Ferry to Belgium
Check prices & times »There's currently no direct passenger ferry from the UK to Belgium. The old direct routes — like Hull to Zeebrugge — have all ended, so today you reach Belgium by sailing to northern France or the Netherlands, then driving the short distance across the border.
That sounds like a detour, but it's straightforward: the crossings are frequent, the onward drives are short, and you often end up with more choice and better fares. This guide covers the best routes and how to choose.
Best routes to Belgium
| Route | Via | Crossing Time | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover–Dunkirk | to France, then drive | ~2 hours | View crossing » |
| Dover–Calais | to France, then drive | ~90 min | View crossing » |
| Hull–Rotterdam | to Netherlands, then drive | ~11–12h overnight | View crossing » |
| Harwich–Hook of Holland | to Netherlands, then drive | ~6h 30m–7h | View crossing » |
There's no direct UK–Belgium ferry. These crossings land in France or the Netherlands, within an easy drive of Belgium.
Why there's no direct ferry
For years, P&O's overnight Hull to Zeebrugge crossing was the direct link between northern England and the Belgian coast. That service ended in 2021, and with it the last direct passenger ferry between the UK and Belgium.
Earlier routes — Ramsgate to Ostend, Rosyth to Zeebrugge, Dover to Ostend — had already closed. So today, reaching Belgium means sailing to a neighbouring country and driving in.
Via northern France
The French crossings are often the best choice, especially for the Belgian coast and west:
- Dover–Dunkirk: lands closest to Belgium, handy for Bruges, Ghent and the coast
- Dover–Calais: the shortest and most frequent Channel crossing, with plenty of operator choice
- The drive on: Bruges is around 1 hour 20 from Calais, less from Dunkirk
- Best for: Bruges, Ghent, the coast, and often Brussels
Via the Netherlands
The Dutch crossings suit northern England and eastern Belgium:
- Hull–Rotterdam: an overnight crossing, and the closest modern equivalent to the old Hull–Zeebrugge route
- Harwich–Hook of Holland: the fastest Dutch crossing, with strong rail links
- The drive on: Antwerp is around an hour from Rotterdam
- Best for: Antwerp, and travellers from the north of England
Which route for your destination?
Where you're headed in Belgium points to the best crossing:
- Bruges and the coast: Dover–Dunkirk, closest to West Flanders
- Ghent: Dover–Dunkirk or Dover–Calais
- Brussels: compare the French routes and Harwich–Hook of Holland
- Antwerp: Hull–Rotterdam or Harwich–Hook of Holland
Foot passengers
Without a car, the practical option is usually a crossing with good onward public transport. Harwich–Hook of Holland has strong rail links, and from northern France there are train and bus connections towards the Belgian border.
It takes a little more planning than a direct ferry would, so check the onward connections at your arrival port before you book.
Travel documents and EES
Belgium is in the EU and the Schengen area, so you'll need a valid passport. Because you travel via France or the Netherlands, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) applies when you first enter the Schengen area at your arrival port.
Allow a little extra time at the border during the EES rollout, and check your passport's dates before you travel.
Explore Belgium ferries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there a direct ferry from the UK to Belgium?
No — the last direct passenger ferry, Hull to Zeebrugge, ended in 2021. Today you sail to northern France or the Netherlands and drive into Belgium.
Q. What's the best ferry route to Belgium?
For Bruges and the coast, Dover–Dunkirk lands closest. For Antwerp, Hull–Rotterdam or Harwich–Hook of Holland work well. Compare based on your destination.
Q. How do I get to Bruges by ferry?
Sail Dover–Dunkirk or Dover–Calais to northern France, then drive — Bruges is around 1 hour 20 from Calais, less from Dunkirk.
Q. Can I reach Belgium by ferry without a car?
Yes, but with connections — Harwich–Hook of Holland has good rail links, and there are onward trains and buses from northern France. Plan the onward legs.
Q. Do I need a passport for Belgium?
Yes — Belgium is in the EU and Schengen area, so you need a valid passport, and the EES entry system applies at your French or Dutch arrival port.