Ferry from Harwich to Belgium
The ferry from Harwich does not sail directly to Belgium, but it does dock around 88 kilometres from the Belgian border. You sail from Harwich to Hoek van Holland and, as you may have guessed already, you’ll arrive in the Netherlands rather than Belgium. Stena Line offers both daytime and overnight sailings on this route, and the daytime crossing can be particularly good value if you book smartly.
Routes
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.
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.
Our experience
This is the only cross-Channel route we haven’t personally sailed, so we can’t offer a first-hand opinion.
Ferry services from Harwich to Belgium
The only ferry route from Harwich is operated by Stena Line, making it the obvious choice for travellers departing from the port.
Map with suggested Harwich – Belgium ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Harwich to Belgium, 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 Harwich route offers a different experience from both Dover and Hull. Stena Line operates large cruise ferries and travellers can choose between daytime and overnight departures.
From the arrival port to your destination
When departing from Harwich, you’ll arrive in Hoek van Holland, which is located roughly 70 kilometres from the Belgian border as the crow flies. Connections from the port to Belgium are excellent, whether you’re travelling by car or using public transport.
By car
If you’re travelling by car, you’ll need to cross the River Maas near Rotterdam before continuing south towards Belgium.
One thing to watch out for: there is a relatively new toll tunnel on the A24. The toll must be paid online, and if you forget to do so, you may receive a fine.
To avoid this, you can simply take the A4 instead. Of course, you can also use the tunnel and pay the toll online afterwards – just don’t forget!
The drive to Belgium takes a little over an hour in normal traffic conditions.
Compare & book
Pick your route to see live times and prices.
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By campervan
If you choose this route, you can often get a discount when travelling with a motorhome or caravan on the daytime sailing. In many cases, you’ll only pay the standard car fare.
It’s definitely worth checking whether this promotion is available when you’re planning your trip, as it can result in a significant saving.
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.