Everything You Need to Know About Taking a Ferry from the UK to the Netherlands
If you’re planning a trip from the UK to the Netherlands and want to avoid a long drive, sail, or flight, taking the ferry is a convenient option. In this guide, I’ll cover all the major UK to Netherlands ferry routes, schedules, prices, and tips from my own experience making this crossing multiple times. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to know to book your ferry tickets and sail smoothly across the North Sea.
Routes from England to the Netherlands
There are a few different ferry routes you can take from England directly to the Netherlands, with sailings from various English ports. The most common are:
- Hull to Rotterdam
- Harwich toHook of Holland
- Newcastle to Ijmuiden
The Hull to Rotterdam route is one of the most popular, as it’s the quickest sailing at around 12 hours each way. Ferries depart daily from both ports. From my experience, this time of the crossing gives you basically just enough time to relax, eat, and maybe catch a movie before arriving on the other side. You don’t really want it to be any longer, if you know what I mean!
Routes from Scotland and Wales
If you’re starting your journey in Scotland or Wales, some additional ferry options include:
- Rosyth near Edinburgh to Zeebrugge, Belgium
- Holyhead, Wales to Amsterdam
The Rosyth to Zeebrugge route is handy for those traveling north from Scotland to the Netherlands or Belgium. And the Holyhead to Amsterdam ferry, at around 18 hours, is one of the longest crossings – so you’ll want to stock up on snacks, books, and movies to keep you entertained for the full journey! You might even try to sneak in a quick power nap if you can find a comfy spot.
Schedules and Sailings
Ferry schedules and number of sailings varies depending on the route and time of year. In general, you can expect:
- 1-2 sailings per day on most major routes during summer high season
- Fewer sailings weekly in winter low season, sometimes just 1-2 times a week
- Evening and overnight sailings are most common to maximize time in port
- Some longer routes like Holyhead-Amsterdam only sail 2-3 times weekly year-round
It’s always best to check individual operator websites for up-to-date schedules before planning your trip. Sailings can also be cancelled due to bad weather. From personal experience, I got stranded in Rotterdam one night when the return ferry was delayed – not the end of the world, but it meant an extra hotel night!
Booking and Prices
You can typically book UK to Netherlands ferry tickets directly through the main operators like P&O Ferries, DFDS, and Stena Line. Fares will vary depending on departure date, vehicle size (if traveling with a car), and cabin type (cabin vs reclining seat). As a general rule of thumb:
- One-way fares for a basic reclining seat start around £50-100 per person in high season
- Add £30-100 each way if bringing a small car
- Upgrade to an ensuite cabin for £30-100 more per crossing
- Look for discounts by booking early or travelling mid-week/off-season
You can usually score a pretty good deal if you hunt around for promo codes or special fares. I even heard of someone who found a last-minute trip for like half the regular price thanks to a boxing day sale – man, they really lucked out! Of course, last minute bookings mean you have less flexibility.
What to Bring and Pack
Here are some things I’d recommend packing for your UK-Netherlands ferry crossing:
Essentials:
- Passport + tickets
- Toiletries and any medications
- Comfy clothes and layers for temperature changes
- Snacks and non-perishable foods
- Chargers for electronics
Recommendations:
- Entertainment – books, games, laptop, headphones
- Travel pillow and blanket
- Motion sickness medication (the North Sea can get choppy!)
- Camera to capture scenic views
- Small bag for duty-free shopping
Pro tip: if you get carsick easily like me, definitely try to snag a cabin for some privacy instead of the open reclining seats. Cabins just feel sort of cozier and more stable in bigger swells, you know?
Arriving in the Netherlands
Once you disembark the ferry, you’ll clear Dutch customs and be free to start exploring! Rotterdam and Amsterdam are the two main arrival points for UK ferries. Here are some tips for after getting off the boat:
- Have euros on hand for transport or a quick bite
- Rent a car, book a shuttle, or take trains/buses onwards
- Ask the ferry staff for local attraction suggestions
- Enjoy Dutch treats like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring!
No matter where the ferry docks, you’ll be struck by how amazingly flat and bike-friendly everything appears compared to hilly old England. Hope you have a relaxing ride across and an awesome time exploring the Netherlands! Shoot me a message if you have any other ferry questions.
Final Tips
To wrap this up, here are a few last bits of advice from personal experience taking the ferry:
- Arrive at least 45 mins before boarding for check-in and security
- Redeem onboard dining vouchers if included with your ticket ASAP, as the best spots fill up fast
- Enjoy sea views from outdoor decks but dress warmly!
- Walk around and explore the boat between nap breaks
- Don’t forget to disembark at the right terminal once you arrive!
With a little preparation using the info here, your UK-Netherlands ferry trip should go smoothly. Bon voyage and happy travels across the North Sea! Let me know if you have any other questions.
UK to Netherlands Ferry options
| Company | Routes | Vehicle Size | Sailings per day | Average Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Ferries | Dover to Calais | Up to small car/van | Every 1-2 hours | 1.5 hours | £50-100 |
| DFDS | Dover to Dunkirk | Up to large vehicles | Every 90 mins | 2 hours | £70-150 |
| Stena Line | Holyhead to Dublin, Fishguard to Rosslare | All vehicle sizes | Several daily | 3-4 hours | £80-200 |
| Brittany Ferries | Portsmouth to Caen, Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Plymouth to Roscoff | All vehicle sizes | Daily | 8-12 hours | £150-400 |
| Eurotunnel | Folkestone to Calais | All vehicle sizes | Every 20 mins | 35 mins | £80-200 |
FAQ
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What times do ferries from the UK to the Netherlands run?
Ferries from places like Hull to Rotterdam basically run all day, anywhere from 6am to midnight depending on where you’re getting on and where you’re headed. The schedules kinda vary by company and day of the week, so it’s best to check online in advance for the specific times.
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How long does the ferry crossing between the UK and Netherlands take?
The time it takes varies depending on which route you’re sailing, but most crossings from the UK to the Netherlands are anywhere from 10 to 20 hours. The fastest ones from places like Newcastle to Ijmuiden just take about 10 hours. The longest routes, like Hull to Rotterdam, can be as much as 18-20 hours. So be prepared for an overnight trip!
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What are the ferry routes between the UK and Netherlands?
The main ferry routes run from Hull to Rotterdam, Newcastle to Ijmuiden, and Harwich to Hook of Holland. There’s also less frequent sailings from some other ports. Hull to Rotterdam is the busiest route with multiple sailings every day. The Newcastle to Ijmuiden one has become quite popular too in recent years.
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How much do ferry tickets from the UK to Netherlands typically cost?
Ticket prices can vary a lot depending on when you travel, how flexible the dates are, what type of cabin or seating you want, and which company you sail with. But on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £50 per passenger for a basic seat on a night sailing up to £250-300 per passenger for a higher-end en-suite cabin if you want more comfort. Car tickets usually run a few hundred pounds too depending on size. It’s best to book well in advance for cheaper fares.
What facilities and amenities are provided on UK-Netherlands ferries?
Most major ferry companies offer a variety of features. Practically all boats have cafes or restaurants onboard selling snacks and hot meals. Lots have bars too. You can usually get comfortable seating areas, shops, lounges with TV/internet, spas or swimming pools on the larger vessels. Most provide power sockets at each seat too so you can bring devices to stay occupied. On longer trips they have kids clubs or play areas. However, amenities can vary a bit by company and specific boat class.
Is traveling by ferry between the UK and Netherlands easy?
Overall, using the ferries is quite straightforward for getting between the two countries. At each port there will be signs directing you where to check-in and board. Staff can usually answer any questions too. You just show your ticket or booking and drive onboard. Cars are parked in designated spaces. Some boats have accommodation for overnight stays too. Therefore, while it does involve a long overnight journey, I’d say ferry travel is a pretty stress-free and easy option compared to other transport choices. The sailings are quite regular too which is handy.
What type of vehicle is best for bringing on a UK to Netherlands ferry?
While you see all sorts of vehicles on the ferries, the general advice would be to use the most fuel-efficient kind of car that suits your needs. A smaller sedan or hatchback is going to be less costly in fuel and parking fees. However, if you’re moving households or traveling with a large crew, obviously a minivan or SUV could work better. Most companies accept all kinds of cars, motorhomes and even bikes. Just check sizes and weights ahead for your specific route. As long as it’s seaworthy and secured safely on board, you should be good to go!
What are some tips for preparing to take a ferry between the UK and Netherlands?
A few things you may want to do are pack snacks and drinks since food onboard can be pricey, bring entertainment like books since WiFi quality varies, print or save your ticket info digitally before departing, allow extra time at ports for queues, inspect your vehicle and pack lightly if possible. It’s also good to rest up before longer sailings. Don’t forget any ID, insurance docs or customs forms if bringing a vehicle. Oh and motion sickness pills if you’re prone to seasickness! With a little planning like this, your ferry trip should sail smoothly.