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Ferry from Harwich to Zeebrugge

Ferry from Harwich to Zeebrugge
The closest alternative to the old Zeebrugge route

From Harwich you have three good ways to reach Zeebrugge, even though no ferry has sailed there directly since 2021. The closest is Stena Line to Hook of Holland: sail overnight, and Zeebrugge or Bruges is about two hours by car the next morning. Prefer less driving in Belgium? Dover to Dunkirk lands you under an hour from Zeebrugge.

There is no direct ferry on this route. To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend instead.

Our pick · private cabins available
Harwich → Hook of Holland (night)
8 hr · overnight
From£ 89
Foot passengeryes
Book with Stena Line →
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.

arrive the same day
Harwich → Hook of Holland
6 hr 30
From£ 44
Foot passengeryes
Book with Stena Line →
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.

closest to Zeebrugge
Dover → Dunkirk
2 hr
From£ 35
Foot passengerno
Book with DFDS →
Our experience

This is the only cross-Channel route we haven’t personally sailed, so we can’t offer a first-hand opinion.

Who sails the alternatives

The Harwich–Hook of Holland route is operated by Stena Line using the Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica. Both ships offer cabins, restaurants, lounges and onboard facilities for passengers travelling to the Netherlands and beyond.

Map with suggested Harwich – Zeebrugge ferry routes

This map shows ferry routes from Harwich,dover to Zeebrugge, 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.

Departure port Arrival port Onward city Ferry crossing By road

By car

Zeebrugge can be reached in around two hours from Hook of Holland. The route passes through the southwest of the Netherlands before crossing into Belgium near the coast. Many travellers continue beyond Zeebrugge to nearby Bruges.

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Us on board, sharing our own ferry experience

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.