Antwerp to Kortrijk Road Trip: Best Stops and Hidden Gems

The E17 motorway linking Antwerp to Kortrijk follows a route that once connected two of Flanders' most powerful medieval cities. Today, this 95-kilometer drive crosses the heart of the province, passing fields of hops and flax that have defined the region for centuries. A curious detail: the E17 was built in the 1970s on top of a Roman road that supplied wool from Kortrijk to Antwerp's port.

Driving time Antwerp to Kortrijk averages 55 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on traffic around Ghent. The route consists of the A12 and E17 highways, with toll-free passage. Is it worth driving Antwerp to Kortrijk? Yes, for the freedom to explore off-route spots like the Groot Schijn Valley. For tips on discovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Safety is high: the E17 has emergency phones every 2 km and CCTV monitoring. Speed cameras are active, especially near construction zones. For families, stop at Aviflora (exit 15), a massive garden center with a children's playground and petting zoo.

• Family stops: Aviflora (exit 15), Pairi Daiza zoo (20 min detour via N56).
• Pet-friendly: Most rest areas allow dogs on leashes; the Drongen stop has a designated pet-relief area.
• Fatigue management: Break every 2 hours at rest areas; the De Pinte stop (km 45) has a walking path.

Hidden off-route spots include the village of Gavere with its castle, and the distillery Filliers (exit 12) that offers tastings of Belgian jenever. Local culture thrives in the cafes of Deinze, where you can try a 'stoverij' stew. The route is also ideal for cycling enthusiasts, as several parallel bike paths follow the Leie River.

The E17 is a well-maintained dual carriageway with a speed limit of 120 km/h. Fuel stations are plentiful: total has a station at exit 10 (Sint-Niklaas), and q8 at exit 14 (Lochristi). Average fuel cost for a sedan is around €15-€20 for the trip.

• Highways: A12 from Antwerp to junction with E17, then E17 to Kortrijk.
• Tolls: None on this route.
• Rest areas: De Klinge (km 20) with toilets and vending, and Drongen (km 50) with a cafeteria.
• Parking: Kortrijk has large P+R lots at the outskirts; Antwerp’s historic center has expensive parking (€3/hour).

Road quality is excellent, with smooth asphalt and clear signage. However, morning rush hour (7:30-9:00) can cause delays around Ghent's Kennedy Tunnel. For real-time traffic, use the VERKEERSCENTRUM app. The route is fully lit at night.

Leaving Antwerp, the dense port infrastructure gives way to the Scheldt meadows. At exit 10, detour into the Groot Schijn Forest, a 300-hectare woodland with marked trails. The forest is home to fallow deer and offers a serene escape.

• Natural attractions: Groot Schijn Forest (exit 10), Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve (near Ghent).
• UNESCO site: The Beguinage in Kortrijk (not on direct route, but a 5-min detour).
• Local commerce: Hop farms around Poperinge (west of Kortrijk) and the weekly market at Sint-Niklaas (Wednesdays).

Climatic conditions are maritime temperate. Summer days (June-August) average 22°C with occasional rain; autumn brings misty mornings, perfect for photography. The route aesthetics peak in April when the fruit trees near Oudenaarde blossom white and pink.