How to Get to Ypres. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Ypres

Major Airports

Airports provide the main entry points for international travelers to Ypres. Select the airport that best fits your travel plans and budget.

Main Gateways

Brussels Airport (BRU): Belgium's main international gateway, ~120 km (75 miles) east of Ypres. Offers the widest range of international and European flights.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL): A smaller airport, mainly served by low-cost carriers like Ryanair. It lies ~140 km (87 miles) southeast of Ypres.
Lille Airport (LIL), France: Located ~40 km (25 miles) south of Ypres, travelers often use it for Northern France or specific European routes. This option needs cross-border travel.

Airport Transfers

Efficient transfer options connect airports to Ypres city or your accommodation.

Connecting to Ypres

From BRU: Take a direct train from the airport to Brussels-Midi, then a train to Kortrijk, and finally a connecting train to Ypres (~2.5-3 hours total).
From CRL: Take the Airport Express bus (Line A) from CRL to Charleroi-Sud train station. From there, a train to Kortrijk, then Ypres (~3-3.5 hours total).
From LIL: Offers the shortest taxi ride directly to Ypres. Alternatively, take the airport shuttle to Lille Flandres train station, then a train to Kortrijk (via Mouscron), and then to Ypres (~1-1.5 hours).

Airlines & Routes

Brussels Airport (BRU) is a hub for Brussels Airlines and connects to major cities worldwide. CRL mainly serves Ryanair and Wizz Air. LIL serves domestic French and some European routes.

Flight Prices

Flight prices tend to be higher during peak season (June-August) and around major holidays. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) often provide better value. For competitive flight deals, consider resources like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

BRU offers extensive facilities, including shops, restaurants, car rental services, currency exchange, luggage services, and free Wi-Fi. CRL provides more basic facilities but includes car rental and eateries.

Land Transport Options

Train Connections

Ypres (Ieper) train station maintains good connections within Belgium, though direct lines are limited.
Connections: Most train journeys to Ypres include a change at Kortrijk (Courtrai). From Kortrijk, frequent direct trains run to Ypres (~15-20 minutes).
From Brussels: Take a train to Kortrijk (~1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes), then change to Ypres. The total journey is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Services: NMBS/SNCB operates these services. Trains are generally comfortable, punctual, and offer free Wi-Fi on many routes. Purchase tickets at stations, online, or via the NMBS/SNCB app.

Self-Driving & Buses

Driving Requirements: Carry a valid driving license from your home country. If your license is not from an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended or necessary with your national license.
Road Conditions: Belgian roads are generally well-maintained, though some rural roads can be narrow. Motorways (E-roads) are excellent and mostly toll-free.
Parking: Parking in central Ypres can be challenging and costly. Paid parking lots and street parking (often needing a parking disc or payment at a meter) are available.
Long-distance Buses: Do not serve as a main mode of transport directly to Ypres. These services typically connect larger cities like Brussels, Ghent, or Lille. From these cities, you would then take a train or local bus to Ypres.

Driving Considerations

Navigation

GPS navigation, like Google Maps or Waze, comes highly recommended. A Physical road map of Belgium can be a useful backup.

Safety

Driving standards are good. Be aware of cyclists, especially in Flanders. Speed limits are strictly enforced.

Border Crossing

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. Routine border checks do not occur when crossing from neighboring Schengen countries like France, the Netherlands, Germany, or Luxembourg.

Departure Information

Departure Protocols

Plan your departure from Ypres with clarity and sufficient time.

Check-in Times

Airports: Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) at least 2-3 hours before scheduled international flights. For Schengen flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours before. Check airline-specific recommendations for precise timing.
Train Stations: Arrive 15-30 minutes before your train departure to locate your platform and board. No formal check-in process occurs for domestic or Schengen trains.
Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes apply for tourists departing Belgium. Airport departure taxes are typically included in the airline ticket price.

Port Information

Ypres is an inland city, so direct sea or river arrivals are not possible. However, you can reach nearby ports and connect to Ypres via land transport.

Sea & River Travel

Nearby Ferry Ports: Ostend (Oostende) connects to Ramsgate (UK) by occasional freight and passenger services. Zeebrugge, a major port near Bruges, connects to Hull (UK) by freight and passenger ferry (P&O Ferries).
Connections to Ypres: From these ports, travelers need to use land transportation, like trains or buses, to reach Ypres. For example, from Zeebrugge, take a bus or train to Bruges, then a train to Kortrijk and Ypres.
Immigration procedures at seaports: Standard Schengen Area immigration procedures apply upon arrival from non-Schengen countries, like the UK.

Final Checks

Confirm airline-specific recommendations for departure timing. Double-check all travel documents are secure. For potential flight compensation related to delays or cancellations, explore services like AirHelp.

How to Get to Ypres