Taking the ferry to Belgium
If you’re heading to Belgium with your own car, campervan or bike, the ferry is usually the cheapest and easiest way across. Sadly there has been no direct crossing to Belgium since 2021 – but Belgium is still quick to reach via France or by cruiseferry via the Netherlands. We lay out every option clearly, so you can pick the crossing that’s right for you.
The most popular crossing: Dover to Calais
The shortest ferry crossing between England and France can be found at Dover. The distance between Dover and Calais is just over 26 miles, and on a clear day you can actually see the French coast from England.
We have tried all the ferry companies on this crossing (you can see us depart in the photo above) and we found P&O the best value for money.
Check times & prices with P&O →Popular routes
The crossings UK travellers ask about most. Pick yours, or use the planner above.
See the routes on the map
Every way to reach Belgium by ferry, the ports each crossing arrives at, and the drive on from there. Tap a route for crossing times, fares and a booking link, or tap a port to see its crossings.
This map shows ferry routes from England to Belgium, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
How to reach Belgium by ferry
Because there’s no direct crossing any more, every ferry route to Belgium lands you in a neighbouring country and leaves a short drive to finish. There are three realistic ways to do it:
Via the Netherlands
Overnight crossings from Hull to Rotterdam or Newcastle to IJmuiden put you in the Netherlands by morning, with Rotterdam around an hour from Antwerp. Best if you’re starting in northern England and don’t mind sailing overnight.
Via northern France
The short Dover-Calais and Dover-Dunkirk crossings are quick, frequent and cheap, with Dunkirk barely 40 minutes from the Belgian border. The go-to choice for most drivers heading to Belgium.
Via a longer Channel route
Harwich-Hook of Holland and Newhaven-Dieppe are useful if they fit your starting point better, trading a longer sailing for a shorter or more convenient drive at either end.
Why we built this site
We noticed that a lot of people simply aren’t aware that there are no ferries to Belgium any more – even though it’s a popular destination from the UK. As a result, there is very little information out there about how to actually get to Belgium by ferry. We started ferrytobelgium.co.uk to cut through that. For every starting point and destination we lay out the realistic options, with real crossing times, foot-passenger rules and first-hand notes from the boats themselves.
We have now travelled every route ourselves – most of them more than once, with only Dunkirk-Dover still to go – and we hope our experience helps you on your way. The photos of the ferries you see on this site are all our own, too.
Whatever happened to the Hull-Zeebrugge ferry?
For years, P&O’s overnight sailing from Hull to Zeebrugge was the direct link between northern England and the Belgian coast. That service ended in 2021, and with it went the last direct passenger ferry between the UK and Belgium. The good news: the Hull-Rotterdam crossing still runs every night, and Rotterdam is only about an hour’s drive from Antwerp.
Driving in Belgium: what UK drivers need to know
Low-emission zones in Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent, tolls, and the kit you are legally required to carry – everything to sort before you set off.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct ferry from the UK to Belgium?
No. The last direct passenger ferry, Hull to Zeebrugge, stopped running in 2021. Today you reach Belgium by sailing to the Netherlands or northern France and driving the rest – usually under two hours.
What is the cheapest way to get to Belgium by ferry?
For most travellers the short Dover-Calais or Dover-Dunkirk crossings are the cheapest, especially booked ahead. The longer overnight routes cost more but save you a long drive and a night’s accommodation.
Can I travel to Belgium as a foot passenger?
On some routes, yes – the longer crossings such as Hull-Rotterdam and Harwich-Hook of Holland take foot passengers. The short Dover crossings are mostly vehicle-only, so check the individual route before booking.
Which crossing to Belgium is fastest?
Dover-Calais is the quickest sailing at around 90 minutes, and Dover-Dunkirk lands you closest to the Belgian border. Overnight routes take far longer on the water but cover the distance while you sleep.
Do I need anything special to drive in Belgium?
Belgium has low-emission zones in Antwerp, Brussels and Ghent that may require registering your vehicle, plus standard kit like a warning triangle and hi-vis vest. See our driving guide before you travel.