Traveling to Ghent
Detailed information on how to get to Ghent can be found on the visitgent page.
By Plane
Ghent is located about 65km west of the international airport in Zaventem Brussels Airport.
From the airport, Ghent is easily reachable by train, leaving directly from the airport's own railway station, Brussel-Nationaal-Luchthaven.
The station is located on basement level -1 of the terminal, and is easily reached from the arrivals hall (2nd floor) or departures hall (3rd floor) using the lift or escalator.
Train tickets to Ghent (station Gent-Sint-Pieters) can be bought at the desk or vending machines in the railway station. The train ride from Brussels Airport to Gent takes about 55 minutes.
Taxi service is also available but not always recommended due to the high cost and possible traffic jams during rush hour (between 7.00-9.30 and 16.30-19.30).
By Train
From any train station, you can take the train to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Look here for your schedule or at the Raileurope page for your international connection.
By Car
Ghent is located on the intersection of two major European motorways: the E17 connects Northern Europe to the South, and the E40 runs from the North Sea right across to Eastern Europe.
From the E17 you take the "Gent Centrum" turnoff. On the E40, from the motorway intersection in Zwijnaarde you first follow "Antwerpen" (E17) and then take the "Gent Centrum" turnoff.
The centre of the city of Ghent is a pedestrian area. The P-route leads you to the various car parks that give access to the city centre.
IMPORTANT: please note that the city center is a low emission zone and can only be entered by cars meeting the requirements. More information can be found here.
Once you are in Ghent
Both conference venues are located in the city centre of Ghent. From the Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, they can be easily reached on foot (12 minute walk) or using public transport (provided by De Lijn).
Public Transport
The tram and bus terminals are located at the front side of the railway station (exit from the station's central hall).
To go to the historical city centre, and to reach the meeting site Het Pand, the most convenient option is to take tram line 1 (direction Wondelgem) and exit at stop Korenmarkt.
To find the most suitable solution for your destination, you can check the public transport webpage for a route planner and real time information.
Tickets for public transport can be bought at the De Lijn vending machines, located at various platforms around the city and near the train station. We recommend to buy either a Lijn Card (valid for 10 single trips) or a Day Pass (valid for 1, 3 or 5 days). Tickets have to be validated in the yellow machines inside the trams and busses.
Bicycle
A fast, easy and eco-friendly way to move around in Ghent is by bicycle. Practical information on various bike rental companies and services located around the city including the train station can be found here. Wearing a bicyle helmet is highly recommended.
Visa Information
Prior to your departure for Belgium, please check passport and visa requirements in due time. Belgium is a member state of the European Union and has signed the Schengen Agreement.
Relevant information regarding visa for Belgium can be found on the following websites:
- Application guide: traveling for professional reasons
- Visa for Belgium
- Belgian Embassies and Consulates abroad
Should you require an official Letter of Invitation in order to obtain a visa or for other administrative purposes, please contact the organizers as soon as possible (and/or tick the corresponding option in the registration form).
