Ferry from Newcastle to Belgium
From Newcastle you can reach Belgium without driving anywhere near Dover, even though no ferry sails there directly. DFDS sails overnight to IJmuiden, and from there the Belgian border is around two and a half hours by motorway, with Antwerp about two hours away and Bruges around three. From the North East this saves a long day on the M1 and puts you in Belgium the morning after you leave home.
Routes
There is no direct ferry on this route. To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend instead.
Our experience
In our experience, this is the most enjoyable ferry crossing to the Netherlands. It feels like part of the holiday rather than just transportation and is also popular as a mini-cruise. The only downside is that it leaves you a little farther from Belgium than some of the other routes.
Our experience
We found this to be a pleasant and relaxed crossing with a convenient schedule. It’s particularly well suited to travellers with a car or motorcycle, as onward travel options for foot passengers are more limited.
Our experience
A comfortable overnight crossing on large ferries. The sailing is short enough to get some rest while still arriving early in the Netherlands, leaving you with a full day to enjoy in Belgium. Thanks to excellent public transport connections, it’s also a popular choice with cyclists.
Who sails the alternatives
The Newcastle–Amsterdam ferry is one of the most popular overnight crossings in Europe. Travellers from northern England can board in Newcastle and wake up in the Netherlands the following morning. From there, Belgium is only a short drive away. The main alternative is the Hull–Rotterdam ferry, which also provides easy access to Belgium from northern England.
Map with suggested Newcastle – Belgium ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Newcastle,hull,harwich 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.
Onboard experience
The Newcastle route is particularly attractive for travellers from northern England and Scotland. DFDS operates large cruise ferries with cabins, restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment facilities.
Photos from the journey
From the arrival port to your destination
From IJmuiden the drive to the Belgian border takes around two and a half hours, motorway nearly all the way, passing west of Amsterdam and through the Rotterdam region. Dutch motorways are toll-free; once into Belgium, the Antwerp ring is the one stretch that deserves timing around rush hour.
By car
After leaving the ferry terminal in IJmuiden, you’ll join the Dutch motorway network and head south towards Belgium. The route is well signposted and there are no motorway tolls for passenger cars in Belgium.
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By campervan
This route is particularly popular with motorhome travellers. An overnight crossing means you can avoid a long drive through England and arrive on the continent refreshed and ready to continue your journey towards Belgium. It is worth booking well in advance, as motorhome fares can increase significantly when vehicle space on board becomes limited, especially during the summer season and busy holiday periods.
Still weighing up your options?
We have sailed nearly every one of these crossings ourselves, and the photos on this site are our own. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.