Arrange your Ghent airport transfer
Ghent has no airport of its own, which makes the choice of gateway the first real decision in planning a secure transfer. Brussels Airport, approximately 55 kilometres east, is the standard option, with a 45 to 60 minute road transfer via the E40; Antwerp Airport, around 40 kilometres northeast, serves as an alternative for some European routes, and Ghent-Sint-Pieters station offers a direct rail link from Brussels Midi in about 30 minutes, a useful combination for clients arriving via Eurostar or Thalys. Whichever gateway applies, the collection standard is consistent: a driver holding position inside the terminal or station with a printed name board, addressing the petty crime and pickpocketing risk that FCDO Belgium travel advice (2024) documents at Belgian transport hubs, most acutely at Brussels Airport given its size.
The E40 and E17 approach corridors into Ghent carry a low security risk profile generally, though the final stretch into the historic centre around Graslei and Korenmarkt requires more care, particularly during the Gentse Feesten festival each July, when the core becomes heavily congested and an alternative drop-off point is agreed with hotel staff in advance. Drivers operate under Belgium’s Loi du 2 octobre 2017 framework where the engagement has a security dimension, with SPF Interieur-approved companies and Ministry-badged personnel. For clients whose itinerary extends to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal industrial zone, home to ArcelorMittal and Volvo Cars Belgium, the same vehicle typically continues on to the site once the facility’s own access arrangements are confirmed.
For a fuller picture of Ghent’s security environment, see the Ghent city page, and where cover is needed for the remainder of the visit, bodyguard hire in Ghent can be arranged to continue from the Brussels or Antwerp collection through to departure.
What does this cover in Ghent?
Brussels and Antwerp Airport Route Logistics
Ghent has no major commercial airport of its own. Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 55 kilometres east, is the primary gateway, with a road transfer of 45 to 60 minutes via the E40. Antwerp Airport (ANR), around 40 kilometres northeast, is a secondary option for some European routes. Ghent-Sint-Pieters station also provides a direct rail alternative, with a 30-minute connection from Brussels Midi, itself served by Eurostar and Thalys, making a combined air-to-rail routing practical for UK and international clients. Drivers meet the principal at whichever gateway is used and manage the onward transfer via the E17 or E40 motorway network.
Vehicle and Driver Standards
Drivers operate within the Belgian private-security framework where applicable, governed by the Loi du 2 octobre 2017 reglementant la securite privee, with operating companies holding an authorisation from the SPF Interieur and individual personnel carrying the corresponding Ministry badge. Vehicles are executive saloons maintained to current Belgian roadworthiness standards, with commercial passenger insurance covering both the Brussels and Antwerp approach corridors. Given Ghent's industrial-sector visitor profile, drivers are briefed on the general access expectations for site visits in the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal zone where an itinerary calls for one.
Arrival Hall Protocols and Risk Management
FCDO Belgium travel advice (2024) documents petty crime and pickpocketing as the principal risk in Belgian transport hubs, relevant at Brussels Airport given its scale and, to a lesser extent, at Antwerp Airport and Brussels Midi station. The driver holds an agreed position inside the relevant terminal or station concourse with a clearly printed name board, confirming identity against the booking before approaching. Luggage is taken over immediately on contact, and the principal moves directly to the pre-positioned vehicle rather than remaining in a busy public area while transport is arranged.
Route Security Assessment
The E40 route from Brussels Airport and the E17 approach from Antwerp both carry a low security risk profile consistent with FCDO Belgium (2024) assessments generally. Within Ghent itself, the Graslei and Korenmarkt waterfront and the Overpoort student entertainment street carry documented petty-crime and disorder risk respectively, relevant to the final stage of a transfer terminating in the historic centre rather than to the approach corridors. Drivers monitor current E17/E40 traffic conditions and any city-centre demonstration activity, which has periodically affected the Korenmarkt and Sint-Baafsplein areas, before finalising the route on transfer day.
Principal Hotel and Venue Drop-off
Ghent's principal hotels cluster around the historic centre near Graslei and Korenmarkt, most with conventional access outside the Gentse Feesten festival period in July, when the historic core becomes heavily congested and drivers plan an alternative drop-off point in coordination with hotel staff. For clients whose visit extends to the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal industrial zone, home to ArcelorMittal and Volvo Cars Belgium operations, the same vehicle typically continues from the hotel drop-off to the site visit, subject to the facility's own access arrangements being confirmed in advance.
Emergency and Medical Protocols
UZ Gent (+32 9 332 21 11) is the principal hospital serving the city. Belgium's emergency numbers are 112 (pan-European), 101 (Police) and 100 (Ambulance and Fire). The British Embassy in Brussels (+32 2 287 62 11) provides consular assistance for UK nationals, while the US Embassy in Brussels (+32 2 811 4000) covers US nationals. If a medical issue arises during the transfer from either Brussels or Antwerp, the driver diverts to the nearest appropriate emergency facility along the E17/E40 corridor and notifies the principal's designated contact using the details supplied at booking.
Sources for this page
Licensing, firearms and foreign-operator rules for Ghent, checked : FPS Interior (BeSafe), Autorisations et activités; FPS Interior (BeSafe), Législation sécurité privée; FPS Interior (BeSafe), Agent de gardiennage brochure; Belgian Chamber of Representatives, bill 52K0474 amending the Law of 8 June 2006 on weapons. The full rules are on our Ghent security overview.
Travel advice quoted on this page: FCDO travel advice: Belgium. Advice changes; read the current version before travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This page is published by CloseProtectionHire.com and written to editorial standards overseen by James Calloway, Senior Security Consultant (regulation, licensing, vetting and risk frameworks) and Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser (operational close protection, secure transport and city-specific safety).
Threat, regulatory and emergency information is sourced to named, dated authorities such as the FCDO, the US State Department and national licensing bodies. Last updated . See how we verify.