Belgian Coast Tram (Kusttram)

The Belgian Coast Tram, or Kusttram, runs for about 68 kilometres along the entire Flemish coast of Belgium, from De Panne on the French border to Knokke-Heist near the Dutch border, and it is recognised as the longest tram line in the world. Operated by De Lijn, the tram has served the seaside towns since 1885, and today it connects resorts such as De Panne, Koksijde, Nieuwpoort, Middelkerke, Ostend, De Haan, Blankenberge, Zeebrugge and Knokke. The route follows the seafront promenades, dune landscapes and polders, with views of beaches, art deco apartment blocks, marinas and the North Sea. A full end-to-end ride takes around two and a half hours, and most visitors choose to hop on and off at different towns, stopping for beach walks, seafood restaurants or museums. Ostend station on Stationsplein is a major hub, where the tram connects with national rail services. Modern low-floor vehicles run frequently, every 10 to 20 minutes in summer, with a reduced schedule in winter and late at night. Tickets are available through the De Lijn app, ticket machines or conductors, with a day pass offering good value for multi-stop journeys. For good views, visitors can sit on the sea side, and the sections near Middelkerke and between Ostend and Blankenberge are scenic. Peak crowds appear on sunny weekends and in July and August, when trams can be full and standing is common, while spring and autumn weekdays are calmer. Bicycles are allowed on some services outside peak periods, and dogs travel with a ticket. The tram is also a practical way to reach places like the Atlantic Wall bunkers and the Zeebrugge harbour.