Ferry from Ramsgate to Ostend in Belgium
The Ramsgate to Ostend ferry route was once a key link between the south-east of England and the Belgian coast.
For years, it provided a convenient way to cross the Channel and access destinations across Flanders. However, this service is no longer operating, having been permanently withdrawn several years ago.
Alternative Routes
Despite the closure, travellers still have excellent alternatives for reaching Ostend and other Belgian cities. One of the most popular options is to take a ferry from Dover to Calais or Dover to Dunkirk. Both French ports are located just across the Channel and are within easy driving distance of Ostend. In fact, from Dunkirk, the journey takes little more than an hour by car, making it a quick and practical alternative.
Alternative sailings from Dover To France
For those travelling from further north, another good option is to sail from Harwich to Hook of Holland or from Hull to Rotterdam. These crossings place you in the Netherlands, with direct motorway links leading into Belgium. Ostend can be reached within a few hours by road, depending on your chosen route.
Alternative route from Hull
 |
Although the Ramsgate to Ostend ferry is no longer in service, getting to Belgium remains simple. Modern ferry operators provide frequent and reliable sailings to nearby ports, giving you the flexibility to travel when and how you choose. Whether you’re heading to Ostend’s seafront, Bruges’ medieval streets, or Brussels’ lively squares, there’s always a way to get there by ferry.
Looking for ideas on what to see and do once you arrive? Take a look at our Belgium Destination Guide for travel inspiration, itinerary tips, and top attractions across the country.
Hi can i take my car if i want Travel from ramsgate to Ostenda Belgium
Hi Abdiaziz
Unfortunately this route is closed and the sailing no longer exists. If you wish to travel to Belgium by ferry, you will have to go either Dover to Calais or Hull to Rotterdam, then drive the rest of the way. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Maybe it’s time to reopen the route to allow UK motorists to avoid French passport control at Dover
Can we transit from calais to Belgium
Hi Shaun
Thank you for getting in touch. For travel between Calais and Belgium here are some options:
Ferry – no option.
Car – approximately 90mins to Bruges Ferry Terminal.
Train – approximately 4 hours 30mins (several changes).
I hope this helps.
Is the ferry still running ramsgate to ostend.
Would like to take car t0 ostend.
Thanks
Hi Peter
Unfortunately this service is no longer running. If you wish to travel by ferry to Belgium, you would have to travel either to France or to Holland then drive to Belgium. Sorry for the inconvenience.
How much would it cost to park in the car park in Ostend for 3 nights
Hi Samantha
This route is unfortunately closed, as is the Hull to Zeebrugge Route. To Travel to Belgium you would have to travel via Holland or France. Unfortunately we are not able to give you a price for using the car park. I’m sorry we cannot be of more service.
Damned annoying one can no longer sail from Rams/Dover to Ostend, or so it seems, as this cuts out a hugely long, not to mention flat and boring, drive from to Calais to Bruge.
Mind you, had the company survived, one suspects that many of the Dover to Calais routes would have lost business.
So, how exactly does one sail from the UK to Ostend, or with it being the the UK, have we managed to mess that up too.
Will you take foot passengers who is willing to pay extra for the vehicles eg motorcycle?
Crazy that they don’t take foot passengers – what a huge market they are missing out on!
I wish to travel to Bruge from ramsgate. Im worried about driving on the other side of the road when I get to ostend. Is there a car park in ostend where I can leave my car for 3 nights? or is it a relatively straight journey to Bruge from Ostend?
Any thoughts you might have on this issue would be appreciated
Hi Anthony. If you drive in Britain, then driving in Belgium should be relatively simple for you. You will get used to driving on the right (“wrong”) side of the road quickly.
The journey from Ostend to Bruge is straight forward and should only take 30 minutes and the majority of the route is on the very straight A10 road.
If you would still prefer to park, there is short and long term parking at the port in Ostend, you can get a direct train from Ostend to Bruge and it takes just 14 minutes.
Do you take foot passenger fares from Ramsgate to Ostend please?
We wish to travel to Bruges and will take onward transport from Ostend as we do not wish to drive. We want to travel in early July for approx 3 days there. Many Thanks
The Ramsgate to Ostend ferry only accepts passengers traveling in a standard motorised vehicle e.g. cars, motorcycles, motorhomes