There are five stations: Gent-Dampoort (links to Sint-Niklaas, Antwerp, Kortrijk and Eeklo), Gentbrugge (regional), Wondelgem (regional) and Drongen Station (regional). The main station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, with connections to all the main cities in Belgium and Lille in France. To access Ghent, Eurostar trains between Brussels run around 10 times a day then passengers can change onto domestic lines on to Ghent.

Eurostar trains between St Pancras International and Ghent have average journey times of 2 hours, 55 minutes; the route passes through Lille and Brussels. The Belgian rail network makes access to Brussels even more popular and easier for tourists via high speed rail. Visitors in summer can make the most of the night-life and sight-seeing opportunities in more comfort than other times of the year.

Ghent is both the capital city of North Flanders (third largest in Belgium with a population of 235,000) and a borough with a port and a university. It began as a settlement at the join of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys, is in the Flemish region of Belgium and in medieval times was one of the largest and richest cities in northern Europe. Much of the original architecture, medieval and Renaissance, is still intact and open to the public. Ghent is the main textile and financial centre of Belgium. It also has the largest pedestrian zone in Belgium. Prices vary throughout, but the most expensive area (especially for restaurants) is near the Belfry. Visitors are advised to exchange money before leaving, and reminded that while cycling is a popular way to travel, bring their own strong padlocks and chains in case of theft.

Ghent Fests (“ Gentse Feesten”) are held for 10 days every year here, attracting around 2 million visitors annually.