Zeebrugge - Bruges Shuttle: Fast Return Bus for Cruise Passengers

Summary

Direct shuttle from Zeebrugge port to Bruges city center with flexible returns

You’ll step off your ship at Zeebrugge and hop a direct shuttle straight into Bruges’ historic heart—no fussing with taxis or trains. Enjoy flexible return times matched to your cruise schedule and a quick walk from drop-off at Bargeplein to Lake of Love Park. Expect friendly drivers, short waits, and a smooth ride that lets you relax before exploring those cobbled streets.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the salty tang in the air as we stepped off the ship at Zeebrugge, trying not to look too much like lost tourists (we failed). There was this low hum of engines and a few port workers joking in Dutch, but mostly it was just us and a handful of other cruise folks shuffling toward the shuttle stop. The bus driver waved — I think his name was Marc? — and pointed us toward the right spot, which honestly saved us from wandering in circles. It’s only about 30 meters from the cruise terminal exit, across from this blocky apartment building where their little office sits on the ground floor. Air conditioning inside, which felt like a small miracle after that muggy morning.

The shuttle itself was nothing fancy — just clean seats and big windows for watching the flat Belgian countryside roll by. I liked that we didn’t have to wait long (maybe 15 minutes?), and there were a few families with strollers and one older couple who chatted quietly in French. Someone’s sandwich smelled like cheese and mustard, which made me wish I’d grabbed breakfast on board. The drive into Bruges is quick; you sort of blink and suddenly you’re pulling up at Bargeplein, right by all these bikes lined up along the canal. From there it’s just five minutes on foot to Minnewaterpark — Lake of Love Park, they call it — which our guide said is “the prettiest way into Bruges.” He grinned when he said it, so we believed him.

Getting back later was easy too; shuttles run every half hour in the afternoon so we didn’t have to stress about missing our ship. The schedule adjusts depending on your cruise departure time — first bus leaves four hours before you need to be back, last one an hour before. There’s something oddly comforting about knowing you won’t get stranded (I always worry about that). On the ride back, everyone seemed quieter — maybe tired or just full of waffles? Either way, I still think about that first glimpse of Bruges’ rooftops through the window as we arrived. It felt like pressing pause between two different worlds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shuttle from Zeebrugge to Bruges and return

• Disembark cruise ship at Zeebrugge
• Locate Free Port Shuttles near terminal
• Take shuttle bus to Bruges city center
• Explore historic center of Bruges
• Return shuttle from Bruges to Zeebrugge
• Arrive back at cruise terminal for embarkment

Top questions

How far is the Zeebrugge port from Bruges by shuttle?

The shuttle takes you directly from Zeebrugge port to Bruges city center in around 25-30 minutes.

Where does the shuttle drop off in Bruges?

The drop-off point is Interparking - Bargeplein, the main official bus parking area in Bruges.

How often do shuttles run between Zeebrugge & Bruges?

Shuttles operate every 30 minutes between 8:30 AM and noon for departures from Zeebrugge; returns run throughout the afternoon based on cruise schedules.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup is included directly from outside the Zeebrugge cruise terminal—just 30 meters from the exit.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on board?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs can be stored in the trunk; passengers must be able to board independently.

What if my ship leaves late—are return times flexible?

The afternoon return schedule adapts to each ship’s departure time; first bus leaves four hours before final embarkation, last bus one hour prior.

How close is Lake of Love Park to where we get off?

The walk from Bargeplein drop-off to Lake of Love Park is about five minutes.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer by shuttle bus between Zeebrugge port and central Bruges with pickup just steps from your ship’s exit, flexible afternoon returns tailored to your cruise schedule, storage for strollers or wheelchairs if needed, local taxes covered, plus drop-off right at Bargeplein bus station—a short stroll from Lake of Love Park and all those medieval streets waiting for you.