Biking in Belgium
Discover Flanders and Wallonia by bike and train
Looking for a change from your usual cycling route? Discover how fun it is to take the train to Belgium and explore new regions by bike. Within just a few hours, you’ll find yourself in Antwerp, Huy or Brussels, and that’s where the cycling adventure begins.
Flanders surprises with flat polders, winding rivers and the occasional cobbled climb. Wallonia, on the other hand, offers longer ascents and more elevation.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a full weekend away, we’ve selected scenic routes that are easily accessible by train, complete with tips for coffee stops, lunch spots and taking your bike on board.
Discover the most beautiful cycling routes in Flanders
1. Lys region near Ghent
The villages along the Leie exude peace and greenery. Just a stone’s throw from Ghent, you’ll find picturesque houses, winding roads and idyllic spots like Afsnee and Sint-Martens-Latem.
This route is a loop starting in charming Ghent. Within minutes, you cycle out of the city and into the landscape that once inspired the Flemish Masters.
The cobblestones and tram tracks in the city centre will wake you up right away, which is just as well, because you’ll immediately pass the impressive Gravensteen castle. Stay alert, it’s worth a glance.
Ghent has an excellent cycling network. It’s easy to leave the city and head into the open polders. Up to Deinze, you follow quiet, open roads and the occasional unpaved but easily rideable path. After that, the route leads back toward Ghent along the river Leie. Along the way, you’ll pass the charming Astene Sas lock. Not a grand structure, but a cute 19th-century lock full of character.
Not long after, you’ll cycle past Ooidonk Castle. You’re not allowed to ride on the estate itself, but it’s well worth a short break. You won’t see the full castle from the route, so do take a short walk onto the grounds. While there are no Flemish Masters hanging inside, the castle itself is a highlight: historic, impressive and beautifully situated in a region rich in artistic heritage.
From there, you’ll leave the heritage behind for a bit, but dream houses are still everywhere. As you head toward Sint-Martens-Latem and Afsnee, there’s plenty to take in. The surroundings are quiet and green, though the roads can be a bit bumpy, so keep your eyes on the path. In Sint-Martens-Latem, you can stop for a coffee. Be sure to visit the Sint-Martinus Church, where you’ll find works by Gustave van de Woestyne and George Minne.
Ready for lunch? Then restaurant Nenuphar in Afsnee is highly recommended. It’s located right on the banks of the Leie, with paintings by Gust De Smet on the walls. Legend has it he used them to pay for his wedding. After the restaurant, you’ll reach a ferry. To continue the final stretch of the route, you’ll need to cross the Leie here. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance: Afsnee Ferry.
Is the ferry out of service? No worries, you can easily take a short detour, which adds about three kilometres. Before long, you’ll be back in Ghent, where you can relax on one of the many terraces in the city centre.
Restaurant Nenuphar
Cycling route: Available via Komoot
Coffee stop: De Klokkeput, Dorp 8, Sint-Martens-Latem.
Lunch: Nenuphar, Afsneedorp 28, Gent.
More about this masterpiece route: Masters by the Lys
Take your bike on the train to Ghent
Travel easily to Ghent with Eurocity Direct (via Rotterdam) or EuroCity (via Breda). You’ll transfer in Antwerp or Brussels. From Amsterdam, the journey takes 2.30 hours. Use our itinerary planner to find the best connection for you.
2. Scheldt region near Antwerp
Between the Scheldt and the Durme lies a landscape of rivers, castles and polders. This route lives up to its name: Go with the Flow. It’s a ride full of variety and water. Ferries help you and your bike quite literally go with the flow wherever needed.
The route starts in Antwerp and ends in Kruibeke. To return to the city, you travel comfortably by water taxi. Since cycling in and out of a big city isn’t always ideal, we only do it this way once.
First stop: the Sint-Bernards Abbey. A perfect moment for a short break (but maybe skip the beer, it’s still early!). Then it’s time to pedal hard, because the ferry doesn’t wait. It runs on the hour and half-hour.
After the crossing, follow the road toward the Wintam lock. Pay close attention: there are four passageways, and only some of them are open. Then continue cycling toward the castles of D’Ursel and Bornem. You can get a close-up view of D’Ursel Castle, and a short stop is definitely worth it. Right after that, you’ll hit a stretch of cobblestones. Tough on the legs, but the view from the dike more than makes up for it.
You’ll see Bornem Castle on the other side of the water. The entrance isn’t on this side, and taking a detour would take time. Still, the view is already beautiful here, so we continue on to the next ferry. In Mariekerke, the ferry also runs every half hour, but be aware: this service follows a triangular route between three villages, and not every crossing stops at all points. It might be worth cycling on to Sint-Amands.
In need of a coffee break? Stop at Emile V. Café. Ferry service: Mariekerke to Moerzeke to Sint-Amands.
You continue cycling toward the Durme and cross the Mirabrug. On your left is Tielrodebroek, a green floodplain and a paradise for birds. After that, the Durme flows back into the Scheldt and you follow the dike toward Kruibeke. The route ends in the charming village of Bazel, home to Wissekerke Castle and a cosy square just behind it. A great place for lunch is Ristretto, where you’ll find local dishes like eel in green herb sauce or Flemish stew.
The water taxi in Kruibeke will then take you back to Antwerp in comfort. Don’t forget to buy your ticket in advance at dewaterbus.be. Bikes travel free of charge. More information about De Waterbus.
Cycling route: Available via Komoot
Coffee stop: Emile V. Café, Kaai 24, Puurs-Sint-Amands.
Lunch: Ristretto, Bazeldorpstraat 12, Kruibeke.
More about this Flanders’ finest cycling route: Go with the Flow
Take your bike on the train to Antwerp
You can reach Antwerp with Eurocity Direct (via Rotterdam) or the EuroCity (via Breda). Travel time from Amsterdam is 1.23 hours. From Antwerp Central Station, you can hop straight on your bike toward the Scheldt region. Use our itinerary planner to find the best connection for you.
Discover the most beautiful cycling routes in Wallonia
3. Ardennes near Marche-en-Famenne
Today you’ll cycle deep into the Ardennes, where the Ourthe river winds through dense forests, quiet villages and hilly landscapes. This route starts and ends in Marche-en-Famenne. You’ll warm up your legs on gently rolling roads heading toward La Roche-en-Ardenne. Along the way, you’ll pass open fields, small hamlets and the Ourthe. Just past La Roche, the ride gets more serious, with steeper climbs and even broader views.
There are plenty of cafés with terraces here for a coffee break. Still, we suggest cycling on, as further into the forest, cafés are few and often only open later in the day. Something to keep in mind when planning your ride.
Between Givry and Givroulle, you’ll ride through a quiet and remote stretch. Here, the roads are peaceful and surrounded by forests, hills and the occasional solitary house. A bit further on, you’ll reach Bonne Fontaine. At the top of the hill, there’s a bench with a beautiful view over the valleys, a perfect moment to pause and take it all in.
After the Col de Halleux, your legs might start to feel the effort, but the end is in sight. You’ll gradually descend back toward Marche-en-Famenne. Tired but satisfied, you’ll roll back into the village. Please note: this route is most enjoyable and safest in dry weather. After rain, some paths may become slippery or muddy.
Cycling route: Available via Komoot
Coffee and lunch: Not everything opens early. If you see a place that’s open and feel like taking a break, feel free to stop.
More information: Visit Wallonia
Take your bike on the train to Marche-en-Famenne
You can reach Marche-en-Famenne with Eurocity Direct (via Rotterdam), EuroCity (via Breda), or by taking an NS Intercity to Maastricht and transferring to Belgian trains. Travel time from Amsterdam is 4.39 hours. Use our itinerary planner to find the best connection for you.
4. Meuse Valley near Huy
This 80 kilometre route starts in Huy, on the banks of the Meuse. The valley may appear flat, but looks can be deceiving. This ride includes plenty of climbs and a tough finale. You’ll cycle through the Condroz, a hilly region between the Meuse Valley and the Ardennes. The route starts off gently and flat, perfect to warm up your legs. At Andenne, you leave the river behind and begin to climb.
The landscape becomes more undulating, and the gradients quickly get steeper. From this point on, there’s not a single flat stretch. After the Côte de Gives, you descend back into Huy. It’s a good time for a coffee break or light lunch, for example at MUR Coffee & Cycling. Choose something light to help you tackle the final few climbs more easily.
Then comes the final stretch. You won’t follow the official loop of La Flèche Wallonne, as that route runs along main roads. This route takes a quieter alternative through backroads, but includes the same legendary climbs.
To finish, the infamous Mur de Huy awaits. It’s short but steep, with gradients up to 25 percent. This is where cyclists are truly put to the test. So make sure to save a bit of energy for the end.
Cycling route: Available via Komoot
Coffee and lunch: MUR - Coffee & Cycling, Pl. St Séverin 3, Huy.
More information: Visit Wallonia
Take your bike on the train to Huy
You can reach Huy with Eurocity Direct, EuroCity, or by taking an NS Intercity to Maastricht and transferring to regional Belgian trains toward Liège and Huy. Travel time from Amsterdam is 3.59 hours. Use our itinerary planner to find the best connection for you.
Taking your bike on the train to Belgium
Buying a bike ticket
To bring your bike along, you’ll need a special international bike ticket. You can book your bike ticket to and from anywhere in Belgium online.
Important rules for taking your bike on the train:
- You may bring one bike per person
- Place your bike in the designated carriage
- Allowed types: regular bikes and electric bikes
- Each train has a limited number of bike spaces, so book early to secure your spot
Regional trains
Your international bike ticket is also valid on regional trains.
Example: If you have a train ticket from Utrecht to Ghent (including a bike ticket), you may also use regional trains along the way, such as between Utrecht and Rotterdam and between Antwerp and Ghent.
Useful tips for travelling with your bike
- Travelling during peak hours: Some regional trains have peak-hour restrictions for bikes. However, with an international bike ticket, you are allowed to travel during peak hours.
- What does a bike ticket cost: The price depends on your departure and arrival station. The bike ticket only covers your bicycle. You will also need a regular train ticket for yourself.
- Not all types of bikes are allowed: You may take a regular bike or an electric bike. Tandems, tricycles, recumbents or segways are only allowed as mobility aids for passengers with a disability. Read more about which bikes are not allowed on the train.
- Bring a bike lock: This way, you can safely secure your bike and sit nearby in a passenger carriage.
- Limited space for bikes: Belgian trains often have limited space for bikes. The train manager can advise you on the best place to store your bike.
Cycling in Antwerp
The big sights are not all in the centre and this way you can see a lot in a short time. Hire a bicycle or bring your own on the train.
Cycling in Bruges
Cycling in Bruges is an adventure! The historic city centre is beautiful and parts of it is car-free.