Ghent as a river cruise port: quay, old town and access

River cruise quay at Grootdok

Ghent combines a historic centre with the inland port of North Sea Port. The river-cruise quay is at the head of Grootdok, north to north-east of the old town. It is separate from departure points for short sightseeing trips on the city’s waterways. North Sea Port opened the new facility on 20 March 2025. The harbour rules announced at the 2025 opening require river cruise ships in the Ghent port area to moor at this quay and use shore power. The quay is 85 metres long and can accommodate up to four ships at once.

Old town around Korenmarkt

Korenmarkt lies south-west of Grootdok, in the historic centre beside St Nicholas’ Church. The quay and old town are separate places rather than one continuous waterfront promenade. Ghent is an inland port destination, distinct from Belgium’s North Sea ports.

Rail, coach and airport access

Gent-Sint-Pieters is the city’s main railway station, south-west of the centre. Gent-Dampoort is east and slightly north of Korenmarkt; it is also a hub for city buses and international coaches, including FlixBus. Ghent has no airport of its own. Brussels Airport is east to south-east of the city, with a direct train service to Ghent. The river-cruise quay at Grootdok is a separate destination from the rail station and airport.