Driving To Belgium

Belgium is a great place to visit in winter or summer, if you’re planning to travel for business or leisure, there’s no better way to go than by car.

Did you know?

• Crossings run from Folkestone to Calais 365 days a year
• There are up to four departures every hour
• It takes Eurotunnel Le Shuttle just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais

Faster than a ferry to Belgium

When it comes to driving to Belgium, Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is the easiest and quickest way to get you there. Our service is also flexible and affordable, making us the number one choice.

One large benefit of using our service is the fact that the time saved will allow you more time to explore every inch of the country. Choose to take in its cities, each brimming with their own unique culture, or head off the beaten track to experience the countryside and its rural landscape.

If you’re planning to drive from London to Belgium, or from anywhere else in the UK, using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is also your easiest and fastest option. To find us, simply make your way to the M20 and take exit 11A. With the journey time from Folkestone to Calais being so short, you could be in Belgium in little over one hour and 15 minutes. This means that even a day trip to Belgium from London is possible!

Take a look at how far these UK cities are from our Eurotunnel Folkstone Terminal:

Top tips when driving to Belgium

If you haven’t yet taken a look at the map, you might be surprised at how short the trip from Calais to Belgium is. Just a short 40-minute drive along the E40, the route follows the beautiful coast of Northern France. But for those planning a ferry crossing to Belgium, the trip from Dover to Belgium could take over two hours and 10 minutes.

Once in Belgium, you’ll want to start exploring and making the most of the freedom granted by driving.

The Markt in Bruges is a joy to behold as the day draws to a close.

Staying on the E40 will see you heading to Bruges, just one hour and 20 minutes from Calais. There is so much to see and do in this beautifully historic city like climb the Belfry of Bruges and admire views over the city, or take in some culture at the Groeningemuseum. While wandering through the ancient cobbled streets, don’t forget to try a famous Belgian waffle or some delicious locally-made chocolate.

Antwerp City Hall was built in 1565.

A two-hour drive from our Calais terminal is vibrant Antwerp, famed as the home of classic Baroque painter Rubens, it has also become a mecca for fashion, making it a must-visit for the shopaholics among you! Also when driving to Antwerp from Calais, you’ll pass the stunning town of Ghent, which is definitely worth a detour.

Enjoy a stroll along the canal when in Ghent.

A trip to Belgium wouldn't be complete without a visit to its capital city, Brussels. Affectionately referred to as the heart of Europe and home of the EU, there is plenty to do in this fascinating city. If you're travelling with the family, be sure to pay the Belgian Comic Strip Center a visit. If you’re in search of some sophistication, pop into the Art Nouveau collections of the Horta Museum.

Before leaving on your holiday to Belgium, take a look at our Belgium holiday ideas section that’s choc-full of inspiration and tips to help you make the most of the country’s hot spots.

Dinant is a beautiful city located on the River Meuse.

For those looking to breathe in plenty of fresh, Belgian air and see the country as mother nature intended, you’ll want to visit the Wallonia region. This French-speaking region is known for its medieval towns, Renaissance-era architecture, beautiful countryside landscapes and decadent châteaux.

For an experience that’s a little different, take a look at our ‘See Belgium from high to low’ page. Take a tour from Belgium’s highest point above sea level, to the Caves of Remouchamps, where visitors float along the world’s longest subterranean river.

Lastly, if you’re travelling with any four-legged friends, see our article on the best places in Belgium to take your pet for lots of beautiful locations your dog will love! Booking your holiday with Eurotunnel is a breeze, and with our speedy and flexible service, it has never been more convenient.

Travelling to Belgium with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Perhaps using Eurotunnel is a new experience for you? First book by selecting your time and date of travel then fill up your tank and follow these steps:

1. Arriving at our Folkestone terminal
   Exit the motorway at Junction 11A and drive straight to our check-in booths. Allow yourself between one and two hours before your chosen departure time.
2. Collecting your Departure Hanger info
   You will need your booking reference number and the credit/debit card used at the time of booking to collect this. Your hanger will print from the self-service machine or will be handed to you by check-in staff, depending on which booth you choose to use. A letter will be displayed on your hanger, which is the letter given to your timed shuttle.
3. Our Passenger Terminal
   Once you're through check-in, take some time to relax and visit our Passenger Terminal Building for a spot of shopping, or enjoy some refreshments at one of the cafés. You can board approximately 25 minutes before your departure time, customer information screens and service announcements will let you know when Le Shuttle is ready, so keep an eye on your shuttle's letter.
4. Have your passport ready
   When it's time, drive straight through to the British and French border controls where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked. Please have all passports to hand, removed from wallets and open at the photo page until you have cleared all controls.
5. Drive on
   Follow the signs to France to find your way to the boarding lanes, where you may face a small wait. When your shuttle is ready to board the barrier will open in your lane, please proceed on the marked route towards the platform. Once boarded, you'll be able to stretch your legs and explore the light and air-conditioned Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carriages or sit back and relax.
6. Drive off
   You stay with your vehicle throughout the short journey in bright, air-conditioned carriages and can either sit back and relax or get out and stretch your legs. Once you’ve reached Calais, simply drive off at the end of the crossing and voilà, your Belgian adventure awaits!