Ferry from Dover to Ostend
The Dover to Ostend ferry stopped in 1993, and the Ramsgate service that followed it ended in 2013, so today no boat sails to Ostend at all. The practical answer is the Dover to Dunkirk crossing: two hours at sea, then about 45 minutes along the E40 to Ostend. Calais works just as well if the times suit you better, and adds roughly half an hour to the drive.
Routes
This ferry no longer runs. 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
There are currently no ferry operators sailing directly to Ostend. Instead, travellers can reach Belgium via nearby ports in northern France. Three ferry operators currently sail from Dover: P&O Ferries, DFDS and Irish Ferries. P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries operate routes to Calais, while DFDS sails to both Calais and Dunkirk.
Map with suggested Dover – Ostend ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Dover to Ostend, 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 former Dover–Ostend route may be gone, but Dover remains the most common departure point for travellers heading to the Belgian coast. Today’s crossings focus on speed rather than onboard entertainment.
Photos from the journey
From the arrival port to your destination
Ostend remains one of the easiest Belgian coastal cities to reach from the Dover routes. After arriving in Dunkirk, the drive to Ostend takes around 45 minutes via the E40 motorway. From Calais, the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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.
Compare & book →