Bruges enjoys excellent connectivity with the rest of Belgium through various modes of transportation such as buses, trains, boats, or cars, ensuring convenient access to the city from within Belgium. For international travelers, the most straightforward approach is to first journey to Brussels via bus, plane, car, or train, before making the connection to Bruges, as direct connections are available from each of their stations.

From major cities like Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven, and Brussels, travelers can opt for one of the 1 to 4 direct trains per hour to the 'Brugge Sint-Pieters' station daily. Upon arrival, the city center is easily accessible either by a short walk or a brief De Lijn bus ride. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly option, FLiXBUS and Flibco provide direct connections from these major cities, including direct routes from Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. It is advisable to purchase bus tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly.

For travelers with their own vehicles, driving to Bruges or taking their car on a ferry, both domestically and internationally, are viable options. However, driving through the city center is discouraged, with above-ground parking discouraged due to low-traffic or car-free streets at certain times. Instead, it is recommended to park at one of the free locations beyond the city center or utilize one of the two central underground car parks: Centrum-'t Zand car park, a 10-minute walk to the Market Square, and Centrum-Station car park, a 20-minute walk to the Market Square.

For efficient route planning, cost evaluation, and consideration of various transportation methods, I often rely on Rome2rio. This invaluable tool provides comprehensive information, offering insights into possible route combinations and suggestions for strategic stops along the way, ensuring a tailored and well-informed travel experience. Link to Rome2rio