For many, the car is and remains the most convenient way to start a city trip. Because of its geographical location, Bruges is literally an obvious destination, especially for those in the west of Germany, allowing for a stress-free journey by car.
Getting around Bruges
For getting around Bruges between visits, you are well advised to walk and use public transport. You can leave your own car behind except for trips to the surrounding area or the North Sea coast, as bus transport in Bruges is well developed and affordable.
Getting to Bruges
From Duisburg Bruges is just 270 kilometres away and even from Cologne it is not much more than 300 kilometres. Frankfurt and Bremen are also within a distance of 500 and 540 kilometres respectively, which can easily be covered in half a day.
Bruges is conveniently located and can be reached from Germany via the E40 and the E34. Please note that in the Netherlands and Belgium different speed and traffic regulations apply on the motorways than in Germany.
Tourist information on traffic in Bruges
On connecting roads and in city traffic, different traffic rules sometimes apply in Belgium, about which you should inform yourself in advance of your city trip.
The most important deviations in brief:
- Speed limit on motorways and expressways 120 km/h, outside built-up areas otherwise 90km/h.
- Blood alcohol limit 0.5.
- The use of cruise control may be prohibited by special signs.
- There is a general ban on overtaking outside built-up areas in the rain for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes (motorhomes and others).
- You must also expect trucks on Sundays and public holidays.
- Out of town, high-visibility vests must be worn when leaving the vehicle. The vests must always be handy in the car or on the motorcycle.
- In built-up areas, parking bans can be recognised by yellow lines on the kerb.
Petrol and diesel prices in Belgium are (in May 2012) roughly on a par with prices at petrol stations in Germany. Fines are due immediately (in euros). The network of LPG filling stations in Belgium is sufficiently developed.
