Zeebrugge cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: The cruise facility at Zweedse Kaai and the ABC Tower terminal serve the onward journey to Markt, the central square in Bruges.

• Walk: not realistic from the berth to Bruges; working port, long inland journey.
• Shuttle: free port shuttle between the ship's gangway and the ABC terminal; this is the internal port leg, not a transfer to Bruges.
• Public transport: De Lijn Coast Tram KT from Zeebrugge Kerk towards De Panne to Blankenberge Station, €3 one way for the tram leg; continue by separately ticketed SNCB/NMBS train to Brugge, then walk to Markt.

Prices checked 2026-09-08. Sources: Port of Zeebrugge terminal brochure, MSC terminal and tram directions, De Lijn stop map, De Lijn single ticket, Visit Bruges transport.

Orientation, not a walking route

Zeebrugge receives ships alongside. The port authority identifies the cruise facility at Zweedse Kaai, and MSC lists the ABC Tower terminal at Rederskaai 60/61 in its passenger directions. Check your ship's assigned berth and exit instructions: that terminal address is a point of orientation, not permission to walk through operational quays.

Use the passenger route or free port shuttle designated for your call. The ABC terminal is the start of the onward journey to Bruges.

The port authority's redevelopment announcement describes a future terminal intended to remove the need for ship-to-terminal buses. Its published target is spring 2029, not confirmation of a new walking arrangement in 2026. Follow the instructions for the facility actually in use.

About this port

A Bruges outing from Zeebrugge has several stages: getting out of the port, travelling inland and reaching the part of the historic centre you want to visit. Evaluate the whole return journey before choosing between a direct transfer and public transport.

Bruges' historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a short call, a focused walk there is a more flexible plan than several timed attraction bookings.

Getting Around

• Direct return transfer: a cruise excursion, coach transfer or arranged taxi can reduce the number of connections. Princess gives approximately 30 minutes each way for the drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges. Agree the Bruges drop-off and return collection point when booking; coaches can drop groups at Bargeplein, a 20-minute walk from Markt.
• Public transport via Blankenberge: use Coast Tram KT from Zeebrugge Kerk to Blankenberge Station and change to the SNCB/NMBS train to Brugge. From Brugge station, Visit Bruges gives a 20-minute walk to Markt through the historic centre.

The public-transport option adds tram and train waiting time plus the journey between Brugge station and your sightseeing stops. Choose a return with room for a missed connection, followed by the terminal-to-ship stage.

Things to Do

Make the historic centre your main destination, leaving time to walk between its streets, squares and canals. Choose at most one timed interior if your call is limited.

The Belfry at Markt is an option for visitors comfortable with a stair climb: Musea Brugge specifies 366 steps and warns that the entrance and interior require steep stairs. Its official page carries booking and accessibility information. Seeing the tower from the square avoids committing to the climb or an admission slot.

Getting back to your ship

Return: save the port meeting point as well as the Bruges collection point. They serve different parts of the journey.

Practical Information

• Currency: euro.
• Emergencies: call 112.
• Access needs: arrange any required mobility space on the port transfer before disembarking. The Belfry involves steep stairs.
• Return: save the port meeting point as well as the Bruges collection point. They serve different parts of the journey.

Frequently asked

Can you walk from Zeebrugge cruise port to Bruges? No, it is not a realistic port-day walk because of the working port and long inland journey. After travelling inland, Markt is a 20-minute walk from Brugge station or the Bargeplein coach drop-off.

Is the Zeebrugge port shuttle free? Yes. The port shuttle between the ship's gangway and the ABC terminal is free; it does not take you to Bruges.

How much is the tram from Zeebrugge to Blankenberge? €3 one way, checked 2026-09-08. Take De Lijn Coast Tram KT towards De Panne; a connecting train from Blankenberge to Brugge needs a separate ticket.

How long is the drive from Zeebrugge to Bruges? About 30 minutes each way according to Princess's excursion information. Allow additional time for the port shuttle and the walk from the Bruges drop-off.

Do cruise ships dock or tender in Zeebrugge? They dock alongside. The current port arrangement includes a free ship-to-terminal shuttle.