I’m going to Ostend in November for a meeting with a few days of solo holiday on either side. I’ll fly into Brussels and I’m planning to go to Lille or Amiens by train first, and then I’d like to visit the Dozinghem military cemetery near Poperinge - does it make sense to go to Poperinge by train on my way up to Ostend (I expect I’d need to rent a bike or get a taxi once in Poperinge if I arrive by train), or should I just go to Ostend first and rent a car for a day? Google says it’s only an hour away by road, but it’s several hours by train and probably an overnight stay if I do it that way. But I’m kind of nervous about driving in Belgium!
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
371 posts
Had you thought of hiring a driver, or a private guide? That might be a way around the public transport problems. I don't like to drive in Europe either but we drive on the left side of the road where I live. I would think Ostend to Poperinge would not be highways but back roads so that may be less stressful. There are a lot of guides in the Ypres area so it should not be hard to find someone.
Lavandula
Posted by
Green Bay
23676 posts
It is just under 2 hours from Poperinge to Oostende by train, with a change in Kortrijk. A train every hour at 7 past the hour.
Posted by
Belgium
451 posts
does it make sense to go to Poperinge by train on my way up to Ostend
Yes, at least if you are staying in Lille (from Amiens, IMO it would take to long).
- Train Lille-Poperinge
From Lille-Flanders station, a train every hour at 9 past the hour, change in Kortrijk, 1Hr44Min journey time.
Planning here https://www.b-europe.com/EN
- Poperinge
Walk 8 minutes (600 meter) to Hotel Palace.
Luggage storage at the Hotel (no storage at the station)
Bicycle hire at the hotel (normal or electric) (advance booking)
https://www.fietsverhuurpoperinge.be/en/
Cycling 5,4 Km (20 Min) to reach Dozinghem Military Cemetery.
Alternative: taxiservice Poperinge (advance booking)
https://www.toerismepoperinge.be/en/content/detail/197/taxi
- Poperinge-Ostend a train every hour at 7 past the hour, change in Kortrijk, 1Hr56Min journey time.
Planning here https://www.belgiantrain.be/en/
PS: all trains are local ones. A ticket is valid all day long. You can take any train that day (not time specific). No reservation possible, no need for advance booking.
Posted by
OP
Canada
2 posts
Thanks all for the helpful info! Exactly the insights I was looking for.