruges's canal network (the Reie and the connecting inner canals) is best seen from the water: boat tours depart from five landing stages in the city centre (the most central are at the Rozenhoedkaai, 5 minutes walk from the Markt, and the Dijver, adjacent to the Groeninge Museum). Tours last approximately 30 minutes and depart at 10-minute intervals in peak season. The Minnewater (Lake of Love, at the southern end of the canal, 20 minutes walk from the Markt) is a picturesque lake in a park setting with an 18th-century lockkeeper's cottage. The Beguinage (Begijnhof, a 13th-century Beguine convent on the Minnewater bank, UNESCO World Heritage Site) is freely accessible and is occupied by Benedictine nuns. The canal-side Dijver embankment hosts an antique and flea market on weekends from March to October.

Museums, Beer, and Chocolate

The Groeninge Museum (on the Dijver canal bank) holds the definitive collection of Flemish Primitive painting, including works by Jan van Eyck (who lived in Bruges from 1430 until his death in 1441), Hans Memling, and Gerard David. The Memling Museum (in the former Sint-Janshospitaal, the oldest surviving hospital in Europe, open since the 12th century) has six altarpiece panels by Memling painted for the hospital chapel. The Choco-Story chocolate museum and the Historium (an immersive medieval Bruges experience) are popular with school and family groups. Bruges is also a centre of Belgian beer: the De Halve Maan brewery (the only remaining city-centre brewery in Bruges, producing Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik) offers group brewery tours with tasting.

What Bus Hire Costs in Bruges

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Bruges runs around 265 to 515 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 435 to 845 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 665 to 1,250 EUR per day. Bruges is the most visited tourist city in Belgium and a premium coach hire market. Summer (June to September) and the Christmas market period (late November to early January) are the busiest periods. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead in peak season. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Bruges