Taking a ferry to the Netherlands from England is a great way to explore mainland Europe with your car, as Holland borders both Belgium and Germany, and is also within a few hours drive from Northern France.
This guide covers all the available ferry routes from the UK to Netherlands, giving you the lowdown on the relevant ferry ports on both sides of the North Sea, which ferry companies operate each service, and where to buy cheap ferry tickets.
So whether you’re planning to explore those famous Dutch ‘coffee shops’, or buy yourself a new pair of clogs, grab yourself a Heineken, a slab of Gouda, and let’s set sail, my lekkerdings!
UK TO NETHERLANDS FERRIES
Which UK Ferry Ports Serve the Netherlands?
There are three different ferry routes to Holland from the UK, and all of them depart from English ports, on the east coast. From north to south these ports are Newcastle (Tyne and Wear), Hull (Yorkshire), and Harwich (Essex).
Due to the location of those British ferry ports, travelling to Europe with your car via Holland will probably be way more convenient for most northerners and Scots, at least compared with getting there via England’s south coast ferry ports.
Should I Take a Ferry to Holland or France?
Of course getting to Europe with your car can also be achieved via other UK ferry routes. If Holland or Germany are your final destinations, however, it probably makes most sense to take a direct ferry to Holland, especially if you live up north.
If you live down south though, and can easily take a Dover/Calais or Dover/Dunkirk ferry instead, these ports may be the better option, as it’s only then a 3-4 hour onward drive through Belgium to Amsterdam (less if you’re visiting southern Holland or Belgium itself).
FERRY ROUTES TO HOLLAND MAP
With only three routes across the north sea, my ferries to Holland map is a pretty straight forward one to understand…
WHICH COMPANY OPERATES EACH ROUTE?
So who’s running the show? Below, you’ll find details about each ferry operator and the routes they cover, so you can book your ferry tickets to the Netherlands quickly and simply…
Route: Newcastle to Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
Operator: DFDS Seaways
Wye aye, man! This overnight journey takes approximately 15-16 hours – so it’s the perfect slow travel experience. You’ll arrive in IJmuiden, just a short trip from Amsterdam’s iconic canals and cobblestone streets. Don’t ask me why they spell it with a capital ‘J’, by the way.
Route: Harwich to Hook of Holland
Operator: Stena Line
This route offers a bit more flexibility with two daily crossings, one of which is an overnight option. The Harwich ferries take around 7-8 hours.
Route: Hull to Rotterdam
Operator: P&O Ferries
This overnight service gives you the chance to purchase a cabin, sleep and slowly ease your way into your holiday. The journey takes around 11 hours, so there’s time to explore the on-board amenities, do a Kate & Leo up on deck, and still get a decent kip, ready to take on the port city of Rotterdam on arrival.
HOW TO BOOK CHEAPEST TICKETS?
Now that you know which ferry route to take, it’s time to book your ticket. Just like flights, booking your ferry ticket early is the best way to save money. Ferry companies release cheaper tickets and cabins well in advance, so the sooner you book, the more likely you are to score a bargain.
For the best deals on England to Holland ferries, you can book directly with the ferry company operating your route, or if you want to compare prices across multiple companies, the definitely check out a ferry ticket aggregator like Direct Ferries, who have great deals and special offers running all the time.
Current UK to Holland Ferry Deals
Set sail for Amsterdam with DFDS this spring with 50% off mini cruises. Book between 5 March and 20 April 2026 and enjoy two relaxing nights onboard plus a day exploring Amsterdam’s canals, museums, and cafés. Travel is valid from 5 March to 30 June 2026.
FERRY ROUTES TO HOLLAND: CONCLUSION
So there you have it! Whether you’re heading to the Netherlands for a city break, a stag do, or starting a European road trip, I hope this guide on all the possible ferries to Holland has made your planning easier.
If you’re taking your car then don’t forget to buy a European Driving Kit before you leave too, as this includes all the legal requirements for items you must carry in your vehicle when driving in Europe.
If I’ve missed anything or if you’ve taken a ferry to Holland already and want to share your experience, then feel free to drop a comment below, as I’d love to hear it. If you’re also considering ferries to France, Ireland, or Spain, I’ve written guides on taking a ferry to each of those countries too.
Thanks for reading, and remember – don’t go overboard (either on the ferry or in Amsterdam 😉
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