Ultimo aggiornamento: 23 ottobre 2026
Antwerp is one of the easiest freighter departure ports to reach from the UK, just under two hours from London by Eurostar to Brussels and a short train ride on. Now part of the merged Port of Antwerp-Bruges, it is Europe’s second-busiest container port and a major hub for ro-ro ships to Africa and South America. Here’s what you need to know.
Where you can sail from Antwerp| Destinazione | Ship type | Durata tipica del viaggio |
|---|---|---|
| West Africa (Dakar, Tema, Lomé, Lagos) | Ro-ro and con-ro | About 1–3 weeks |
| Sudamerica (Brasile, Uruguay, Argentina) | Ro-ro and container | Circa 3–4 settimane |
| North America | Contenitore | Circa 10–14 giorni |
| Asia | Contenitore | Circa 4–6 settimane |
| Mediterraneo | Container and ro-ro | Circa 1–2 settimane |
Passenger availability varies by voyage.
Leggi cargo ship to West Africa e cargo ship to South America.

The port of Antwerp-Bruges
Antwerp’s port stretches for kilometres along the river Scheldt north of the city. Container ships use terminals on both banks, including the big Deurganck dock. Ro-ro ships, which carry cars, trucks and machinery, use dedicated terminals.
Sailing down the Scheldt to the North Sea takes several hours and passes through the Netherlands before reaching open water.
Getting to Antwerp from the UK
- In treno: Eurostar from London to Brussels (about 2 hours), then a train to Antwerp Centraal (about 40 minutes)
- By car: ferry or Eurotunnel to Calais, then about 2.5 hours’ drive
- By ferry: Hull to Rotterdam or Harwich to Hook of Holland, then by train
Antwerp Centraal station is one of the most beautiful in Europe, so allow time to look.

Giorno dell'imbarco
- Wait for your agent’s confirmation of the boarding time.
- Take a taxi to the terminal. Public transport doesn’t reach most terminals.
- Show your passport and booking at the gate.
- You’ll be escorted to the ship.
A day in Antwerp
- Il cathedral with its Rubens paintings
- Il MAS museum, with views over the port
- The historic Grote Markt
- Belgian chocolate, beer and frites
Consigli
- Rimani flessibile, as departure can move.
- Choose a central hotel near Antwerp Centraal.
- Travel light.
Altri porti di partenza: freighter travel from Hamburg e viaggi su navi da carico dal Regno Unito. Learn more about what a ro-ro ship is.
Domande frequenti
Can I travel on a cargo ship from Antwerp?
Yes. Antwerp is a major departure port for container and ro-ro ships with passenger cabins.
Where do cargo ships from Antwerp go?
To West Africa, South America, North America, Asia and the Mediterranean.
How do I get to Antwerp from London?
By Eurostar to Brussels, then a short train to Antwerp Centraal.
What is the Port of Antwerp-Bruges?
The merged ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, one of Europe’s biggest port groups.
How do I board a cargo ship in Antwerp?
Take a taxi to the terminal, show your documents, and you’ll be escorted to the ship.
Ask us about freighter voyages departing from Antwerp.
Richiedi un preventivo per il viaggio →Steve Joury
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