Ghent To London: A Scenic Bus Journey

Travel from London to Ghent is straightforward, with 9 ways to make the journey. The most popular options are by train or bus, with the former being the fastest option. The quickest train from London to Ghent takes 3 hours and 31 minutes, while the fastest bus takes 7 hours and 15 minutes. The distance between the two cities is approximately 170 miles.

Bus route and stations

The bus route from Ghent to London is served by multiple companies, including Eurolines UK, Flixbus, and Union Ivkoni. The journey is not direct, with one change at Bruxelles-Midi, and the buses depart from London St Pancras International and arrive at Gent St Pieters. The distance covered is about 169-177 miles, and the journey takes around 7 hours and 15 minutes to 9 hours and 15 minutes.

Bus Companies

• Flixbus: This company offers three daily buses with comfortable seats, a toilet, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Tickets start at £19, and the journey takes about 7 hours and 15 minutes.
• Eurolines UK: This company offers one bus per day, and the details of the onboard services are unknown. The journey takes about 8 hours and 5 minutes.
• Union Ivkoni: This company offers one bus per day, and the details of the onboard services are unknown. The journey takes about 9 hours and 15 minutes.

Stations

Departure Stations in London

• London St Pancras International
• London Victoria Coach Station
• London Victoria Green Line Station

Arrival Stations in Ghent

• Gent St Pieters
• Ghent
• Ghent Pr. Clementinalaan
• Ghent Dampoort Station

Bus companies and prices

There are several bus companies that offer services from Ghent to London. These include:

• FlixBus
• BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly known as Ouibus or iDBUS)
• Eurostar
• Eurolines UK
• Union Ivkoni
• Ourbus

Prices for these services vary depending on the time of travel and the company. The cheapest option is $21 with Union Ivkoni, but prices can go up to $62. FlixBus offers tickets starting at $45.99, with an average price of $49.99. BlaBlaCar Bus tickets start at $36.99, with an average of $41.99. The average ticket price with Ourbus is $68, but tickets can be purchased for as little as $19.

Bus times and duration

The duration of the bus journey from Ghent to London varies depending on the bus company and the route taken. The fastest bus from Ghent to London takes around 7 hours and 15 minutes, while the slowest bus can take up to 9 hours and 15 minutes. There are also variations in the duration of the journey depending on the day of the week and the time of day, with weekends and holidays typically taking longer.

There are multiple bus companies servicing this route, including Eurolines UK, Flixbus, and Eurostar. Flixbus offers the fastest journey time of 7 hours and 15 minutes, with three daily buses from Ghent to London. Eurolines UK provides a similar journey time of 7 hours and 30 minutes, but their buses depart only once a day. The Eurostar bus service takes the longest, at 8 hours and 25 minutes, and they also have two daily buses.

The distance between Ghent and London is approximately 170 miles, and the buses typically make 4-6 stops along the way. The departure station in Ghent is usually Ghent Pr. Clementinalaan or Ghent Dampoort Station, and the arrival station in London is most often London Victoria Coach Station.

It's important to note that there might be some variations in the duration of the bus journey due to factors such as traffic conditions, weather, and the specific route taken by the bus company. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check with the specific bus company or use a journey planner tool online.

In terms of pricing, tickets for buses from Ghent to London can vary depending on the company and the time of booking. Generally, tickets start as low as £19 and can go up to around £83 if purchased on the day of travel. Booking in advance and avoiding peak travel times can help travellers find cheaper fares.

Other ways to travel from Ghent to London

There are several ways to travel from Ghent to London, including by bus, train, car, car train, car ferry, or plane. Here are some detailed instructions and information on each of these options:

By Bus

The bus is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to travel from Ghent to London. FlixBus offers direct bus services between the two cities, with tickets starting at $36.99. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes to 8 hours and 5 minutes, depending on the direction of travel. FlixBus buses are equipped with comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. There are multiple bus stations in both Ghent and London, so be sure to check the specific address and arrival instructions on your ticket.

By Train

Taking the train is a faster option, with an average journey time of around 2 hours and 51 minutes. There are no direct trains, and you will need to make at least one change in Brussels, Antwerp, or Lille. Tickets start at $61.62 for a standard class ticket when booked in advance. Eurostar trains offer comfortable seats, onboard food, and ample luggage space. You can also upgrade to a Premier service for priority boarding, lounge access, and refreshments.

By Car

If you prefer to drive, you can take your car through the Eurotunnel between Calais-Fréthun and Folkestone. This option will require you to drive from Ghent to Calais-Fréthun and then from Folkestone to London. Alternatively, you can take a car ferry from Calais to the Port of Dover and then drive to London.

By Plane

For an even faster journey, you can fly from Brussels or Rotterdam to London. This option typically involves a train journey to the airport and may include a layover.

Things to do in Ghent

The bus from Ghent to London takes between 7 hours 15 minutes and 9 hours 15 minutes, depending on the source. Now, here are some things to do in Ghent:

St. Michael's Bridge

St Michael's Bridge is a beautiful neo-gothic style bridge that was built for the 1913 International Exposition. It connects the two parts of the historic centre, Graslei and Korenlei, which are separated by the Leie River. The bridge offers stunning views of the city's medieval skyline, including the towers of Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry of Ghent, and Saint Bavo's Cathedral. Entry to the bridge is free, and it is open at all times.

Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, is a well-preserved 12th-century medieval fortress located in the heart of Ghent. It served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, ramparts, and museum, which provides insights into its history. The entry fee for adults is around €10, and it is generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Belfry of Ghent

The Belfry of Ghent is an iconic symbol of the city, standing tall in its centre. This medieval tower, reaching a height of 91 meters, offers panoramic views of the historic skyline. Visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top for a breathtaking view. The entry fee is approximately €8, and the belfry has varying opening hours throughout the year.

The Ghent City Hall

The Ghent City Hall, also known as Stadhuis, is a masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance architecture located on the historic market square, the "Grote Markt". The exterior is adorned with sculptures and decorative elements, showcasing the wealth and power of the city during the Renaissance. The interior features magnificent halls and chambers with intricate woodwork, elaborate ceilings, and ornate decorations. The Gothic Hall (Gotische Zaal) is a highlight with its impressive stained glass windows and large fireplace.

Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Bavo Cathedral is an iconic masterpiece of Gothic architecture, housing treasures such as the famous Ghent Altarpiece painted by the Van Eyck brothers. The cathedral dates back to the 10th century and features stunning stained glass windows. Entry is free, but there may be a small fee to visit the altar area.

Saint Nicholas Church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, is another architectural gem in Ghent. This magnificent Gothic church features a grand facade adorned with elaborate sculptures. It dates back to the 13th century and is generally open to visitors free of charge.

Graslei and Korenlei

Graslei and Korenlei are two picturesque quays located along the banks of the Leie River. These historic streets are lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings and are considered one of the most charming areas in the city. The buildings showcase a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Today, Graslei and Korenlei are vibrant areas with a lively atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions