Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Ostend. Ostend-Bruges International Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave OST:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Belgium. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Ostend takes about 60 minutes by local transport. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What’s Worth Seeing in Ostend
Two recommendations for your time in Ostend:
Start with Ostend Beach & Promenade. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery. Then, if time allows, make your way to Mercator Ship Museum. Even a quick visit gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside OST, you can spend time at Airport Terminal Exploration & Plane Spotting or try Relay (News & Gifts). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near OST
For food in Ostend, local travelers recommend ‘t Waterhuis. If you have time for a second stop, Osteria Piccola is another popular pick.
Back at OST, Aeronaut Bar & Kitchen is the go-to. Coffee & Snack Corner rounds out your in-terminal options.
Transport from Ostend-Bruges International Airport to Downtown
From OST, the local transport gets you to Ostend in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Ostend layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Ostend, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at OST can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Ostend for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at OST for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Ostend or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Long overnight layover? Your options at OST include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Belgium also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Ostend doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from OST, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.