Ferry Amsterdam

When planning your Amsterdam ferry trip, you can take advantage of the regular discounts for even lower ferry ticket prices. The ferry companies offer these discounts to specific passenger categories, such as children under 16 years old.

Note: infants and toddlers up to 3 years old typically travel for free.

The most popular way to reach Amsterdam by sea is via the North Sea crossing from Northern England.

Newcastle - Amsterdam

The Newcastle - Amsterdam ferry route is available all year round and typically operated with with 1 daily crossing. The journey to the port of IJmuiden, just outside the Dutch capital, takes as little as 15 hr 45 min and ferry ticket prices start from €89 (£79) with a cabin.

DFDS operates the ferry connection between Newcastle and Amsterdam with conventional cruise ferries.

How much luggage can you take on the ferry to Amsterdam?

On DFDS ferries to Amsterdam, you can bring up to 50 kg of baggage, free of charge.

The duration of the ferry to Amsterdam from Newcastle normally ranges from 15 hr 45 min to 18 hr, depending on the vessel and crossing.

Which is the fastest ferry to Amsterdam?

The fastest ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam normally takes about 15 hr 45 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route to Amsterdam?

Ferry tickets for Amsterdam usually start at about €89 (£79), which also includes a cabin.

What other factors should I consider?

Beyond the booking and arrival basics, several small details can make a big difference in the quality of your North Sea crossing.

• Choosing your cabin: the ferries have many options, from standard inside cabins to luxury suites with sea views and minibars, so booking early to secure the type you want is essential.
• Luggage: one of the best perks of ferry travel is the lack of strict weight limits, so of you are travelling with a car, you can bring as much as will fit in your vehicle.
• Pet-friendly travel: if you are bringing a furry friend, look specifically for pet-friendly cabins. These sell out very quickly (often months in advance) as there are only a limited number on each ship. If these are full, your pet may need to stay in an onboard kennel or in your vehicle.

The Amsterdam ferry route is served with conventional cruise ferries with modern amenities and services for overnight journeys. On most DFDS ferries, you can expect:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Cafés, bars and restaurants serving hot and cold snacks, drinks and meals
• Duty-free shops and kiosks for the essentials, gifts and last-minute purchases
• Onboard entertainment, including movie lounges, playrooms for children and casino games for adults
• Wi-Fi hotspot for messaging and streaming, with a variety of data bundles to suit your needs

Cabins

The journey to Amsterdam is overnight and booking a cabin is mandatory on DFDS ferries serving the route. Typically, on ferries such as the Princess Seaways and King Seaways you can select from a range of different cabins:

• Standard inside cabins and outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and suites with extra room and amenities, such as minibar, double bed, TV, breakfast and sea view
• Cabins accessible for travellers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

Cabins are available for 1-4 passengers feature air conditioning, a desk, en suite shower & WC, bedding and towels.

How much is a cabin on the ferry?

Cabin prices on the Newcastle - Amsterdam route typically start from around €89 (£79).

Can I travel first class?

Yes, in addition to standard cabins, the DFDS ferries to Amsterdam also have Commodore de Luxe premium cabins. These cabins are typically larger and include extra amenities and perks, such as double or twin beds, sofa beds and upper bunks, complimentary breakfast, TV & seating area, a steward service and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Accessibility

The ferries to Amsterdam are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, adapted amenities in common areas, as well as wheelchair-accessible cabins.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Can you take pets on the ferry to Amsterdam?

Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries to Amsterdam, provided you include them in your booking. During the journey, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a lead.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On DFDS ferries to Amsterdam, your pet can stay in the onboard kennels, a pet-friendly cabin, or, if you are travelling with a car or caravan, in your vehicle. Keep in mind that you cannot leave dogs in your vehicle.

What pet documents do I need?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to the UK.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, the ferries to Amsterdam are equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stay connected during the trip. Onboard, you can pick from a range of data bundles, depending on your needs.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, the conventional cruise ferries to Amsterdam are designed for long-haul travel and generally offer plenty of entertainment options for all ages. These include live music with bands and performers in the main lounge/club area, cinemas with recent Blockbuster releases, playrooms for children and video game arcades, as well as casino games for adults.

On the ferries, you will also find duty-free shops and kiosks with massive savings on spirits, fragrances, and electronics compared to high-street prices.

The ferries serving the Amsterdam ferry routes have car decks for transporting vehicles.

How much does it cost to bring my car to Amsterdam?

Prices normally start at around €130 (£115) for a car, €85 (£75) for a motorbike and €265 (£230) for a caravan.

Can I take my caravan on the ferry to Amsterdam?

Yes, the ferries to Amsterdam route have spacious car decks that allow the transportation of caravans up to 10 m in length.

What documents do I need?

When traveling by ferry to Amsterdam, you will need to bring along a passport that is valid for at least 3 months, as you will be crossing the international border between the UK and the Netherlands.

If you are a British citizen, you can typically stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or similar purposes.

How to book ferry tickets

You can easily book ferry tickets to Amsterdam on Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select Amsterdam as your destination, along with your port of departure and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry crossings, travel times, and ticket prices
4. Complete your booking securely online

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive your ferry tickets by email. Ferryhopper allows you to manage your booking, check updates, and access customer support all in one place.

Check-in and boarding procedures

The check-in process involves both ticket verification and passport control, with check-in closing 45 min before the ship sails.

Once you have your boarding pass, you will pass through security and passport control. Foot passengers board the ferry via a dedicated gangway, while drivers follow the marshals' instructions onto the car decks.

Can I board with an electronic ticket?

With DFDS, you can book your Amsterdam ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Amsterdam, in the heart of the Netherlands, is a major cultural and transport hub in northern Europe. Home to many iconic museums, lively cafés and charming waterways, the Dutch capital is one of Europe’s most captivating cities.

You can find out more in our dedicated Amsterdam travel guide.

Best time to book

The ferry route to Amsterdam is very popular, especially during the summer months and school holidays, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

High season (June-August)

The ferries to Amsterdam during the summer, from June to August, often can sell out months in advance, so it’s best to book your ticket at least 2 to 3 months ahead to secure your preferred cabin type and the best prices.

Shoulder & Low Season

For tris during spring, autumn, or winter, you can usually book 3 to 4 weeks in advance, however crossings during the weekend or around major holidays tend to fill up quickly.

Arrival

Because these are international routes involving passport control, it is essential to arrive on time.

• If you are travelling as a foot passenger, you should aim to arrive at the terminal at least 1-1.5 hr before departure.
• f you are travelling with a car, motorbike, or bicycle, then it’s best to arrive at least 1.5-2 hr before the scheduled departure.

When booking a ferry to Amsterdam, it is important to know that international ferries do not dock in the canal ring, but rather at the Port of IJmuiden, which handles international crossings.

How many ports does Amsterdam have?

For international ferry travel, there is one main terminal in Amsterdam, the Felison Terminal in IJmuiden.

Where is Amsterdam's port?

The Felison Terminal (Ferry Terminal) is about approximately 30 km west of Amsterdam’s city centre. The port is specifically designed to handle the daily DFDS cruise ferries from Newcastle. At the port, you will find a basic traveller amenities, such as a a café, seating areas, and check-in desks for both foot passengers and those travelling with vehicles.

How to get to Amsterdam port

• By DFDS shuttle: from Amsterdam Centraal Station you can take a DFDS shuttle bus directly to the ferry terminal.
• By public transport: from Amsterdam Sloterdijk station, you can reach IJmuiden (Badweg stop), with bus line 382 in about 45-50 min.
• By taxi: a taxi from central Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport takes about 30 min to reach the port, depending on traffic.
• By car: from Amsterdam, follow the A22 or A208 towards IJmuiden and then the signs for the DFDS terminal (Felison Terminal).

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Amsterdam, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.