Dordrecht to Tournai Road Trip: Full Guide & Best Stops

The drive from Dordrecht to Tournai covers roughly 170 kilometers, winding from the Dutch delta city through the Belgian province of East Flanders to the ancient Walloon city on the Scheldt. This route largely follows the E19 and E403 highways, but the most scenic path includes the N60 from Ghent to Tournai, offering a transition from flat polders to rolling hills.

Historically, this corridor was a key route for medieval trade and military campaigns—Dordrecht was a powerful Hanseatic port, while Tournai was a Roman administrative center and later a French-speaking bishopric. The drive takes about 2 hours by highway, but with detours easily extends to a full-day exploration.

Road quality is excellent on highways, but secondary roads (especially the N60) have occasional uneven surfaces and may lack full illumination at night. Speed cameras are frequent in Belgium, including average speed checks on the E19 and E17. Always keep to the limit: 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on national roads.

Pet-friendly stops: The Province of East Flanders has many walking routes near the highway. A great spot is the Blaarmeersen recreational area near Ghent (exit 15 on E17), with lakes and trails. Most highway restaurants welcome dogs on their outdoor terraces.

• For families: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities offers tips on using apps for playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes.
• Interactive stop: Technopolis in Mechelen (near Antwerp) is a hands-on science museum perfect for children.
• Recharge zone: The parking lot of the Basilica of Saint-Rita in Ronse (just off N60) is a quiet spot for a short nap with a view.

The geography shifts from the Dutch river delta—with its wide skies, dikes, and windmills—to the Belgian countryside of farmland and small forests. South of Ghent, the terrain becomes gently undulating as you approach the Scheldt River valley. The rolling hills around Tournai are part of the Hesbaye region, known for fertile loam soil and orchards.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: There are no UNESCO sites directly on the route, but the historic center of Ghent (10 km detour) and the Cathedral of Our Lady in Tournai (a UNESCO site) are worth a stop. Tournai's cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with five towers.

• The Beguinages of Flanders (UNESCO) are in Ghent and Antwerp, both short detours.
• Local produce: stop at a farm shop along the N60 for oblies (thin waffles) or artisan cheese from the Pays des Collines.
• Antwerp's Diamond District is a fascinating cultural stop, but diamonds aren't regional commerce for a road trip—consider locally brewed beers instead.

Primary highways are the A16/E19 from Dordrecht to Antwerp, then the E17 to Ghent, and finally the E429/N60 to Tournai. Tolls: none in the Netherlands or Belgium on this route—all highways are free. Fuel stations are abundant along the E19 and E17, with major brands like Shell, Total, and Q8 approximately every 20-30 km.

Fuel costs: As of early 2025, petrol (Euro 95) averages €2.05/L in the Netherlands and €1.90/L in Belgium. Diesel is around €1.85/L in both countries. For a 170 km drive in a typical compact car (7 L/100 km), expect €22-€25 total. Topography is mostly flat, so fuel consumption stays low except for the gentle hills near Tournai.

• Avoid peak hours in Antwerp (8:00-9:30, 16:30-18:30) due to the Kennedy Tunnel congestion.
• Consider an overnight stop in Ghent to split the journey and enjoy the medieval city.
• Electric vehicle charging points are available at most highway rest stops, but plan for a 20-minute charge if needed.