Ferry from Dover to Bruges
From Dover you can be in Bruges within a morning, even though the city has no port of its own. Sail to Dunkirk and Bruges is about 50 minutes up the E40; from Calais count on a little over an hour. With sailings throughout the day on both crossings, you can usually turn up, cross and be in the old town by lunchtime.
Routes
There is no direct ferry on this route. To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend instead.
Our experience
This is the only cross-Channel route we haven’t personally sailed, so we can’t offer a first-hand opinion.
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.
Who sails the alternatives
Three ferry operators currently sail from Dover. P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries operate routes to Calais, while DFDS sails to both Calais and Dunkirk. Together, they offer departures throughout the day, making Dover the busiest ferry port between the UK and mainland Europe.
Map with suggested Dover – Bruges ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Dover to Bruges, 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
Dover–Dunkirk is often recommended for Bruges because of its proximity to Belgium. The crossing takes around two hours and is designed primarily as a transport link rather than a cruise experience.
Photos from the journey
By car
By car, Bruges is motorway nearly all the way from the port. After arriving in France, you’ll mainly follow motorways towards the Belgian coast. There are no toll roads for passenger cars in Belgium, and Bruges is well connected to both Calais and Dunkirk. Traffic is usually light outside holiday periods, although delays can occur around Dover and during busy summer weekends.
| Arrival Port | Drive to Bruges |
|---|---|
| Dunkirk | ~45 min |
| Calais | ~1 hour |
| Hook of Holland | ~2 hrs 30 min |
Compare & book
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By campervan
Motorhomes are welcome on all ferry routes. Bruges is a particularly popular destination for camper travellers, with several campsites and motorhome facilities located near the city. Many visitors choose to stay just outside the centre and explore the historic city on foot or by bicycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get to Bruges from the UK?
Usually the Dover-Dunkirk ferry, from around GBP 35 per car, followed by a 45-minute drive. Booking early and crossing midweek keeps fares at the low end.
How far is Bruges from the ferry port?
From Dunkirk about 50 minutes by car, from Calais around an hour. Both runs are motorway nearly door to door, toll-free for cars in Belgium.
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.