Taking the Ferry from the UK to Belgium: Everything You Need To Know!

It doesn’t always need to be plane or train travel. Belgium is easy to reach by ferry from the United Kingdom. Explore the best ways to get there!

There’s no direct ferry to Belgium. Take the ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk or from Newcastle or Hull to Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Hoek van Holland. Then continue to Belgium by car or train.

The ferry route from the UK to Belgium is one of the most convenient ways to get to Belgium in your own car.

However, if you’re hoping to find more info about a direct ferry to Belgium, I hate to disappoint you but the one to Ostend is no longer running.

But, fear not, you can still catch a ferry to France or The Netherlands and drive or catch the train to Belgium in just 60-90 minutes!

I’m a Belgian native and have been living in the country my entire life, so I can guarantee you this info is up to date!

Let’s take a closer look at the different options you have to travel from the UK to Belgium by ferry!

Can you get a ferry from the UK to Belgium?

No, unfortunately, there’s no longer a direct ferry from the United Kingdom to Belgium.

UK travellers to Belgium should travel to either France or The Netherlands and afterwards make their way to Belgium. There are 5 alternative routes available.

Comparison Table for the ferries UK-Belgium

⛴️ Dover to Calais: The journey will be 90 minutes and you can book a ticket from both P&O or DFDS. P&O operates this route 9 times a day and DFDS 10/11 times. The earliest boat leaves at 2:15 am and the latest at 0:15. Prices start at €36. Buy tickets from P&O here and tickets from DFDS here.

⛴️ Dover to Dunkirk: Runs 11 times a day with DFDS and will only take you 2 hours to arrive at Dunkirk. The earliest boat leaves at 2:30 and the latest at 23:59. Prices start at €100.Check rates and availability for the Dover-Dunkirk ferry here.

⛴️ Hull to Rotterdam: Only runs once daily with P&O. The crossing will take 12 hours. The boat leaves at 20:00. Prices start from €252. Check rates & availability here.

⛴️ Newcastle to Amsterdam: Only runs once a day with DFDS. The ferry leaves at 17:30 in Newcastle and will get you to Amsterdam 16h45min later (at 9:45 the next day). Prices start from €259. Check rates and availability here.

⛴️ Harwich to Hook of Holland (near Rotterdam): This line is operated by Stena Line. Every day 2 ships go back and forth. Departure is possible at 9:00 or 23:00. Prices start at €62.90. Check rates and availability here.

Join the community! Make sure you join our Belgium Travel Planning Facebook group. This is the place to ask any questions about your trip, to be inspired, and to connect with other Belgium travelers. Click here to join!

5 Alternatives to Get to Belgium by Ferry

There are still plenty of options for those wanting to travel between the UK and Belgium by ferry. You can either go via France or the Netherlands.

Alternative 1: Dover to Calais (Most Popular Option)

The most popular route is currently from Dover to Calais. From there, you can take a short train journey to Bruges or any other destination in Belgium. This crossing takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

This route is operated by ferry companies P&O and DFDS. The ferries from Dover to Calais run 10 or 11 times per day with DFDS and 10 times a day with P&O.

How much is the ferry from Dover to Calais?

Ferry prices depend on how far in advance you book, the number of passengers, pets and vehicles and the travel dates. There is a small price difference between P&O and DFDS but check the prices online of both companies because it can save you a few euros.

• P&O lets you choose between 3 types of tickets: Standard, Flexi, and Fully Flexi. Check rates and availability for P&O ferries.
• DFDS lets you choose between 2 types of tickets: Economy and Flexi. Check rates and availability for DFDS ferries.

How to get from Calais to Belgium?

• BRUGES | By car: 1h20 | By public transport: Take the train to Lille-Flandres (1h15), then the Flixbus to Bruges (1h10). Use Trainline to calculate your route.

• BRUSSELS | By car: 2 hours | By public transport: Take the train to Lille-Flandres (1h15), then the BlaBlaCar Bus (1h30), TGV train or Eurostar train (35min) to Brussels South Station. Use Trainline to calculate your route.

• GHENT | By car: 1h30 | By public transport: Take the train to Lille Flandres (1h15), then the train to Kortrijk/Courtrai (40min), then the train to Ghent (25min). Use Trainline to calculate your route.

• ANTWERP | By car: 2h15 | By public transport: Take the train to Lille Flandres (1h15). Then take the bus and train to Antwerp. This route will take about 4h15 in total. Alternatively, take the TGV or Eurostar in Lille Flandres. This is much faster (2h30 in total) but there are fewer options per day. Use Trainline to calculate your route.

➡️ Book your tickets to Calais with DFDS here
➡️ Book your tickets to Calais with P&O here

Alternative 2: Dover to Dunkirk

This route is operated by DFDS. The ferries from Dover to Dunkirk run 10 times per day with DFDS, and the journey will take you around 2 hours.

How much is the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk?

This is a difficult one to answer, depending on the day, which kind of boat (ferry) you want, and how long in advance you can book your ticket.

DFDS lets you choose between 2 types of tickets: Economy and Flexi. Check rates and availability for DFDS ferries here.

💡 We recommend booking your tickets online in advance for DFDS and P&O! It is really easy to do, plus you can check the different timetables and choose which one is the most convenient for you!

How to get from dunkirk to belgium?

Dunkirk (or Dunkerque in French) is just across the border, so reaching Belgium doesn’t take that long.

For foot passengers travelling to any of the towns on the Belgian Coast, Dunkirk is the best option.

There’s no train crossing the border, but there is a bus service between Dunkirk and Adinkerke (the last town on the Belgian side, and part of De Panne). It’s not a direct connection though.

💡 Good to know: From the DFDS ferry terminal (bus stop: Loon Plage CGM), take bus nr. 17 to the centre of Dunkirk (bus stop: Grande Synthe Puythoeck). From there, hop on the C1 or C2 bus line to Leffrinckoucke (bus stop: Leffrinckoucke Fort Des Dunes; every 10 minutes). And then, catch bus line nr. 20 to Adinkerke Station (the last stop; 2x/hour).

This trip takes about 2 hours and is completely FREE!

Once there, you’ll be able to hop on the coastal tram that covers the entire Belgian coast (Not free!).

Alternatively, drive about 30 minutes on the A16 to reach Belgium if you’re going to the coast or Bruges. And about 45 to reach the border via the A25 if you’re heading to Ypres or The Westhoek.

➡️ Book your tickets to Dunkirk with DFDS here

Alternative 3: Harwich to Hook of Holland

There is a service from Harwich in the UK to the Hook of Holland (near Rotterdam).

This crossing is operated by Stena Line, with 2 sailings per day one that leaves at night (23:00) and one in the morning (9:00). It takes around 7 hours for the day crossing and 8 hours for the night crossing.

How to get from Hook of Holland to Belgium

To get from Hook of Holland to Belgium, you can drive or take the train. The first Belgian destination you’ll encounter is Antwerp, so we’ll use that to base our calculations on. If Antwerp isn’t your end destination, you can take connecting trains to many other cities in Belgium from Antwerp Central Station.

• By car | Take the A20 to Rotterdam, then the A16 and E19 to Antwerp. It should take you about 1,5 hours.
• By train | Take the metro line B to Rotterdam Blaak (34 min). From there, take the train to Rotterdam Central (3 min) and then the direct intercity train or Eurostar to Antwerp (65min/32 min). Calculate your trip here.

➡️ Book your tickets to Hook of Holland with Stena Line here

Alternative 4: Hull to Rotterdam

The crossing from Hull to Rotterdam takes around 11.5 hours. There is 1 sailing per day with P&O which is the only company at the moment that covers this route.

How to get from Rotterdam to Belgium

The Hull-Rotterdam ferry port isn’t actually located in Rotterdam. In fact, it’s just across the canal from Hook of Holland. So the directions for getting to Belgium are nearly the same. First, make your way to Antwerp, from there you can continue on to the rest of Belgium.

• By car | Take the A15, then the A16 that changes into E19 once you cross the border. It should take you about 1,5 hours to reach Antwerp.
• By train | Take bus #903 from bus stop Europoort/Ferryhaven to Vlaardingen Oost (34min). Then hop on metro line B to Rotterdam Blaak (15 min). From there, take the train to Rotterdam Central (3 min) and then the direct intercity train or Eurostar to Antwerp (65min/32 min). Calculate your trip here.

➡️ Book your tickets to Rotterdam with P&O here!

Alternative 5: Newcastle to Amsterdam

There are also crossings from Newcastle to Amsterdam. These services are operated by DFDS and offer 1 departure per day at 17:00. The trip will take around 16 hours and 45 minutes.

The price of the journey depends on your travel dates, but as this is an overnight ferry, you get to choose between 3 different cabin types: the standard (2 beds or 4 beds), sea view (2-5 beds) and premium cabins (3-4 beds). There are also pet-friendly cabins.

How to get from Amsterdam to Belgium

To get from the Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry port to Belgium, you’ll pass Antwerp first.

• By car | Take the A9. Then, depending on traffic, choose between the A5 past The Hague and Rotterdam or the A2 past Nieuwegein towards the A27. Both come together on the A16 before crossing the border and changing into the E19. It should take you a little over 2 hours to reach Antwerp.
• By train | Take bus #74 from bus stop Ijmuiden Oranjestraat to Ijmuiden Plein. (7min). Then hop on bus #385 to Haarlem (25 min). From there, take the intercity train to Rotterdam Central (56 min) and then the direct intercity train or Eurostar to Antwerp (65min/32 min). Calculate your trip here.

➡️ Book your tickets to Amsterdam with DFDS here!

BONUS: Ferry vs Eurotunnel

While researching your journey from Southeast UK to Belgium, you’ll discover two primary options for taking your vehicle across the English Channel: ferry services and the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle. Both offer unique experiences and conveniences for travellers, with some key differences to consider.

Ferry Services

• Flexibility for All Travelers: Ferries cater to everyone – whether you’re travelling by car, bike, or as a foot passenger. This makes it a versatile choice for different types of travellers.
• Scenic Journey: Taking a ferry offers the chance to step out on deck, breathe in the sea air, and enjoy panoramic views of the Channel.
• Amenities on Board: Ferries typically come with a range of amenities, including cafes, shops, and lounges, making the crossing part of the adventure.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

• Speed: The Eurotunnel is the quickest way to cross the Channel with your vehicle, with the journey from Folkestone to Calais taking just 35 minutes.
• Convenience: It runs up to 4 times an hour during peak times, making it a highly convenient option for those on a tight schedule.
• No Foot Passengers: Unlike ferries, the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle does not accommodate foot passengers – it’s exclusively for those travelling with a vehicle.

Similarities

• Route: Both the ferry and the Eurotunnel follow a similar route between the UK and mainland Europe, offering a straightforward journey to Belgium.
• Car Travel: Each option allows you to take your car, caravan or mobilhome, providing the freedom to explore Belgium at your own pace upon arrival.

Things to Know Before Taking the Ferry to Belgium

💡 Before taking the ferry to Belgium from the UK, make sure that you have all the necessary documents. These include your passport, driving license, vehicle registration document, and insurance certificate.

💡 You will also need to make sure that your car has a valid MOT certificate and that you have enough fuel for the journey. It is also important to check the weather forecast and allow extra time for your journey in case of bad weather.

💡 If you’re travelling with a vehicle, make sure you arrive at the port at least 1 hour before your ferry is scheduled to depart. This will give you plenty of time to check in and get your vehicle ready for boarding.

💡 When you’re on the ferry, take advantage of the duty-free shops and stock up on any essentials you might need for your journey. Ferry crossings can be long, so it’s always good to have snacks and drinks on hand.

💡 Finally, make sure to check the website of your chosen ferry company for any changes or disruptions to the service.

What about Brexit and the Schengen Area?

Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, which means that there are no border controls between Belgium and other Schengen countries. You won’t need to show your passport when you are travelling within the Schengen Area, even if you’re not an inhabitant of one of the countries that is included in the Schengen Area.

The Schengen Area consists of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

If you are a citizen of a Schengen country, you will not need a visa to enter Belgium. However, if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country, you may need a visa to enter Belgium.

Since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit, travel regulations for UK citizens visiting the Schengen Area, including Belgium, have undergone significant changes.

While the UK was once part of the EU’s seamless travel zone, Brexit has reintroduced the need for UK travelers to meet certain entry requirements when visiting Belgium and other Schengen countries.

If you’re planning a ferry trip from the UK to Belgium, it’s important to be prepared for these changes. This means that upon arrival in Belgium by ferry, you will need to go through passport control and may be asked to show evidence of your return or onward journey, as well as proof of sufficient funds for your stay.

For stays in Belgium and the Schengen Area of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, UK tourists do not require a visa.

However, it’s essential to ensure your passport meets the necessary criteria – it should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and should have been issued within the last ten years.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travelling to Belgium on a Ferry

wrapping up taking the ferry from the UK to Belgium

There might not be direct trips by ferry from the UK to Belgium anymore, but you have more options and routes to choose from.

Once you’re done booking your ferry, check out our full guide on driving in Belgium, so that you know what to expect once you’ve taken your car off the ferry.

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• Accommodation in Belgium: The Ultimate Guide on Where To Stay
• Airports in Belgium
• What Is The Brussels Airport Supplement & Do You Need It?
• 17 Beaches in Belgium To Discover This Summer (By a Local)
• 13 STUNNING Castle Hotels in Belgium For a Royal Stay