Ferry from Dover to Brussels
Brussels has no ferry port, so from Dover the question is simply which of the two short crossings suits you. Dunkirk lands you closest, around two hours from Brussels on the E40; Calais has the most sailings and adds only fifteen minutes to the drive. Both run throughout the day, so you rarely have to plan around the ferry.
Routes
To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend.
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.
Ferry services from Dover to Brussels
P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries operate services to Calais, while DFDS sails to both Calais and Dunkirk. Together, these operators offer frequent departures throughout the day, making Dover the busiest ferry port between the UK and mainland Europe.
P&O Ferries recently introduced two modern ships on the Dover–Calais route, while DFDS offers the greatest flexibility thanks to its services to both French ports. Irish Ferries is often a competitive option for travellers looking for additional departure choices and attractive fares.
Map with suggested Dover – Brussels ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Dover to Brussels, 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.
Photos from the journey
By car
For drivers, Brussels is around two hours from Calais and slightly further from Dunkirk. The route follows major motorways through northern France and into Belgium. There are no toll roads for passenger cars in Belgium, although traffic around Brussels can be heavy during rush hour.
| Arrival Port | Drive to Brussels |
|---|---|
| Calais | ~2 hours |
| Dunkirk | ~2 hrs 15 min |
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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.