The canal boat tour at a glance
The classic Bruges canal boat tour is a round trip of 30 minutes with no stop on the way. The boat returns to the jetty where you boarded. It is not a hop-on-hop-off service, so you cannot get off halfway and continue later. If the commentary language matters to you, ask at the jetty before you buy.
Five operators run the same route at the same fares from five jetties in the old town. The best choice is usually the one with the shortest queue near where you are.
The five jetties
Each jetty belongs to a different operator. You do not need to compare routes, because they are the same.
| Jetty | Operator |
|---|---|
| Huidenvettersplein 13 | Venetië van het Noorden |
| Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) | Coudenys |
| Wollestraat 32 | De Meulemeester |
| Nieuwstraat 11 | Gruuthuse |
| Katelijnestraat 4 | Stael |
If you want to see the sights on land as well, the things to do in Bruges page lists the places along the water, from the Dijver to the Beguinage.
Our picks: canal boat tours
Two walks that include a boat ride, and a city walk where the boat is an option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Walking tour with chocolate tasting and canal boat ride
A guided walk, a chocolate tasting, a canal boat ride and a QR code with recommendations. The listing shows no exclusions.
Check availability →
Canal boat ride, chocolate tasting and guided walk
A licensed local guide, a chocolate tasting and a boat ride with a captain are all included. The listing shows no exclusions.
Check availability →
Guided city walk with optional boat ride and beer tasting
A guided walk with a local guide. The boat ride and the tasting of four beers come only with the matching option.
Check availability →Boat rides and tours combined
Canal boat rides on their own or together with a walking tour, chocolate tasting or beer tasting.
Prices in 2026
The fares below apply at all five jetties and are valid until 31 December 2026. Individual visitors buy the ticket on the spot, because there is no advance or online reservation for single rides.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €15 |
| Child aged 4 to 11 | €9 |
| Child up to and including 3 years | Free |
| European Disability Card | €9, companion free |
| Group from 20 people | €12 per person, child €9 |
Groups reserve directly with the operator of the jetty they prefer.
When the boats run
The season decides how many jetties are open.
March to October
Boats normally run daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and the last departure is at 5:30 pm. Operators may adjust the hours depending on weather and demand. In high season you may have to wait in line.
November to February
There is no blanket winter break. A rotation system provides at least one jetty per day, and other jetties may open at the operator's choice. If you want a winter ride, go to the Markt area and ask which jetty is working that day.
Weather
Hours can change with weather and demand, so a ride is never guaranteed. Have a plan B in the old town in case of rain, such as one of the museums on the museums page.
Tips for a good ride
The boats are small and the ride is short, so a few details make a difference.
- Choose a jetty with a short line near your route, because all five give the same tour.
- Wheelchair users should know that the jetties have stairs and no lifts, and the boats are not wheelchair accessible.
- You cannot rent a boat without a skipper. Paddling, rowing or stand-up paddleboarding on the canals of the tourist area is not allowed.
- Individual visitors cannot book online ahead. Have the fare ready and expect to pay at the jetty.
- Bring a layer in spring and autumn. The weather page has the monthly temperatures.
Seeing the canals without a boat
The boat is one way to see the water. These are others.
On foot along the water
Streets and quays run beside many of the canals, so a walk costs nothing and has no timetable. The Dijver, the Groenerei and the Spiegelrei are good starting points, and the things to do page links the sights along the way.
Guided tours with a boat ride
Some guided tours include a boat ride in the price. Check what is included and which operator runs the boat before you book. Walking guides follow the city rules described on the tours page.
Plan the rest of your day
A boat ride fits well between two other stops.
Bruges canal boat tour: frequently asked questions
How long is the canal boat tour?
The ride takes 30 minutes. It makes no stop and returns to the jetty where it started.
Can I book a single ticket online?
No. Individual visitors buy the ticket at the jetty, and there is no online reservation for single rides. Groups reserve directly with the operator.
What does the boat tour cost for a family?
In 2026 each adult pays €15 and each child aged 4 to 11 pays €9. Children up to and including 3 years ride free. A family of two adults and two children aged 4 to 11 therefore pays €48.
Do the boats run in winter?
Yes, but with fewer jetties. From November to February at least one jetty works each day under a rotation, and others may open at the operator's choice. Do not count on a particular jetty.
Is the boat tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The jetties have stairs and no lifts, and the boats are not wheelchair accessible. Holders of the European Disability Card pay €9 and a companion rides free.
Can I rent a boat or kayak myself?
No. There is no boat rental without a skipper, and paddling, rowing or stand-up paddleboarding on the tourist canals is not allowed.