Hull to Belgium
by ferry

Reach Belgium in under an hour after arrival

Heading to Belgium from Hull

In the past, there was a direct ferry service from Hull to Belgium. Unfortunately, this service was discontinued in 2020. However, Belgium is easily reached from the arrival port in Rotterdam!

Belgium is a great destination to reach by ferry from Hull. Once you step on board, the ferry sails overnight all the way south, leaving you with only a short journey after arrival. When the roads are clear, you can reach the Belgian border in under an hour. Cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges are then just a short drive away. For holidaymakers, this means you can wake up ready to enjoy your first full day in Belgium. The same goes for your return journey, as the ferry from Rotterdam departs late in the evening (see the timetable for exact times).

Drive times from Rotterdam Port

From the ferry port in Rotterdam, you can reach Belgium quickly and easily by car. Most routes lead via Antwerp, which serves as a major gateway to Belgium and the rest of Europe.

Destination	Driving time
Antwerp	1 hr 15 mins
Ghent	1 hr 45 mins
Bruges	2 hrs
The Ardennes	3 hrs 30 mins

Sometimes the navigation will take you through the Dutch province of Zeeland, because Antwerp can be very busy. You’ll then drive across the Delta Works, a piece of Dutch hydraulic engineering that you can also visit.

Previously possible, but long discontinued

The former Hull to Zeebrugge ferry

For many years, the Hull to Zeebrugge route provided a connection between the north of England and Belgium. Operated by P&O Ferries, this overnight service was popular with both leisure travellers and freight customers, offering an easy way to reach mainland Europe without the long drive to southern ports.

However, due to a steady decline in passenger numbers and changing freight demands, the route was discontinued in March 2020.

Today, the Hull to Rotterdam route remains the best alternative for travellers heading to Belgium, France, or beyond.