Getting to Belgium is both fast and easy, whether by air, rail, road or sea.
Air
Brussels Airport (Zaventem) is 14 km east of Brussels and has flights to hundreds of international destinations.
Brussels South Airport is in Charleroi, 46 km from Brussels, with flights to 26 European destinations.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Rail
A very good way to reach Wallonia from London and the south-east of England is to travel on Eurostar from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent.
Travelling from London to Brussels takes 2 hours; slightly less from Ebbsfleet.
Add the “Any Belgian Station” option to travel from Brussels to any train station in Wallonia.
Road
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle (from Folkestone to Calais)
One of the fastest cross-channel operator with a crossing time of just 35 minutes by car/bike. It links motorway to motorway and with up to 4 departures per hour, you will get to Belgium quicker than you think.
eurotunnel - 08443 35 35 35
Sea
Crossing the Channel to Belgium often involves travelling through French ports, but there are excellent motorway connections to Wallonia from France. All relevant contact details can be found below.
From Dover to Calais:
P&O Ferries - 08716 645 645
DFDS Seaways - 0871 574 7235
Irish Ferries - 0818 300 400
From Dover to Dunkerque:
DFDS Seaways - 0871 574 7235
Coach
The cheapest way to get to Belgium from the British Isles is by coach.
The journey takes several hours from London Victoria Coach Station to Brussels or Liège, but with low fares and several departures per day the coach can be a cost-effective option.
Car
Documents: When driving in Belgium, you will need your driving licence with you and also a certificate of insurance. A green card card from your insurance is strongly advised.
Parking meters: As in the UK, parking meters are standard in most towns and cities.
Breakdown recovery: Emergency phones are at regular intervals on motorways and are connected to an emergency control room.
Motoring in Europe: In addition to a valid driving licence and a certificate of insurance, some equipment have to be carried in your car:
- Headlamp Beam Adaptors: please, adapt your headlamps at any time, day or night.
- Warning Triangles: in the event of a breakdown or accident. Drivers must be able to give advance warning of hazard on the road. Hazard warning lights alone are not always sufficient.
- Spare Bulbs: drivers must be in position to replace any blown exterior light.
First aid kit & fire extinguisher: The European Good Samaritan law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance in the event of an accident.
Reflective vest: Motoring law in an increasing number of of European Countries now requires all vehicles to carry reflective vests, for drivers and passengers, to use in the event of breakdowns or emergencies.
Traffic information:
- Touring: www.touringe.be
- Federal Police: www.polfed-fedpol.be
We remind you that Belgian motorways are completely free to use.
Speed limits are similar to those in the UK:
- 120 kilometres per hour on motorways.
- 90 kph on dual carriageways.
- 50 kph in built up areas.
Drivers must pay attention to the rule of giving priority to vehicles coming from their right-hand side.
It is obligatory to wear a seatbelt at all times, both in the front and back seats of a vehicle
