Pet-Friendly Transport in Ostend

Belgian Railways operates direct trains from Oostende station (next to the harbour and Kursaal) to Bruges in 12 min, Ghent in 30 min, Brussels-Midi in 1h15 and the Brussels Airport branch in 1h30. Dogs travel free on all NMBS/SNCB trains: small dogs in a carrier go anywhere; medium and large dogs need a leash and muzzle and ride in the vestibule or end car.

The Kusttram (coastal tram) is the longest tram line in the world at 67 km, running the Belgian North Sea coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist via Ostend, Blankenberge and Zeebrugge. Ostend is the mid-line hub with three central stops. Dogs allowed with muzzle and leash for a 2.50 EUR flat ticket; small dogs in a carrier free.

The Ostend-Ramsgate (UK) freight-passenger ferry crosses the English Channel in roughly 4h. Pets travel in the owner's vehicle on the vehicle deck (no foot-passenger pets), with owners able to check on the pet between sailings as per the operator's rules. A useful Belgium-UK alternative for travellers with medium and large dogs who cannot use Eurostar.

De Lijn runs the Ostend city buses and regional routes to Bruges, De Haan and Nieuwpoort. Small dogs in a carrier travel free; medium and large dogs need a 2.50 EUR flat ticket and must wear a muzzle and leash.