Ferry from the UK to Brussels
Brussels has no ferry port, but every crossing to the near continent lands within about two hours of it, so the choice is really about where in Britain you start. From the south, Dover to Dunkirk or Calais is quickest. From the east, Harwich to Hook of Holland. From the north, the overnight boats from Hull and Newcastle save you the long drive south. We have sailed all of them, and below we explain which fits which journey.
Routes
To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend.
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.
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 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.
Ferry services from the UK to Brussels
Most crossings depart from Dover, but you can also travel from northern England, with Hull to Rotterdam being one of the most popular ferry routes.
Map with suggested the UK – Brussels ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England 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.
From the arrival port to your destination
- Dunkirk (France): approximately 2 hours to Brussels
- Rotterdam Europoort (Netherlands): approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to Brussels
- Hoek van Holland (Netherlands): approximately 2 hours 10 minutes to Brussels
- Calais (France): approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to Brussels
- IJmuiden (Netherlands): approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to Brussels
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry from England to Brussels?
Brussels has no port, so no ferry has ever sailed there directly. Ferry travellers cross to Calais, Dunkirk or the Dutch ports and continue by road or rail; Brussels is around two hours from Calais by car.
Does the Eurostar go direct to Belgium?
Yes: direct trains run from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi in around two hours. Without a car the train beats any ferry route on speed; with a vehicle, the ferry wins on cost.
What is the fastest way to get to Brussels?
Without a car: Eurostar, about two hours direct from London. With a car: Dover-Calais and roughly two hours of motorway is usually the quickest combination.
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.
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