- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK)
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$13
Fastest journey
1 h 2 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Mechelen to Ghent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Mechelen to Ghent will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 9 trains that leave Mechelen for Ghent on Fri, Jun 26, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 2 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 1 h 6 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Mechelen to Ghent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $8, and a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Other travel options to Ghent take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 0m.
You'll arrive about 5m sooner (1h 0m by train vs 1h 5m by car). Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $13 (€11) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Regional, Intercity, SNCB.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Mechelen to Ghent trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:15 PM Mechelen | 0h46 | 4:01 PM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 26 | |||||
![]() | 6:30 AM Mechelen | 1h06 | 7:36 AM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:47 AM Mechelen | 1h10 | 7:57 AM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 AM Mechelen | 1h06 | 8:36 AM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:16 AM Mechelen | 1h03 | 9:19 AM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:47 AM Mechelen | 1h10 | 9:57 AM Ghent | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Mechelen to Ghent run on average 30 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 (€7) if you book in advance.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 36m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€7) |
Trains per day 30 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 36m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Ghent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ghent trip today.
Major fine arts museum with Flemish masters, modern works, and one of Belgium’s oldest public art collections.
Leading contemporary art museum in Ghent, known for Belgian and international modern and experimental exhibitions.
Well-regarded design museum combining decorative arts, furniture, and contemporary design in a historic setting.
Ghent’s most famous quays, lined with guild houses and waterside views. Essential for walking, photos, and evening atmosphere.
Historic quarter of narrow lanes and old houses, loved for its intimate character and local feel.
Central square surrounded by major monuments, tram connections, and constant city-center activity.
Ghent’s signature creamy stew, traditionally made with fish and now often with chicken, vegetables, cream, and egg yolk. It is one of the city’s most iconic comfort dishes.
A classic Flemish beef stew slowly braised in dark Belgian beer, often served with fries. It is a beloved hearty dish across Flanders and very common in Ghent.
Cone-shaped Ghent candies, also called cuberdons, with a firm outer shell and a soft raspberry-flavored center. They are one of the city’s best-known sweet specialties.
Popular modern fine-dining restaurant offering creative seasonal tasting menus in a relaxed contemporary setting.
Traditional restaurant known for refined Belgian cuisine and classic hospitality, suitable for trying regional dishes in a quieter setting.
Well-known brasserie on the historic Graslei, serving Belgian classics such as waterzooi and Flemish stew in a scenic canal-side setting.
Moderate by Western Europe standards: museums and transit are manageable, while hotels and restaurant dinners cost more.
Service is usually included. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares slightly.
Official public transport app
Gent-Sint-Pieters, Ghent -> Korenmarkt, Ghent
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Mechelen to Ghent by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ghent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Mechelen to Ghent trains use the Mechelen to Gent St Pieters station pair, with some services arriving at Gent-Dampoort. Use this guide to compare Mechelen and Ghent train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Mechelen is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant De Graspoort, Il Cardinale
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Mechelen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Mechelen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Mechelen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Mechelen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Mechelen: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include NH Mechelen, Hotel Elisabeth, Martin's Patershof.
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel is 1 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Mechelen-Nekkerspoel has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
ATMs are available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Parking, WC.
Available at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Muizen is 3 km from Mechelen city centre. Public transport options include:
Muizen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Muizen.
Available at Muizen: Parking, WC.
Available at Muizen: Bike Parking.
Gent St Pieters is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent St Pieters has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Restaurant Patrick Foley's
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent St Pieters. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent St Pieters. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent St Pieters: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent St Pieters: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include NH Gent Sint Pieters, Hotel Carlton, Astoria Hotel Gent.
Gent-Dampoort is 1 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gent-Dampoort has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: De Graslei, Amadeus Ghent 1
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Gent-Dampoort. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Gent-Dampoort. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Gent-Dampoort: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gent-Dampoort: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort, Hotel Cathedral, Ibis Gent Centrum St-Baafs Kathedraal.
Gentbrugge is 3 km from Ghent city centre. Public transport options include:
Gentbrugge has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Gentbrugge.
ATMs are available at Gentbrugge.
Available at Gentbrugge: Parking, WC.
Available at Gentbrugge: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gentbrugge.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need