Taking a ferry to Holland from UK is a great way to explore mainland Europe, especially if you want the freedom to bring your own car. The Netherlands borders Belgium and Germany, and is within a few hours drive from France too, making it the perfect gateway to much of Europe. England to Holland ferries operate year-round, with many offering convenient overnight crossings, so you can sleep your way across the North Sea and wake up in the heart of the Netherlands.
For those of you keen to explore those famous Dutch ‘coffee shops’, or if you’re in the market for a new pair of clogs, this guide covers all the ferry routes to Holland from England, and includes 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). This is obviously much more convenient for most northerners, and Scots, as getting to Europe via France and the south coast ferry routes is likely to add hours onto the journey back in blighty, before even having set sail.
Ferry Routes to Holland: Map
A picture is worth a thousand words, and everyone loves a good map! To help you visualize your journey, here’s a handy map showing all the ferry routes from England to Holland, along with their destinations. Whether you’re sailing from Newcastle, Hull, or Harwich, this map makes it easy to plan your adventure.
England to Holland Ferries: who operates each crossing?
Planning your ferry journey is easy when you know 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 faster.
Route: Hull to Rotterdam
Operator: P&O Ferries
This overnight service lets you rest comfortably as you sail across the North Sea. The journey takes approximately 11 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, enjoy onboard amenities, and wake up refreshed in the vibrant port city of Rotterdam.
Route: Harwich to Hook of Holland
Operator: Stena Line
This route offers flexibility with two daily crossings, including an overnight option. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, allowing you to either relax during the day or get some shut eye overnight. Wake up refreshed and ready to dive into all that Holland has to offer.
Route: Newcastle to Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
Operator: DFDS Seaways
This overnight journey takes approximately 15-16 hours – the perfect slow travel experience. You’ll arrive in IJmuiden, just a short trip from Amsterdam’s iconic canals and cobblestone streets. Perfect for those looking to explore the Netherlands’ capital without the rush.
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, such as 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’re looking 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. Click here to compare prices on Direct Ferries and find the best deal for your trip.
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 — thanks for helping me keep the content coming!
Black Friday Promotions
This Black Friday, save 30% on your 2025 ferry tickets from Hull to Rotterdam with P&O Ferries! This exclusive offer is valid for bookings made before December 2nd, 2024, for travel between February 1st, 2025, and December 30th, 2025.
Don’t miss out—these deals won’t last long. Click here to book your discounted tickets before the sale ends!
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 to taking a ferry to Holland has made your planning easier.
If I’ve missed anything or if you think this post could be improved, feel free to drop a comment below, as I’d love to hear your experiences. If you’re also considering ferries to France, Ireland, or Spain, I’ve written guides on ferry travel to each of those countries as well. Thanks for reading, and remember—don’t go overboard (whether on the ferry or in Amsterdam 😉).
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