Belgium is a great place to visit in winter or summer. It’s easy to travel to Belgium from the UK with LeShuttle. With a total travelling time of around 80 minutes from our Folkestone terminal, if you’re planning to travel for business or leisure, there’s no better way to go than by LeShuttle.
Travel from the UK to Belgium with LeShuttle
- Crossings run from Folkestone to Calais 365 days a year
- There are up to four departures every hour
- It takes LeShuttle just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais
- The fastest route to Belgium travelling from our Calais terminal takes an average of 45 minutes
Faster than a ferry to Belgium
When it comes to driving to Belgium, LeShuttle is the easiest and quickest way to get you there. Our service is also flexible and affordable, making us the number one choice.
One major benefit of using our service to travel from the UK to Belgium is the fact that the time saved will allow you more time to explore every inch of this fascinating country. Choose to take in its cities, each brimming with their own unique culture, or head off the beaten track to experience the countryside of Belgium and its rural landscape.
If you’re planning to drive from London to Belgium, or from anywhere else in the UK, using LeShuttle 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 travel from the UK to Belgium in little over an hour and 20 minutes. This means that even a day trip to Belgium from London is possible!
Driving from Calais to Belgium
Take a look at how close Calais is to these Belgian cities. These distances and times are from our LeShuttle Calais Terminal:
| City in Belgium |
Distance |
Driving Time |
| Brussels |
125 miles/201km |
2h 16m |
| Antwerp |
129 miles/208km |
2h 29m |
| Ghent |
96 miles/155km |
1h 38m |
| Bruges |
73 miles/118km |
1h 25m |
| Ostend |
61 miles/99km |
1h 12m |
| Liege |
185 miles/298km |
3h 19m |
| Leuven |
146 miles/236km |
2h 47m |
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| Please note: These distance and driving times to our Calais terminal are approximate and given as guidance only. |
Is it possible to drive from the UK to Belgium?
Yes, driving from the UK is easy, and LeShuttle provides one of the best ways to travel to Belgium from the UK. All you need to do is book a departure time with us, drive to our UK terminal, and take a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. From there it is approximately a 45-minute drive to the Belgian border. Obviously it will take longer to reach your final destination in Belgium, whether it be Leuven, Liege or somewhere else (see the times and distances in the table above), but the beauty of Belgium is closer than you might have thought.
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 45-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.
Driving to Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent
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 climbing the Belfry of Bruges and admiring the views over the city, or taking 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. The city has also become a mecca for fashion, making it a must-visit for shopaholics travelling to Belgium from the UK! Also when driving to Antwerp from Calais, you’ll pass the stunning city of Ghent, which is definitely worth a detour.
Enjoy a stroll along the canal when in Ghent.
Driving to Brussels
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. From family fun in the Belgian Comic Strip Center, to exploring the walkways, lifts and escalators of the Atomium, to sampling the delights of Belgian beer on a brewery tour, Brussels has it all.
Dinant is a beautiful city located on the River Meuse.
Driving to Wallonia
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.
Take a trip to Wallonia’s largest city, Charleroi, or visit Belgium’s highest point above sea level, Signal de Botrange, in eastern Wallonia.
Before you travel to Belgium from the UK, take a look at our Belgium holiday ideas section that’s choc-full of inspiration, literally, and tips to help you make the most of the country’s hot spots.
Travelling to Belgium with LeShuttle
Perhaps using LeShuttle is a new experience for you? First book your trip from Folkestone to Calais by selecting your time and date of travel. Then on the day of your booking, follow these steps:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 LeShuttle is ready, so keep an eye on your shuttle's letter.
- 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.
- 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 LeShuttle carriages or sit back and relax.
- 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!