Port of Ramsgate Ferries to Boulogne & Ostend
Ferry to France or Belgium from Kent for Day Trips and Holidays
Ramsgate, at the south east tip of England, has a long history of being a gateway to the world via its Royal Harbour. There is believed to have been a Harbour here dating back to Roman Britian.
The Hovercraft at Ramsgate
In the 1966 the world's first international passenger Hovercraft was launched between Ramsgate and Calais operated by Hoverlloyd. A purpose built Hover Port was constructed at Pegwell on the west coast of Ramsgate and the Hovercraft operated from there betwen 1969 and 1982 when the service relocated to Dover. The airport at Manston has also been important for holiday makers both in the late 1960's and in recent years.
Ferries Between Ostend, Belgium and the Port of Ramsgate
Transeuropa Ferries operate frequent freight crossings between Belguim & Kent. Passenger ferries depart from the Port of Ramsgate at 7.00, 13.30, and 18.30 midweek and returning at 8.00, 13.30, and 21.00 local time from Ostend. Slightly different times apply at the weekend. This is currently the only passenger ferry service between Kent and Belgium.
How Much Does the Ferry Cost?
The charges are per vehicle. For a single crossing to Ostend, or a 48 hour return ticket, which has been booked in advance the price for a car with up to 9 passengers is £45 in the winter, £54 in the spring or autumn and £101 in the peak summer months. There are different prices for other vehicles and trailers.
Ramsgate to Boulogne
There has been an announcement by Thanet District Council that from September 2009 Euroferries and Fred Olsen will operate a new service between Ramsgate and Boulogne. There will be 5 daily crossings with a journey time of about 75 minutes, aboard the catamaran Bonanza Express. There are no further details available as yet.
Information About the Port of Ramsgate
There is a new purpose built road to the Port so traffic does not drive through Ramsgate town. Which should keep congestion to the minimum. Approaching Ramsgate from the M2 there is fast duel carriage way almost all of the way except for the final couple of miles, when driving past Manston airport.
The ferry terminal is relatively small but does offer a cafe. It is conveniently located next to a nice beach at Western Undercliff, which is popular with locals and not used by tourists. It is also a short walk from the old part of the Royal Harbour, from the town and from the main tourist beach.
There are a choice of Hotels around the Harbour area and the usual chains situated around the periphery of Ramsgate
Ferries to France & Belgium from Dover
Dover is about 30 minutes or less by road from Ramsgate. It is the nearest English port to France and one of the busiest passenger Ports in Europe. More than 60 ferries depart every day throughout the day and night, connecting Kent with the ports of Boulogne, Calais and Dunkerque. There are currently no passenger ferries between Dover and Belgium. Four operators run ferry services from Dover:
- P&O Ferries
- Seafance
- LD Lines
- Norfolk Line
When arriving in Dover vehicles have the choice of travelling towards London and the rest of England via either the A2/M2 or the M20 motorways.
The Ports of Dover and Ramsgate are close in distance but provide a very different experience. Whether to use one or the other is likely to be decided on the basis of convenience and price.
Ramsgate Port
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles