Ferry from Newcastle to Antwerp
Newcastle has no direct ferry connection to Antwerp. Instead, travellers sail overnight to Amsterdam (IJmuiden) with DFDS and continue into Belgium the following morning. Antwerp can be reached in around two hours from the ferry terminal, making it one of the easiest Belgian cities to reach from northern England.
Routes
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.
Ferry services from Newcastle to Antwerp
The Newcastle–Amsterdam route is operated by DFDS. Overnight sailings depart Newcastle in the evening and arrive in the Netherlands the following morning, providing easy access to Belgium and other destinations across mainland Europe.
Map with suggested Newcastle – Antwerp ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Newcastle to Antwerp, 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
Travellers heading to Antwerp often choose Newcastle because it combines an overnight crossing with one of the shortest onward journeys from the Dutch arrival ports. The ships themselves feel closer to mini cruises than conventional ferries.
By car
Antwerp is one of the closest Belgian cities to the Newcastle–Amsterdam ferry route. After arriving in IJmuiden, the drive takes around two hours via major motorways in the Netherlands and Belgium. Traffic can be heavy around Antwerp’s ring road during weekday rush hours.
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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.