Ostend-Bruges International Airport

Ostend-Bruges International Airport sits on the Belgian coast, roughly 5 kilometres south of Ostend city centre and 25 kilometres west of Bruges. The airport handles a mix of scheduled leisure flights, charter traffic, and freight operations, serving as a secondary entry point for Flanders alongside Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi. Despite its compact size, OST connects to several Mediterranean and North African destinations during the summer season, and its low-cost model attracts travellers looking for a faster, less congested alternative to Belgium's larger airports.

Getting There

Ostend-Bruges International Airport lies just off the A10 motorway, about a 10-minute drive from Ostend city centre and 20 minutes from Bruges. The most direct route is via the N318 from Ostend or the A10 exit 5 from Bruges. A paid parking lot sits immediately in front of the terminal, with spaces for short and long stays. Wheelchair-accessible car park spaces are available close to the entrance.

Public transport options are limited. Bus line 60 runs between Ostend railway station and the airport approximately every hour on weekdays, with a reduced service on weekends. The journey takes about 15 minutes. From Bruges, you must take a train to Ostend station (10–15 minutes) and then the bus. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and cost roughly €25–30 to Bruges, €15–20 to Ostend centre. Ride-sharing services like Uber are not widely available in the area. Cycling is possible via local bike paths, but no dedicated bike parking is provided near the terminal.

For those driving, the airport is clearly signposted from the motorway. The car park operates a barrier system with payment by card or cash at machines inside the terminal. Pre-booking online can save a few euros on longer stays. Drop-off and pick-up are free for the first 10 minutes in the short-term area.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Ostend-Bruges is a single-storey building designed for simplicity. Upon arrival, passengers walk directly from the aircraft to the baggage claim area — no air bridges, just tarmac and stairs or a ramp for wheelchair users. The airport has a fully wheelchair-accessible entrance, and staff are available to assist passengers with reduced mobility upon request.

Departure passengers enter through a single security checkpoint. The security queue rarely exceeds 15 minutes, even during the busiest Monday and Thursday afternoons (around 1 pm and 12 pm respectively). After screening, the departure lounge offers seating, a small café serving drinks and snacks, and free Wi-Fi throughout. A baggage storage service is available near the check-in desks, useful for those making a day trip and wanting to explore Ostend without luggage.

Toilet facilities include a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a changing table in the accessible restroom. There are no dedicated baby-changing rooms elsewhere. The terminal lacks a business lounge or duty-free shopping, though a small shop sells newspapers and travel essentials. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried — a contrast to the pace at larger hubs. Boarding calls are made in Dutch, French, and English.

Ostend-Bruges International Airport (OST) and Ostend

Ostend is a coastal city with a character shaped by the North Sea, its fishing port, and a long history as a seaside resort. The city centre lies just 15 minutes from the airport by car or bus. Visitors often arrive at OST for summer beach holidays, but Ostend rewards exploration year-round.

Start at the waterfront promenade, lined with Belle Époque buildings and modern blocks. The long sandy beach stretches for kilometres, backed by dunes to the west. The pier at the end of the Albert I Promenade offers views of the harbour and passing ships. For culture, the Mu.ZEE museum combines collections of modern Belgian art with rotating exhibitions. The Mercator, a three-masted training ship moored in the harbour, serves as a floating museum — climb aboard to see historic navigation equipment and crew quarters.

Ostend’s fish market, Vismijn, operates weekday mornings. Fresh catches — sole, shrimp, cod — are sold directly from boats. The nearby restaurants on the Visserskaai serve seafood, including the local grey shrimp croquettes. The city’s signature dish, however, is Ostend chicken waterzooi, a creamy stew of chicken and vegetables.

History buffs can visit the Fort Napoleon, a pentagonal fortress built in the early 19th century, now hosting exhibitions on the city’s military past. The James Ensor House preserves the studio of the famous painter, who lived much of his life in Ostend. The city also has a lively café culture, with terraces spilling onto the main squares, Wapenplein and Groentenmarkt.

For day trips, Bruges is a 20-minute train ride from Ostend station. The medieval city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with canals, cobblestones, and the iconic Belfry. The airport’s location makes it an ideal entry for those combining the coast with Bruges.

Ostend is also a gateway to the Belgian coast’s tram line, the Kusttram, which runs from De Panne in the south to Knokke-Heist in the north, stopping at beach towns like Blankenberge and De Haan. The tram stop in Ostend is a 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the airport.

Practical Information

Ostend-Bruges International Airport is not open 24 hours. The terminal opens two hours before the first departing flight and closes after the last arrival. Passengers are advised to check flight schedules in advance and arrive no more than two hours early, as there are no facilities outside opening hours. The airport website (https://www.luchthaven-oostendebrugge.com/) provides up-to-date flight information, car park prices, and contact details.

For specific enquiries, the airport information desk operates during flight hours. The phone number for general inquiries is +32 59 80 14 00. Note that bus line 60 may not align perfectly with early or late flights; hiring a taxi or pre-booking a transfer is advisable for departures before 7 am or arrivals after 8 pm.

One concrete tip: if you are flying out of OST, bring your own food or snacks. The café in the departure lounge has limited options and closes 30 minutes before the last departure. A small supermarket in the car park area is open during terminal hours and can supply essentials before security.