Ferry Netherlands to UK

When planning your Netherlands - UK ferry trip, you can take advantage of the regular discounts available to specific passenger categories. Typically, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free, while children under 16 are entitled to 50% off regular ticket prices.

Stena Line, DFDS and P&O Ferries serve the Netherlands - UK ferry routes with conventional cruise ferries, such as the Stena Britannica, Princess Seaways and Pride of Hull. These vessels feature a range of amenities and services, such as:

• Comfy seats in air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Snack bars, cafés, and restaurants (à la carte and self-service), with child-friendly, vegan and vegetarian options available
• Luxury shops and kiosks with everything from the essentials to high-end gifts
• Onboard entertainment, including an online platform with music and podcasts, live music, cabaret shows and quizzes, cinema lounge, casino and arcade games
• Playrooms for children with events, drawing desks, and games
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip, with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs

Accessibility

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

Stena Line, DFDS and P&O Ferries offer boarding and disembarkation assistance upon request and prior notification before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so we recommend contacting the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, you can book a cabin on the ferry from the Netherlands to the UK. Depending on the route and vessel, you can choose from:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe suites with a double bed, breakfast, and sea view
• Cabins for passengers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins have an en-suite shower and toilet, bedding, towels and toiletries, while luxury cabins and suites may also have additional amenities, such as a double bed, TV, mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and a separate seating area.

Can you sleep on the Netherlands to UK ferry?

Yes, the ferries from the Netherlands to the UK often travel overnight, so you can sleep on board and arrive fresh in England. The ferry operators offer many different types of cabins, which are ideal if you are travelling with family or pets. Alternatively, on most ferries you can book a more budget-friendly numbered reclining seat in the VIP or business lounge.

What type of seats can I book?

• Stena Line (Hoek van Holland - Harwich): during the daytime, you can book a deck/lounge seat, and you can upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge, which offers a quieter environment, comfortable seating, a dedicated waiter service, and complimentary drinks and snacks.
• DFDS (Amsterdam - Newcastle): booking a cabin is mandatory and there are no deck or lounge tickets.
• P&O Ferries (Rotterdam - Hull): you can book a Sleeper Recliner seat in the Sleep Lounge, which comes with extra legroom, USB charging ports, and an adjustable reading lamp. These seats also have individual lockers and are located in an exclusive lounge with keypad access.

Luggage

Each operator has its own luggage policy:

• With DFDS and P&O Ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry on board by yourself, regardless of size or weight.
• When travelling with Stena Line, you can bring 2 pieces of luggage, weighing in total up to 20 kg, as well as hand luggage.

Travelling with pets

Pets are generally welcome on ferries from the Netherlands to the UK ferries, provided you include it in your booking.

Pets are not permitted in indoor public areas, such as the dining areas and shops. However, the ferries have designated pet areas on the outer decks where you can walk your dog during the crossing.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

The pet accommodation options depend on the route and operator:

• DFDS: your pet can stay in the onboard kennels or you can book a pet-friendly cabin. Keep in mind, though, that dogs cannot be left in vehicles, and this only applies to cats and other animals.
• P&O Ferries: you can keep your pet in the onboard kennels or you can book a pet-friendly cabin. Pets cannot remain in vehicles or travel in ordinary passenger lounges.
• Stena Line: your pet can stay in your vehicle (if you are travelling with a car or caravan), in the onboard kennels or you can book a pet-friendly cabin.

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 you arrive in the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from the Netherlands to the UK:

• The Dutch ports can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 2-3 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Don’t forget that there is a 1-hr time difference between the Netherlands and the UK. The times indicated on tickets are local.
• If you are travelling with a vehicle, remember that in the UK you drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Car deck spaces and cabins on the ferries are limited, so it’s best to book ticket for your return trip on the UK - Netherlands ferry well in advance.

Where to take the ferry from the UK to the Netherlands

Ferries to the UK set sail from 3 Dutch ports: Hoek van Holland, IJmuiden near Amsterdam or Rotterdam Europoort, depending on your destination.

• Stena Line ferries to Harwich leave from Stationsweg 10 in Hoek van Holland, around 30 km from Rotterdam. The terminal has a restaurant, toilets, vending machines and free Wi-Fi.
• DFDS ferries to Newcastle depart from the Felison Terminal at Sluisplein 33 in IJmuiden, approximately 30 km west of Amsterdam. There, you will find check-in desks, a waiting lounge, café, Wi-Fi and paid parking facilities.
• For Hull, head to the P&O Ferries terminal at Luxemburgweg in Rotterdam Europoort, around 38 km west of central Rotterdam. The terminal has waiting areas, toilets and accessible facilities. It lies within an industrial port area, separate from the Hoek van Holland ferry terminal, with no central shops or attractions nearby.

How to get to the ports in the Netherlands?

Getting to Hoek van Holland port

• By car or taxi: from Rotterdam, follow the A20 towards Hoek van Holland, then the signs for Stena Line. Allow approximately 35-40 min from central Rotterdam and The Hague Airport.
• By metro and train: take metro line B to Hoek van Holland Haven, just outside the ferry terminal. You can join the line at Beurs in central Rotterdam or Schiedam Centrum, which has connections to the Dutch railway network.

Getting to Amsterdam (IJmuiden) port

• By car: follow the A9 and A22 towards IJmuiden, then signs for the DFDS/Felison Terminal. Allow around 30-45 min from central Amsterdam, depending on traffic.
• By transfer coach: the DFDS shuttle leaves from De Ruijterkade 153, behind Amsterdam Centraal and takes around 30-40 min.
• By taxi: a taxi from central Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport takes approximately 30-45 min.

Getting to Rotterdam Europoort

• By car: follow the A15 towards Europoort, then the signs for P&O Ferries. The drive from central Rotterdam takes approximately 40 min, depending on traffic.
• By transfer coach: you can book a P&O coach transfer from Rotterdam or Amsterdam.
• By taxi: the ride from central Rotterdam usually takes around 40 min.

Check-in and boarding in the Netherlands

Have your booking confirmation and travel documents ready for everyone in your party, and follow the check-in instructions for your route. All times below are local Dutch times.

• Hoek van Holland - Harwich (Stena Line): check-in usually opens 2-3 hr before the ferry is scheduled to leave and closes 45 min before departure for both foot passengers and vehicles. Vehicle check-in opens earlier on certain sailings from mid-May to September. Foot passengers check in inside the passenger terminal, while drivers use the vehicle booths and then join their assigned boarding lane.
• Amsterdam (IJmuiden) - Newcastle (DFDS): check-in opens 4 hr before departure and closes 45 min before departure for foot passengers and vehicles. Foot passengers check in inside the Felison Terminal and board via the passenger air bridge after completing the required checks. Drivers follow signs to vehicle check-in, then proceed through security and onto the ship when directed.
• Rotterdam - Hull (P&O Ferries): check-in at Europoort normally opens at 16:00, with boarding starting around 17:00. Check-in closes 90 min before departure for all passengers. Foot passengers follow signs to passenger check-in, while drivers use the vehicle lanes and follow staff instructions for boarding.

Check-in opening time is separate from boarding time, so you may need to wait before going aboard. Allow time for document and security checks, and always follow the latest timings on your booking confirmation.

Where does the ferry arrive in the UK?

Ferries from the Netherlands arrive 3 ports in England, depending on your route: Harwich, Newcastle (North Shields) or Hull.

• Stena Line ferries from Hoek van Holland dock at Harwich International Port at Parkeston Quay, beside Harwich International railway station, about 3 km from Harwich town centre. The terminal has toilets, vending machines, free Wi-Fi and ticket facilities.
• DFDS ferries from IJmuiden arrive at the International Passenger Terminal at Royal Quays in North Shields, approximately 14 km east of Newcastle city centre. The terminal has a café and parking facilities.
• P&O Ferries services from Rotterdam dock at Terminal 1 at King George Dock, off Hedon Road, around 5 km east of central Hull. The terminal has seating areas, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities and paid parking.

Onward travel from the ports in England

• From Harwich: if you’re driving, follow the A120 towards Colchester, where you can join the A12 for London. Foot passengers can travel by train from Harwich International station to London Liverpool Street in around 1.5 hr, with some services requiring a change at Manningtree. Local trains also serve Dovercourt and Harwich Town, while taxis are an option for nearby accommodation.
• From Newcastle (North Shields): by car, follow the A19 for routes north and south, or the A1058 towards central Newcastle. The city centre is approximately 20-30 min away by car or taxi, depending on traffic. For public transport, you can book the DFDS transfer coach to Bewick Street, opposite Newcastle Central Station, which leaves shortly after the ferry arrives. Alternatively, Percy Main Metro station is approximately a 20-minute walk from the terminal and connects with central Newcastle and the wider Metro network.
• From Hull: follow Hedon Road and the A63 towards the city centre and the M62 for onward travel across Yorkshire. A taxi to the centre or Hull Paragon Interchange takes approximately 15 min. From Paragon Interchange, you can continue by train to destinations including London, Leeds and Manchester, or catch local and regional buses. The Old Town, marina, shops and hotels are accessible from the city centre.