We will be traveling later this year. We fly into CDG Airport and we are thinking about spending all of our time (6 days) in Bruges and Brussels, Belgium. (We've been to Paris before). We think we prefer the flexibility of a rental car to rail travel. 1. Does it make sense to rent a car? 2. If so, from which car rental agency? 3. What are some other interesting towns we can visit -- either along the way or near Bruges/Brussels?
Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32825 posts
In your order Q1. No, not at all. Q2. Doesn't matter because you won't. Q3. Ghent, Antwerpen, the Belgian coast and coastal towns, all easily done by train. Q3 part 2, Ypres and the WW1 trenches, easily done by minibus with a tour company from Bruges. Q3 part 3. Waterloo, easily done by bus from Brussels. And don't forget Ghent and Antwerpen, mentioned above.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
No, a car does not make sense for your proposed itinerary. The area of interest to tourists in Brugge is small enough that you can walk everywhere. Brussels is a little more dispersed, but they have a pretty extensive metro system (but not parking system). Some other interesting towns that you can reach via rail are Leuven, Hasselt, Dinant, Antwerp, Ieper, St. Truiden, Tournai, St. Nicholas, Oostende, De Haan, and Ghent... especially Ghent. EDIT: Nigel and I seem to be sharing brain waves today.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
In Europe trains are not 1 to 2 a day like we are used to here in the States (with few exceptions) but 1 to 2 an hour (or even more). In Bruges or Brussels you actually will be more flexible without a car. If you absolutely want to rent something rent a bicycle.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
"In Europe trains are not 1 to 2 a day like we are used to here in the States (with few exceptions) but 1 to 2 an hour (or even more)." That is especially true in Belgium. When I travel by rail in Belgium (about once a month), I don't even check the train schedules in advanced. I just show up at the station, the next train in whatever direction I'm traveling will arrive in less than 30 minutes.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Ghent would be my number one place to hang for a few days - really enjoy it there. Great vibe.
Posted by
Marin, CA
527 posts
Relax and enjoy the wonderful public transportation.