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Belgium: How to get There

There are several convenient ways to travel from the UK to Belgium. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:

1. By Train (Eurostar)

  • Route: London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi/Zuid Station.
  • Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Why Choose This? The Eurostar is the fastest and most direct way to reach Belgium from London, with comfortable seats and options for first-class service. You’ll go through passport control in London and arrive in Brussels without needing to change trains.

2. By Plane

  • Airlines: British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
  • Departure Airports: London Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and other UK cities.
  • Arrival Airports: Brussels Airport (BRU), Brussels Charleroi Airport (CRL), or Antwerp International Airport (ANR).
  • Time: 1 to 1.5 hours (plus airport transit and check-in time).
  • Why Choose This? Flying is a good option if you’re not near London or if you prefer a quicker journey that doesn’t involve train transfers. Brussels Airport is well-connected to the city center by train (15-20 minutes).

3. By Ferry

  • Ferry Companies: P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Eurotunnel (for vehicles).
  • Departure Ports: Dover (to Calais) or Hull (to Zeebrugge).
  • Arrival Ports: Calais (France) or Zeebrugge (Belgium).
  • Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours from Dover to Calais, or 12-13 hours from Hull to Zeebrugge.
  • Why Choose This? Ferries are ideal if you want to bring a car or have a scenic, relaxed journey. From Calais or Zeebrugge, it’s a short drive to Belgium.

4. By Bus

  • Companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, and Eurolines.
  • Departure Points: Major UK cities like London Victoria Coach Station.
  • Arrival Points: Brussels, Bruges, or Antwerp.
  • Time: Approximately 6-8 hours from London to Brussels.
  • Why Choose This? Buses are usually the most budget-friendly option. It’s a comfortable way to travel, and you’ll get to Belgium directly without transfers.

5. By Car or Coach via Eurotunnel

  • Route: Folkestone (UK) to Calais (France) via the Eurotunnel.
  • Time: The Eurotunnel itself takes about 35 minutes, but driving from London to Brussels would take about 4-5 hours in total.
  • Why Choose This? If you want the flexibility of having your own car in Belgium, driving is a great option. The Eurotunnel is quick, and the roads are well-maintained with scenic routes.

6. By Bicycle and Ferry

  • Route: Ferry from Dover to Calais or Hull to Zeebrugge, then cycle from there.
  • Why Choose This? For the adventurous, cycling from the UK to Belgium via ferry can be a unique experience. Belgium has a great network of cycle paths, making it ideal for cyclists.

Summary

  • Fastest Option: Eurostar train (about 2 hours).
  • Most Scenic Option: Ferry crossing.
  • Most Budget-Friendly: Bus or coach.
  • Best for Flexibility: Driving through Eurotunnel.

Each option has its advantages depending on your location, budget, and travel style.