Where is Belgium?
Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordering France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Despite its small size, it’s one of Europe’s most diverse destinations, offering everything from medieval cities and canal-lined streets to modern cultural hubs.
For UK travellers, Belgium is perfectly positioned for a short break or as part of a wider European road trip. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels are all within easy driving distance of major ferry ports in northern France and the Netherlands, making it an ideal destination to reach by ferry.
You can start your journey with a ferry to France or ferry to Holland, both of which provide convenient access into Belgium.
How do I get to Belgium?
There are currently no direct ferries from the UK to Belgium, but travelling by ferry is still one of the most flexible and cost-effective ways to get there.
Most travellers choose to:
- Most travellers take a ferry from Dover to Calais and drive into Belgium or choose the quieter Dover to Dunkirk ferry for easy access to western Belgium.
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- For a more relaxed journey, the Hull to Rotterdam ferry offers overnight travel,while the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry provides direct motorway access.
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From there, Belgium is just a 1–3 hour drive, making it an easy extension to your journey.
Driving gives you full control of your itinerary, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp in one trip.
Why choose a ferry to Belgium?
Choosing a ferry to travel from the UK to Belgium gives you more flexibility than flying:
- Travel with your car – ideal for exploring multiple Belgian cities at your own pace
- No luggage restrictions – perfect for longer trips or family travel
- Flexible travel times – day and overnight sailings available
- Cost-effective for groups – especially compared to flights + car hire
For travellers planning to visit several destinations like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, taking a ferry and driving offers the most convenient and enjoyable way to explore.
What are my options to get to Belgium?
Here are the most popular ferry routes for travelling from the UK to Belgium via nearby countries:
Dover → Calais
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Car & 4 passengers from £113Car & 4 passengers from €92
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Car & 4 passengers from £123Car & 4 passengers from €90
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The fastest and most popular crossing, taking around 90 minutes. From Calais, Belgium is just a short drive, making this the best option for visiting Bruges, Ghent, or Brussels.
Dover → Dunkirk
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Car & 4 passengers from £89Car & 4 passengers from €97
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A slightly longer crossing but often quieter and cheaper than Calais. Dunkirk is close to the Belgian border, making it a great alternative route.
Hull → Rotterdam
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Car & 4 passengers from £462Car & 4 passengers from €270
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An overnight ferry that allows you to arrive in the Netherlands well-rested. From Rotterdam, Belgium is around 2–3 hours away by car, ideal for reaching Antwerp or Brussels.
Harwich → Hook of Holland
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Car & 4 passengers from £185Car & 4 passengers from €184
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A convenient route into the Netherlands with excellent motorway connections into Belgium, particularly useful for travellers heading to northern cities.
You can compare all available UK to France ferry routes and UK to Holland crossings to find the best option for your journey.
Which is best ferry route to Belgium?
The best route depends on your destination and travel style:
You can explore all available operators and compare schedules to find the best crossing for your travel dates.
Who runs them?
Several major ferry operators run crossings to France and the Netherlands:
Where do they go?
Key ferry ports for travelling to Belgium include:
From these ports, Belgium’s major cities are all within a few hours’ drive, making it easy to plan a flexible itinerary.
What can I do in Belgium?
Belgium is ideal for both short city breaks and longer road trips. Here are some of the best places to visit
Bruges is one of the most popular destinations for travellers arriving via Calais, just over an hour’s drive from the port. Known for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval architecture, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend break.
Belgium’s capital offers a mix of historic landmarks and modern European culture. From the Grand Place to the Atomium, Brussels is a great central base and easily accessible from both France and the Netherlands ferry routes.
A vibrant city known for fashion, art, and its diamond district. Antwerp is particularly convenient to reach when travelling via Rotterdam or Hook of Holland, making it a great first stop on a northern Belgium itinerary.
Ghent combines historic charm with a lively atmosphere. Often seen as a quieter alternative to Bruges, it’s just a short drive from Calais and works well as part of a multi-city trip.
Located in eastern Belgium, Liège offers a more local and authentic experience. It’s a great option for travellers exploring beyond the main tourist cities or combining Belgium with Germany.
Namur is a scenic city located in southern Belgium, known for its riverside setting and impressive citadel. It’s ideal for travellers entering via France and looking to explore the quieter side of the country.
What should I know before i go to Belgium?
- Driving is easy – Belgium has excellent road infrastructure
- Distances are short – You can visit multiple cities in one trip
- Languages vary – Dutch (north), French (south), German (east)
- No border checks – Easy travel from France or Netherlands
- Parking – City centres can be restricted, plan ahead
FAQ
If you’re planning to travel from the UK to Belgium by ferry, you may have a few questions about routes, travel times, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ferry travel to Belgium.
