I always thought of us down on the south coast to be the cosmopolitan lucky ones, easily able to take a ferry to Europe across the English channel. Little did I realise that the east coast of the UK also had its own ferry routes to Holland and beyond. In fact, taking a ferry to the Netherlands from England is a great way to explore mainland Europe, as Holland borders both Belgium and Germany, and is also within a few hours drive from Northern France.
So whether you want the freedom to bring your own car and explore further afield, or you’re just planning to explore those famous Dutch ‘coffee shops’, and buy a new pair of clogs, this guide covers all the ferry routes to Holland from England, with details of the relevant ferry ports on both sides of the North Sea, which ferry companies operate each service, and where to get cheap ferry tickets. So 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.
Travelling to Europe with your car: when to take a ferry to Holland or France?
Of course getting to Europe with your car can also be achieved via other UK ferry routes too. If Holland or Germany are your final destinations, it probably makes most sense to take a direct ferry to Holland. However, if you live down south and can easily take a Dover/Calais or Dover/Dunkirk ferry instead, this may be the better option, as it’s only then a 3-4 hour onward drive through Belgium to Amsterdam (less of course if you’re visiting southern Holland or Belgium itself).
If, however, you live up north and France is your final destination, I guess the decision comes down to where would you rather do more of the driving? A few more hours still in blighty down to the south coast, or would you rather spend that time cruising through Holland, Belgium and northern France instead? I know what I’d choose!
Ferry Routes to Holland: Map
With only three routes across the north sea, my ferries to Holland map may not be quite as important in helping you to visualise routes as my ferries to France map, but nonetheless I reckon it’s helpful.
England to Holland Ferries: who operates each crossing?
Alright, alright, 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: 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.
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: 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.
Booking Ferry Tickets
Now that you know which ferry route to take, it’s time to book your ticket. For the best deals on England to Holland ferries, I recommend booking directly with the ferry company operating your route, so either P&O Ferries, Stena Line, or DFDS Seaways. By booking directly, not only can you often find the best prices, but you’ll also get the best customer service if you need to make any changes to your trip. If you want to compare prices across multiple companies, you can also use a ferry ticket aggregator like Direct Ferries, who often have great deals and special offers.
Pro Tip: Just like booking 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. By using the links provided to book your ferry tickets, you’ll also be supporting this site at no extra cost to you, so thanks for helping me keep the content coming!
Ferry Routes to Holland: in summary
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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