Driving from Calais to Eindhoven

Take a road trip from Calais to Eindhoven, via some of Belgium’s most beautiful cities. 

Why visit Eindhoven?

Eindhoven is one of the most vibrant, dynamic cities in the Netherlands – a place where sport, art, culture and industry are incredibly important. Its streets were sketched by Vincent Van Gogh and it is home to one of Dutch football’s biggest clubs, PSV Eindhoven. Two of the world’s biggest companies, Philips and DAF, are based there, with museums that are fascinating days out for anyone interested in technology and cars. 

Eindhoven is also renowned as a centre for design and technology, and every year thousands of design enthusiasts descend upon its streets for Dutch Design Week. The city has made its name for some groundbreaking architecture too, such as ‘De Blob’, a landmark example of futuristic design. There are some quirky things to see and do, such as the ‘Silly Walks Tunnel’ and the flying saucer building, the Evoluon. 

Driving to the Netherlands through Belgium has the benefit of there being no road tolls, whereas you do have to pay tolls on major roads in France. 

The ‘Blob’ is a notable Eindhoven landmark

How do you get to Holland by car from the UK?

Simply drive to our terminal at Folkestone and board one of our shuttles. Getting to the Netherlands from the UK is easier than ever with LeShuttle:

•    Our service departs up to four times every hour, 365 days a year

•    Your journey with LeShuttle through the Channel Tunnel lasts just 35 minutes

•    There are no baggage restrictions, so you can pack as much as you like

After arriving at our terminal in Calais, the whole of Europe spreads out before you. Let the road trip begin! 

How long does it take to drive from Calais to Eindhoven?

Depending on the time of day and the traffic levels, you can normally drive to Eindhoven from Calais in 3 ½ to 4 hours. 

What is the best route to drive from Calais to Eindhoven?

Eindhoven is under 4 hours drive from Calais

The quick route

Travelling on the A16 from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais, you head towards Dunkirk and then take the E40 road into Belgium. Follow this major motorway towards Ghent, and then join the E17 for Antwerp. Loop around Antwerp on the E34, and continue on the E34 until the Dutch border. You stay on the same motorway, but this becomes the A67 in the Netherlands. Follow the A67 to the outskirts of Eindhoven, and then take the local road you need for your destination within the city. 

The scenic route

You could take a slightly longer route if you saw this as more of a multi-city road trip, with Eindhoven merely as the final destination. This way you could stop off at one, several or all the major cities in Belgium you would pass close to on your journey, and get a flavour of Flanders and its rich history and culture. 

Bruges

Often called the ‘Venice of the North’, the winding canals and medieval buildings make Bruges a picture-perfect place for a city break, and it’s only 1 ½ hours from Calais. Explore its quaint cobblestone streets, climb the 83-metre high Belfort or take a lazy boat tour of the canals around this endlessly charming city. You’ll feel like you have stepped back in time! 

Ghent

Ghent is another Flemish gem – every bit as picturesque and historic as Bruges, but still a bit of a secret, if truth be told. You’ll adore the waterfront buildings, the canals, the cosy bars and restaurants that really come into their own at the height of summer or the twinkly depths of winter, when the Christmas market is in full swing. Don’t miss the Ghent Altarpiece, a world-famous masterpiece of Flemish art on display in Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. 

Graslei quay, Ghent

Brussels

The Belgian capital – the administrative centre of Europe – is a city of beautiful architecture, stunning street art, wonderful museums and fabulous food and drink. Brussels will win your heart, fill you up and make you smile, from the Grand Place, one of the finest squares in Europe, to the futuristic Atomium and cheeky Mannekin Pis. Take a walking food tour and indulge in waffles, mussels, chocolate – and beer!

Antwerp

Boasting magnificent museums and churches, Antwerp has something for everyone, from impressive art and architecture to designer stores and a buzzing food scene. Make sure you visit the home of the artist Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp’s most famous son, and the Red Star Line Museum, which tells the moving stories of the  emigrants who sailed from Antwerp to North America in the 19th century. 

Driving laws in France and Belgium

There is not much difference between the rules of the road in France and those in Belgium. Every country on the continent drives on the right hand side, and the speed limits are similar. Make sure you have everything that is legally required in your vehicle, such as a reflective safety jacket for everyone travelling, a warning triangle and headlamp beam deflectors. Remember to display a UK sticker on your car if your registration plate does not have the UK identifier, and that you have your driving licence, V5 logbook, passport and proof of insurance. 

Make sure you have a hi-vis jacket for every passenger and a warning triangle in your vehicle

Driving laws in the Netherlands

Acquaint yourself with the specific Dutch driving laws, but again there is not a great deal of difference with France or Belgium. Some speed limits are different at certain times of the day, however. 

Drive from Calais to Eindhoven with LeShuttle

With journey times of just 35 minutes from Folkestone, LeShuttle can get you started on your Dutch road trip in double quick time.