Ferry from the UK to Antwerp
We don’t know what brings you to Antwerp, but you’ve picked a great destination. Whether you’re visiting for business, a city break or simply passing through, arriving by ferry makes the journey part of the adventure. While there is currently no direct ferry from the UK to Antwerp, there are several ferry routes that can get you close to the city.
Routes
Our experience
We’ve sailed with every ferry operator on the Dover–Calais route ourselves. We were particularly impressed by P&O Ferries thanks to its competitive fares, modern ships, clean facilities, spacious outdoor decks, and overall comfort. For most travellers heading to Belgium, this is often the fastest and most affordable option.
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
The daytime crossing takes up most of the day, but it’s often one of the more affordable options. Low-cost cabins are frequently available, giving you a private space to relax during the journey.
Ferry services from the UK to Antwerp
Travellers from Northern England and Scotland can take an overnight ferry to the Netherlands. The two main options are Hull–Rotterdam with P&O Ferries and Newcastle–IJmuiden with DFDS. From both arrival ports, Antwerp can be reached relatively quickly by road or public transport.
For travellers from the Midlands and Southern England, the Harwich–Hook of Holland route with Stena Line is an excellent choice. Alternatively, you can sail from Dover with DFDS, Irish Ferries or P&O Ferries. These crossings to France are generally the shortest and most affordable ferry routes for reaching Belgium.
We’ve highlighted a few of the best options above, but if you’d like to explore all available crossings, take a look at our overview of ferry routes to Belgium.
From the arrival port to your destination
One of the advantages of travelling to Antwerp by ferry is that the city is relatively easy to reach from several ferry ports in the Netherlands and Northern France. The times below are approximate and intended as a quick guide only. Actual sailing schedules and driving times may vary.
- Hoek van Holland – Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car to Antwerp.
- Rotterdam Europoort – Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car to Antwerp.
- IJmuiden (Amsterdam) – Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by car to Antwerp.
- Dunkirk – Approximately 2 hours by car to Antwerp.
- Calais (via Dover crossings) – Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by car to Antwerp.
In most cases, travellers arriving in the Netherlands will find Antwerp surprisingly close. Even from the French ports used by the Dover ferries, Antwerp can often be reached within half a day of leaving Southern England.
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.
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