The Eurostar international train is a relaxing way to start a weekend city break to Ghent (also spelt Gent). It is lot less hassle than flying. To get to Ghent from the UK we took the Eurostar from London's St Pancras International Railway station to Brussels Midi Station and from there changed platforms to a regular local train.

The journey to Brussels takes only two and a half hours from London. What is great and is not widely known is that this Eurostar fare includes free onward travel to any other destination in Belgium. This applies on the day after your arrival in Belgium and on the day before your return back to London.

The Eurostar arrives at the Midi station in Brussels, which conveniently is also where the local train departure to Ghent. Trains leave very frequently (approx every half hour) but do check the timetable and make sure you get on the fast trains that only take 30 minutes. The slower commuter train takes one hour as it stops at every station on the line.

To get your connecting train you have to go down stairs from the international Brussels Midi Eurostar Platform. Most of the trains to Ghent seem to go from platform 15 in Brussels, but check the electronic departure boards. There are no ticket controls on the platforms. Your train ticket is checked on the train by a ticket inspector. Just show them your Eurostar ticket.

You know you are in Belgium because of the smell of coffee and waffles in the air. They are very tempting. The trains that go to Ghent are normally shown as going to Brugges or the two seaside towns of Knokke or Blankenberge. These towns are at the end of the train line. Ghent is on route and will always be mentioned as an intermediate destination.

There are a number of railway stations in Ghent. You want to go to the one called Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station. As Belgium uses French and Flemish it is also known as Gand-Saint-Pierre. The train that came was one of these nice new double decker trains. Make sorry you go up to the top level to get the nice views of the countryside. There is good leg room.

I was a little bit confused when I walked up on platform 15 as it displayed large name signs that said Brussels Zuid and not Brussels Midi. They are both at the same place in Brussels but one platform is called middle Brussels and the other South Brussels. Very strange! So what you say. Well on the return leg of the journey from Ghent to Brussels you want to look for Brussels Zuid on the timetables.

I was a little bit confused when I walked up on platform 15 as it displayed large name signs that said Brussels Zuid and not Brussels Midi. They are both at the same place in Brussels but one platform is called middle Brussels and the other South Brussels. Very strange! So what you say. Well on the return leg of the journey from Ghent to Brussels you want to look for Brussels Zuid on the timetables.

To find the tram station look for the tram sign when you reach the main entrance of Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station. As you enter the main entrance from the tunnel that leads to the platforms turn left. It is at the end of the corridor. You can start your sight seeing in the Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station. Take out your camera. The interior of the main entrance hall of the station is decorated with lavish art nouveau murals that have a railway theme. The Station was completed in 1912

The number 1 tram takes you into the centre of Ghent. I was expecting to see a number 1 on the front of the tram so I could check that the tram was the correct but it only shows the final destination. The tram should go in the direction of the Korenmarkt or Evergem. Many people will be getting off there and just ask someone if you are unsure.

There is, typically, a McDonald's restaurant near the tram stop. You need to buy tram tickets before you get on the tram at machines in the tram station. Cost of a single trip is just under two Euro. The machine works in different languages. Just push the English button and follow the one screen prompts. You will need to validate the ticket by passing it through one of the automatic yellow ticket stamping machines on board the tram otherwise you can get an instant fine from a ticket inspector.

If you are in a hurry or have a lot of luggage just follow the signs for the main exit and get a taxi and arrive at your hotel in comfort. The cost of a taxi to the centre will be around 8-10 Euro.

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