Destination guide · Belgium · Updated 18 October 2026 · Services are subject to change.
Why choose Ghent for a European rail trip?
Ghent is one of the rewarding stops to consider in Belgium. Discover Gravensteen Castle, spend time around St Bavo's Cathedral and include Graslei quays if your visit allows. The Interrail Global Pass can help link this stop with other participating rail destinations when the chosen train is eligible.
Belgium pairs art cities, medieval centres and an easy-to-understand domestic rail network. Brussels is the main interchange, while Bruges and Ghent make appealing additions. If you have a flexible pass, decide whether Ghent is a daytime sightseeing stop or a place to spend the night; using an extra travel day for a short transfer is not always the best value.
What to see and do in Ghent
Gravensteen Castle
Gravensteen Castle is an important part of a visit to Ghent. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
St Bavo's Cathedral
St Bavo's Cathedral is an important part of a visit to Ghent. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Graslei quays
Graslei quays is an important part of a visit to Ghent. Check opening hours, ticket policies and the location relative to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Plan a route that leaves time for the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rushing straight back to the platform.
Arriving in Ghent by train
Main rail gateway: Gent-Sint-Pieters. The actual station for your journey depends on the train and route. Verify whether the pass covers your operator, and inspect the platform and service information shortly before departure.
From station to sightseeing
The historic core is not adjacent to Sint-Pieters station; allow tram time. A pass does not generally include city metros, trams, sightseeing buses or attraction admissions unless a specific benefit says otherwise.
A practical one- or two-day sightseeing plan
On arrival, leave luggage at your accommodation or a suitable station facility if available, then prioritise Gravensteen Castle. Continue towards St Bavo's Cathedral at a comfortable pace, leaving time for a meal and unplanned exploration. For an overnight stay, visit Graslei quays the following day and check onward rail departures before you commit to a timed booking.
Staying overnight can make sense if the city has several attractions or if your next connection leaves early. For a shorter stopover, verify luggage storage, opening hours and how far the sights are from the station.
Using the Interrail Global Pass for Ghent
SNCB/NMBS links most principal cities; use the named Brussels stations carefully, as Brussels-Midi, Central and North are distinct stops.
Eurostar and certain international high-speed services require advance reservations and supplements; ordinary Belgian domestic trains typically do not. Add each required journey to the mobile pass in accordance with the current instructions and keep seat reservation documents separately available when necessary. Pass validity is not a guarantee of a seat.
Where to go after Ghent
Continue your Belgium adventure with Brussels and Bruges . These are suggested next places, not guaranteed direct or daily trains; check running services and travel times for your date. Cross-border options should also be checked against current network availability.
Read the complete Belgium Interrail rail guide or browse all 33 Global Pass countries to build a longer European itinerary.
Tours and activities in Ghent
Browse current cultural experiences, walking tours and sightseeing via Viator. Activities are separate purchases and their availability does not depend on the Global Pass.
Experiences appear when the external Viator widget loads. Widget help .
Hotels and practical onward transport
Compare hotels and accommodation near Gent-Sint-Pieters or closer to the sights, depending on luggage and walking preferences. For places beyond participating rail lines, check separately priced ferry, regional ticket and onward travel options .
Explore Ghent by rail
Compare Global Pass options before choosing your travel days and reservations.