Your Budget Backpacker Guide: Lille to Lokeren

How to Travel from Lille to Lokeren?

To travel from Lille, France, to Lokeren, Belgium, backpackers typically have options including train, bus, and rideshare services. The direct distance is approximately 60-70 km. Travel usually involves a connection in a major Belgian city like Ghent or Brussels due to the proximity and cross-border nature of the trip.

What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Lille to Lokeren?

The cheapest way to get from Lille to Lokeren is generally by bus or rideshare. Bus tickets from Lille to a connecting city like Ghent can typically range from €8 to €25, depending on the operator (e.g., FlixBus) and how far in advance you book. From Ghent, a local train to Lokeren typically costs an additional €5-€10. Rideshare services like BlaBlaCar, when available, can sometimes offer direct trips for an estimated €10-€20, depending on the driver’s pricing.

How Long Does it Take to Travel from Lille to Lokeren?

Travel time from Lille to Lokeren typically ranges from approximately 1.5 hours to 3 hours, depending on the mode of transport and connections. A train journey often involves a change in Ghent, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours in total. Bus journeys, which might also require a transfer in Ghent or Brussels, usually take longer, often between 2.5 and 3 hours or more, including connection times. Direct rideshares can be the quickest, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes, but availability varies.

How Can I Save Money on Transport from Lille to Lokeren?

To save money on transport, booking your train or bus tickets 2-3 weeks in advance can often result in lower fares compared to last-minute purchases. For trains, consider off-peak travel times. Always compare prices across different platforms for buses (e.g., FlixBus, Blablacar Bus) and check rideshare options (e.g., BlaBlaCar). For free amenities like public restrooms or Wi-Fi in both Lille and Lokeren, the AllInMap application can be a helpful resource.