Spa to Vlissingen: An Epic Road Trip Through Belgium and Netherlands

Did you know the town of Spa gave its name to all thermal spas worldwide? This road trip from Spa in the Belgian Ardennes to Vlissingen on the Dutch coast covers roughly 220 kilometers, mostly via the A27/E312 highway. Expect a journey of about 2.5 hours without stops, but the real adventure lies in the diverse landscapes—from forested hills to tidal estuaries.

This guide answers key questions: best stops Spa to Vlissingen, how long to drive Spa to Vlissingen, and is it worth driving Spa to Vlissingen. Along the way, we will uncover how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. The route crosses three countries—Belgium, possibly a short detour into Germany (if you opt for the A76), and then the Netherlands—each with distinct road signage and toll policies.

The primary route uses the N62 from Spa to the E40/A3, then the A27/E312 north through Antwerp and the Westerscheldetunnel to Vlissingen. Tolls: Belgium has no tolls for cars on this route; the Netherlands uses an electronic toll system for the Westerscheldetunnel (€5.00, payable by pass or invoice). Fuel stops are plentiful near motorway exits, especially around Antwerp and Bergen op Zoom.

• Estimated fuel cost: ~€25–30 for a compact car (1.6L petrol) at current prices (~€1.80/L).
• Efficiency tip: cruise control at 100 km/h on Belgian motorways improves mileage by 10%.
• Fuel stations: Total, Esso, Shell at most highway service areas; opening hours 06:00–22:00, some 24h near cities.

Road quality is excellent: Belgian motorways are well-maintained but can be busy near Liège; Dutch motorways are smooth with excellent lighting. The Westerscheldetunnel is a key infrastructure—a 6.6 km undersea tunnel with a speed limit of 100 km/h and strict enforcement.

The route transitions from the rolling, forested Ardennes around Spa (altitude ~260 m) to the flat polder landscapes of Zeeland. Around Antwerp, the scenery flattens into agricultural plains. Near Vlissingen, you encounter coastal dunes and the Westerschelde estuary. A short detour (5 km) to the Zwin Nature Park between Knokke-Heist and the Dutch border reveals tidal salt marshes.

UNESCO World Heritage: No direct sites on the route, but Antwerp’s Plantin-Moretus Museum (30 km off-route) is a designated site. For nature lovers, the Biesbosch National Park (45 km detour east of the route) is a freshwater tidal area worth a half-day trip.

• Local specialties: Buy Limburgse vlaai (fruit pie) at bakeries near Maastricht off the A2; Zeeuwse bolus (sweet pastry) in Middelburg.
• Roadside stalls: Near Bergen op Zoom, look for asparagus in season (April–June) and fresh fish at Zierikzee.
• Regional crafts: Delftware pottery in Delft (20 km north of the route); hand-painted wooden clogs at souvenir shops.

Road safety is high: emergency phones every 2 km on motorways, and breakdown services like Touring Secours. Note that Belgian highways have a default speed of 120 km/h (reduced to 100 km/h in rain) and Dutch highways 130 km/h (100 km/h on many sections). The Westerscheldetunnel has a strict 100 km/h limit and no overtaking for trucks. Night illumination is excellent on the entire route.

Family-friendly stops: Antwerp Zoo near Central Station (30 min detour) and Neeltje Jans (a water park and Delta Works exhibition near the Oosterscheldekering) – 15 km off the route at the end of the N57. Both have interactive exhibits for children. Pet-friendly: Many rest areas have designated dog walking zones; the Brabantse Wal nature area near Bergen op Zoom offers off-leash paths.

• Fatigue management: Recommended rest spots – Parking de Lucht (km 35 near Breda) with shaded benches; Rustoord Viane (km 68) with a playground.
• Safe nap zones: Well-lit parking lots at motorway service stations (e.g., Total N183 exit 28).
• Hidden off-route spots: The abandoned Fort Rammekens (16th century fortress) is 5 km from the N57 near Ritthem; Doel (a ghost town threatened by port expansion) is 10 km north of the route, accessible via a minor road.