Port information & tips for Gent
Ghent is one of Belgium's best-kept secrets, masterfully combining medieval splendor with a vibrant, modern flair. The city enchants visitors with its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and impressive architecture, which is particularly striking along the historic waterfront promenades of Graslei and Korenlei. Absolute highlights include the imposing Gravensteen castle, the majestic St. Bavo's Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, and the landmark Belfry. Cruise ships dock at Rigakaai in the North Sea Port, from where the historic center is easily reachable in about ten minutes via short shuttle connections or taxis, providing an ideal starting point for exploration.
The Port of Ghent, part of the cross-border North Sea Port, impresses with its central location in Flanders and is easily accessible for guests from the DACH region via the dense Western European transport network. River cruise ship berths are often located close to the city center at Rigakaai, while ocean-going vessels use the modern terminal area in the northern port district.
Car
Via the A10 (E40) and A14 (E17) motorways, you can reach Ghent directly from the direction of Aachen and Cologne, benefiting from excellent connections to the European long-distance road network. Secure multi-storey car parks and long-term parking spaces are available near the terminals and in the city center; additionally, specialized providers offer convenient Park & Ride options for cruise passengers.
Train
Gent-Sint-Pieters station serves as a central hub and is regularly served by trains from Brussels, Antwerp, and Lille. Travelers from Germany can use the convenient ICE or Eurostar connections via Brussels-South (Bruxelles-Midi) and reach the port from there with a short taxi ride or the city's efficient public transport.
Airplane
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located approximately 65 kilometers away and is served directly several times a day from all major cities in the DACH region. Thanks to the direct train connection from the airport station, you can reach Gent-Sint-Pieters in about one hour; private shuttle services and taxis are also available for a comfortable transfer directly to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Ghent, part of the cross-border North Sea Port, impresses with its central location in Flanders and is easily accessible for guests from the DACH region via the dense Western European transport network. River cruise ship berths are often located close to the city center at Rigakaai, while ocean-going vessels use the modern terminal area in the northern port district.
Car
Via the A10 (E40) and A14 (E17) motorways, you can reach Ghent directly from the direction of Aachen and Cologne, benefiting from excellent connections to the European long-distance road network. Secure multi-storey car parks and long-term parking spaces are available near the terminals and in the city center; additionally, specialized providers offer convenient Park & Ride options for cruise passengers.
Train
Gent-Sint-Pieters station serves as a central hub and is regularly served by trains from Brussels, Antwerp, and Lille. Travelers from Germany can use the convenient ICE or Eurostar connections via Brussels-South (Bruxelles-Midi) and reach the port from there with a short taxi ride or the city's efficient public transport.
Airplane
Brussels Airport (BRU) is located approximately 65 kilometers away and is served directly several times a day from all major cities in the DACH region. Thanks to the direct train connection from the airport station, you can reach Gent-Sint-Pieters in about one hour; private shuttle services and taxis are also available for a comfortable transfer directly to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Ghent in the North Sea Port is well connected to the city center and allows travelers an uncomplicated onward journey into the historic center.
Shuttle Service
Numerous cruise lines offer an organized shuttle bus for their guests, which runs directly from the terminal to the Korenmarkt in the heart of the old town. The journey takes about 15 to 20 minutes and provides a particularly convenient connection.
Taxi
Official taxis wait directly at the exit of the cruise terminal and take visitors to the most important sights in a short time. In addition, rides can be easily booked on-site or via apps, offering full flexibility for individual exploration.
De Lijn (Public Transport)
The Flemish transport company De Lijn serves the port area with regular bus connections and modern trams. Thanks to the dense network of lines, passengers reach the city center and the Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station quickly and cost-effectively.
Since Ghent brings its most important treasures together compactly in the historic center, your stay is ideal for an extensive walk along the medieval waterways and to the city's monumental landmarks.
Graslei & Korenlei
The magnificent guild houses on the banks of the Leie form the picturesque backdrop for the pulsating heart of the city and, thanks to the numerous cafés and the possibility for a relaxing boat trip, invite you to linger by the water.
Gravensteen
The imposing 12th-century moated castle towers majestically over the old town and, thanks to its excellent state of preservation, offers visitors a fascinating insight into the medieval history of Flanders.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
This architectural masterpiece houses the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece and, thanks to its central location, is perfectly suited for art lovers who wish to experience the impressive symbiosis of Gothic architecture and sacred painting.
Historic Graslei and Korenlei
The picturesque waterfront promenades of Graslei and Korenlei in the heart of Ghent's old town are easily accessible from the port in about fifteen to twenty minutes by taxi or shuttle and form the city's architectural jewel. This former medieval port fascinates with its beautifully preserved guild houses and the lively atmosphere directly by the water. Thanks to the numerous inviting sidewalk cafés and the canal cruises starting directly on-site, you can enjoy a first-class view of Ghent's history and perfectly savor the famous Belgian lifestyle with a local specialty. Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to photograph the impressive facades in the best light and to enjoy the peace before the larger crowds of visitors arrive, so you can return to the ship relaxed and on time in the early afternoon.
The journey back from Ghent's magnificent old town to your ship is safe and comfortable thanks to central taxi stands and excellent public transport links. Plan approximately 20 minutes for the transfer to the outer harbor to ensure you are back on board on time and relaxed.
Taxi
Central taxi stands are located at Korenmarkt, Woodrow Wilsonplein, and at the Gent-Dampoort and Gent-Sint-Pieters railway stations. The trip to the terminal at Rigakaai takes about 15 minutes, and you can also easily have a taxi called from the major hotels in the city center for your direct return journey.
Shuttle Bus and Public Transport
Many cruise lines provide shuttle buses that usually pick you up near the St. Michaelis Bridge and take you directly back to the ship. Alternatively, simply use bus line 55 from the Gent Ottogracht stop, which runs regularly towards the port area and offers a straightforward connection to the pier.
On Foot
Should your ship be docked at the central Lindelei, you can reach your deck in just a few moments after a short walk through the picturesque alleys of the old town. For guests at Rigakaai, the route leads through the trendy Dok-Noord district and along the waterways; the flat path and easy orientation along the canals make for a pleasant walk back.
