Belgium by Ferry: Real Routes and How to Continue Your Journey
If you’re searching for a ferry to Belgium, there’s one important thing to know before you start planning. There is no longer a direct passenger ferry from the UK to Belgium. The popular Hull to Zeebrugge route closed in 2021, so today’s journeys take a different path. The good news is that getting to Belgium by sea is still straightforward, and in many cases, the alternatives are just as convenient.
Most travellers now reach Belgium by sailing to northern France or the Netherlands, then driving or taking a train across the border. Depending on where you’re leaving from in the UK and which Belgian city is your destination, one route may save you both time and money.
This guide covers the real ferry options available in 2026, including sailing times, typical prices, and the best routes for Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, and the Belgian coast. You’ll also find practical advice for drivers, foot passengers, and cruise visitors, plus the easiest ways to continue your journey once you arrive on the continent.
Is There a Direct Ferry to Belgium?
No, there is currently no direct passenger or car ferry from the UK to Belgium. It is one of the most common points of confusion, because several routes did exist in the past. P&O’s Hull to Zeebrugge service closed on 1 January 2021, ending the last direct UK to Belgium ferry option. Ramsgate to Ostend disappeared earlier after TransEuropa Ferries went bankrupt in 2013. Older routes such as Dover to Ostend and Rosyth to Zeebrugge are also part of ferry history now.
Today, the practical choices are indirect routes through France or the Netherlands. Zeebrugge and Ostend are still active Belgian ports, but mostly for freight and cruise traffic rather than regular UK passenger ferries.
Tip: do not lose time searching for a direct ferry that no longer runs. Compare the French and Dutch routes first, then plan the onward journey into Belgium.
Ferry Routes via France (Best for Bruges, Ghent and the Coast)
For most travellers coming from southern England, France offers the quickest and most practical way to continue to Belgium. The two main ferry routes are Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk, both with frequent daily departures and easy road access into Belgium.
The Dover to Calais crossing takes around 90 to 100 minutes. It is the busiest route, with frequent daily sailings operated by P&O Ferries, DFDS and other Channel operators, depending on date and season. Prices typically range from €36 to €45 per car, depending on the season and departure time. Calais is about 60 km from the Belgian border, and the drive to Bruges takes around 90 minutes (approximately 75 miles).
The Dover to Dunkirk route takes about two hours and is operated by DFDS, with up to 24 sailings per day. Fares usually start at around €49 per car. Dunkirk sits only 20 km from the Belgian border, making it the closest ferry arrival point for Bruges, Ghent, and the Belgian coast. From the port, Bruges is around 45 miles away, or about a 50-minute drive.
If speed matters most, LeShuttle (the former Eurotunnel service) is another option. While it is not a ferry, it carries cars between Folkestone and Calais in around 35 minutes. From Calais, Bruges is roughly 120 km away by road.
Tips
- If your destination is Bruges, Ghent, or the Belgian coast, Dunkirk is usually the better choice because it is closer, even though Calais often offers lower fares and more departures.
- Compare the total travel time, not just the crossing itself. A slightly longer ferry can mean a much shorter drive afterwards.
- Book as early as possible if you’re travelling during school holidays or summer. Prices rise quickly, and overnight crossings are often cheaper than daytime departures.
Travelling with your own car means there are no airline baggage limits, so you can pack everything you need for a longer trip or a family holiday. It’s also an excellent option if you’re planning a road trip through Belgium, with the freedom to explore smaller towns and the countryside along the way.
Ferry Routes via the Netherlands (Best for Antwerp and Northern Belgium)
If you’re travelling from northern or eastern England, or your destination is Antwerp or northern Belgium, the Dutch ferry routes often make more sense than crossing through France. They involve a longer sailing, but can reduce the amount of driving once you reach the continent.
The Hull to Rotterdam service, operated by P&O Ferries, is an overnight crossing of around 12 hours. Prices generally start from about €220 per car, including a cabin. For many travellers, it is the closest modern alternative to the former Hull to Zeebrugge route. From Rotterdam, it’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive into Belgium.
The Harwich to Hook of Holland route, operated by Stena Line, offers two sailings a day and takes around six to eight hours. It is particularly convenient for travellers from the east of England and provides an easy onward journey to Antwerp. If you prefer not to drive after arriving, you can also continue with an airport transfer to Antwerp.
From Scotland and the north of England, the Newcastle to IJmuiden (Amsterdam) overnight ferry operated by DFDS is another practical choice. The crossing takes around 16 to 17 hours and lets you wake up on the continent, ready to continue south into Belgium.
Tips
- Dutch routes are usually the best option if you’re travelling from northern or eastern parts of the UK, or heading for Antwerp and northern Belgium.
- An overnight crossing can save both a full day of driving and the cost of a hotel, since you travel while you sleep.
- If you’re travelling without a car, North Sea routes such as Harwich to Hook of Holland are generally more convenient than Dover to Dunkirk, which does not accept foot passengers.
Which Route Should You Choose?
The best route depends on where you’re starting in the UK and where you want to end up in Belgium. A slightly longer crossing can sometimes save an hour or more on the road, while an overnight ferry may leave you feeling more rested than an early morning departure. If you’re still comparing your options, it’s also worth looking at other ways to travel from London to Brussels before deciding which route suits your trip best.
One final tip: don’t compare ferry crossings by sailing time alone. Always look at the entire journey, including the drive or train connection after arrival. The fastest crossing isn’t always the quickest way to reach your final destination.
Arriving by Cruise? Reaching Bruges from Zeebrugge or Ostend
Not everyone arrives in Belgium by ferry. Every year, thousands of cruise passengers step ashore at Zeebrugge and Ostend, usually with just one day to explore before their ship departs. For most of them, Bruges is the main destination.
From Zeebrugge, Bruges is only about 15 km away, with a journey time of around 25 minutes by road. Although there is a railway station near the port, train connections are limited and not always the most convenient after a cruise arrival. As a result, many visitors choose a shuttle, taxi, or transfer to Bruges instead.
From Ostend, the drive to Bruges takes around 30 minutes, making it another easy starting point for a day ashore.
Tips
- Cruise schedules are tight, often allowing only eight to ten hours in port. A pre-booked return transfer is usually more reliable than relying on train connections and waiting times.
- Families and small groups often find that a private transfer costs less per person than booking separate shore excursions through the cruise line.
- Agree on your return pickup time before you leave the port. Cruise ships operate on strict schedules and will not wait for late passengers.
How to Travel Once You Land
Arriving at the ferry terminal is only part of the journey. Whether you’ve come through Calais, Dunkirk, Rotterdam, or another North Sea port, you’ll still need to reach your final destination in Belgium.
If you’re travelling by car, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Just remember that cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp operate Low Emission Zones (LEZs), and parking in historic centres can be limited or expensive. It’s worth checking local regulations before you drive into the city centre.
Travelling by Belgian train is another option, although ferry terminals are not always directly connected to the rail network. In many cases, you’ll need a shuttle bus or taxi to reach the nearest station before continuing your journey. If you’re still deciding between different ways of getting here, it’s worth exploring flying into Belgium instead to see which option best fits your itinerary.
For travellers without a car, especially those arriving as foot passengers on North Sea ferry routes or stepping off a cruise ship, a transfer to Bruges is often the easiest option.
If you’re continuing to another Belgian city, a fixed-price transfer lets you travel directly from the port or station to your accommodation.
The best route across the sea is the one that fits your plans. The best onward journey is the one that gets you to your accommodation with as little stress as possible.
FAQ
Is there a direct ferry from the UK to Belgium?
No. The last direct route, Hull to Zeebrugge, closed in 2021. Today, travellers reach Belgium via France or the Netherlands.
What is the closest ferry port to Bruges?
Dunkirk is the closest ferry port, around 50 minutes by car from Bruges. Cruise passengers usually arrive via Zeebrugge, which is only about 25 minutes away.
Can you take a ferry to Belgium as a foot passenger?
Not directly. North Sea routes such as Harwich to Hook of Holland accept foot passengers, while Dover to Dunkirk does not.
How do you get from Zeebrugge to Bruges?
Bruges is about 25 minutes away by road. Most cruise passengers choose a shuttle, taxi, or pre-booked transfer.
How long does the ferry to Belgium take?
It depends on the route. Dover to Calais takes about 90 to 100 minutes, while the overnight Hull to Rotterdam crossing takes around 12 hours.
Ready for the Final Leg of Your Journey?
Whichever route you choose to reach Belgium, the last part of your journey should be the easiest. If you’d rather skip train changes, parking, or searching for transport after you arrive, you can book your transfer in Belgium and travel straight to your destination.
