One of the most scenic and convenient ways to reach Belgium is via ferry. Not only do you get to enjoy the panoramic sea views, but ferries often offer an economical and relaxed way to travel.
While Belgium itself offers limited international ferry routes, neighboring countries provide efficient connections that can easily get you to Belgium.
UK to Belgium Ferries
This means you are going to have to catch a ferry to somewhere like Holland or France, then make your way to Belgium by car or public transport.
Here are some of the most popular routes to Belgium by ferry.
Dover – Calais
- Journey Time: 90 minutes
Another popular route, the Dover to Calais ferry, is frequently chosen by tourists. Calais is even closer to Belgium, and the drive to cities like Bruges is picturesque.
Of course, this is a very popular route for people from the UK to get to France, so bear that in mind if you are traveling in the summer.
The best option is to go with P&O cruises. The trip takes 90 minutes to get to Calais and leaves around once per hour.
Dover – Dunkirk
- Journey Time: 2 hours
The Dover to Dunkirk ferry service operates around 10+ times daily and takes a little longer to get to France – around 2 hours.
The benefit is though that Dunkirk is just a short drive from the Belgian border, making it convenient for those who prefer to drive less and avoid the crowds in Calais.
You can book your tickets with DFDS directly.
Harwick- Hook of Holland
- Journey Time: 7 or 9 hours
This is a bit more of a time-consuming route to get you to Belgium, but depending on where you coming from, it might be the most convenient.
The ferry from Harwick in the UK to Hook of Holland is your shortest option. There are two ferries to choose from, both of them operated by Strena Line in the UK.
- Day Ferry: 7 hours
- Night Ferry: 9 hours
Once you are in Hook of Holland, you can get to Belgium in
- 2 hours by car
- 3 hours by train
Dublin to Cherbourg
This route is operated by Irish Ferries and takes around 18 hours. It is a popular route for those traveling from Ireland to Belgium.
Newcastle to Amsterdam
- Journey Time: Approximately 24 hours
Though not directly to Belgium, the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry is a choice for those who prefer a more extended journey with scenic views. From Amsterdam, Belgium is just around 3-4 hours drive. However, if you want to combine this trip with a visit to Amsterdam, it is the ideal way to get there.
You can book your tickets directly with DFDS here.
Hull to Zeebrugge (Closed)
Previously, the Hull to Zeebrugge route was a popular choice for travelers. However, this route has been closed.
Tips for Booking Ferries to Belgium
Booking ferries can get quite costly if you don’t watch out. There are a number of tips I can give you from having taken them a number of times in the last few years.
- Early Bird Gets the Worm: Booking in advance often provides cost savings and ensures availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Be Flexible: If your schedule allows, being flexible with your travel dates can help you secure better rates and less crowded ferries.
- Consider Off-Peak Times: Traveling during non-peak hours can be cheaper and more peaceful.
- Research Deals and Packages: Often, ferry companies offer special deals or packages that include accommodations or tourist attractions.