Ferry from the UK to Zeebrugge
No passenger ferry has sailed to Zeebrugge since P&O ended the Hull route in 2021; the earlier services from Tilbury and Rosyth had already gone. If you are heading for Zeebrugge or nearby Bruges, the closest crossing today is Dover to Dunkirk, under an hour from the port, with Calais a little further. From the north, the overnight boat from Hull to Rotterdam leaves a drive of around two hours via Antwerp.
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.
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.
Who sails the alternatives
No more direct services from the UK to Zeebrugge
Map with suggested the UK – Zeebrugge ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England 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.
From the arrival port to your destination
Zeebrugge sits on the Belgian coast a short hop from Bruges. From Calais or Dunkirk the coast road brings you there in around an hour and a quarter, passing Ostend on the way; from Hook of Holland count on roughly two hours via Antwerp. Either way the final miles are flat, well signposted and toll-free.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there no ferries to Zeebrugge?
Falling passenger numbers, and finally the pandemic, ended the Hull-Zeebrugge service in 2021; the ships were moved elsewhere in Europe. Freight still sails daily, but no operator has revived a passenger route since.
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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