London to Bruges from $29: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Ensure you have enough fuel before leaving as you will mostly be traveling on the M20 and A16; look out for gas stations around Folkestone where prices average around £1.45 per liter.

• As you arrive in Bruges, be aware of the low-emission zone which restricts access to certain areas for vehicles; parking in designated parking garages costs about €4-€6 per day, and it's better to use the free shuttle buses into the city center.

• On your journey, consider using Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and alternate routes to avoid potential delays near Calais, especially around rush hour or when roadworks are taking place.

Onboard Services: The Eurostar service from London to Brussels operates a catering service offering a range of snacks and drinks. In Standard Premier class, you will receive complimentary light meals and beverages, while in Business Premier, an enhanced menu with a wider selection of meals and wines is available. Additionally, the Thalys trains between Brussels and Bruges provide a similar catering service with options for pre-ordering meals if you're traveling in Comfort 1 or Comfort 2 classes.

Seating Options: When traveling on Eurostar, you have options for Standard class, Standard Premier, and Business Premier, each providing different levels of comfort and services. Thalys offers Comfort 1 (equivalent to First Class) and Comfort 2 (equivalent to Standard). In Eurostar Standard, the seats have power outlets and food service at your seat, while in Comfort 1 on Thalys, you'll enjoy more spacious seating and complimentary meals. Comparing both, if you seek comfort and a quieter environment, consider upgrading to Comfort 1 on Thalys or Business Premier on Eurostar.

Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Bruges station, expect a well-organized setup. There is a luggage storage service available at the station for a small fee, which allows you to explore Bruges without dragging your bags. Restrooms are available, but showers are not. As for navigating the station, the signs are bilingual (Dutch and French), making it easier for English speakers. Also, download the station map ahead of time via the NMBS/SNCB website.

• Upon arrival at Brussels Airport, make sure to follow signs for the train station located below the terminal; the train from Brussels Airport to Bruges takes about 1 hour and is the most efficient way to reach the city.

• Expect a taxi fare from the Bruges train station to the city center to be approximately €10-€15, and note that taxis are available right outside the station for convenience.

• For flight options, check both British Airways (britishairways.com) and Brussels Airlines (brusselsairlines.com) for competitive prices and flight availability from London Heathrow to Brussels Airport.

• Plan ahead for your trip by checking the FlixBus website for real-time departure times and any possible delays before leaving London Victoria; you can find the schedule here: global.flixbus.com

• Pack snacks and entertainment for the 7h 20m journey, as the amenities on board may be limited; consider downloading movies or podcasts to keep yourself entertained as you travel through the picturesque landscapes.

• Upon arrival at Bruges station, look for the 'Brugge' city bus at the front; the buses can take you to the city center, which is about a 15-minute ride away; for routes and schedules, refer to the local transport info here: debruggemanden.be