Ferries UK - Netherlands

Tickets, prices & schedules

You can travel by ferry from the UK to the Netherlands all year round, usually with up to 3-4 daily crossings. Ferries depart from Newcastle, Harwich and Hull and arrive in Amsterdam, Hook of Holland and Rotterdam. The journey takes as little as 6 hr 45 min and tickets cost from € 63.

Stena Line, DFDS and P&O Ferries serve the England - Holland routes with conventional cruise ferries that feature car decks, cabins and many more amenities. Find up-to-date info, compare timetables, companies and prices for 2026, and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper without hidden fees.

On-board services and amenities

Stena Line, DFDS and P&O Ferries operate conventional cruise ferries on the UK - Netherlands ferry crossings, such as the Stena Britannica, Princess Seaways and Pride of Hull. Depending on the route and ferry, you will typically find:

  • 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 ferries serving the UK - Netherlands routes 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.

The operators 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, private cabins are available on all three UK - Netherlands ferry routes. 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 England to Holland ferry?

Yes, the UK - Netherlands ferries generally travel overnight, with the operators offering a range of accommodation options. The most comfortable choice for a night at sea is to book a cabin, especially if you are travelling with family or pets. Alternatively, you can book more budget-friendly numbered reclining seats, which are usually in a VIP or business lounge.

What seats can I book?

  • Stena Line (Harwich - Hook of Holland): 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.
  • P&O Ferries (Hull - Rotterdam): 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.
  • DFDS (Newcastle - Amsterdam): booking a cabin is mandatory and there are no deck or lounge tickets.

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.

Pet travel

You can bring your pet with you on UK - Netherlands 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 your return to the UK.

Useful tips for your ferry trip to Holland from the UK

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

  • The UK 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 UK and the Netherlands. The times indicated on tickets are local.
  • If you are travelling with a vehicle, remember that in Europe you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Car deck spaces and cabins on the ferries are limited, so it’s best to book your return ticket on the Holland - UK ferry well in advance.

Where to take the ferry from the UK to the Netherlands

Ferries to the Netherlands depart from 3 ports in the UK: Harwich, Newcastle and Hull. Your departure terminal depends on the crossing and ferry company you choose:

  • Harwich: Stena Line ferries to Hoek van Holland leave from Harwich International Port, around 3 km from Harwich town centre. The terminal has seating, ticket services, toilets, vending machines and free Wi-Fi, with supermarkets and places to eat nearby in Parkeston.
  • Newcastle: DFDS Amsterdam ferries set sail from the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal in North Shields, approximately 14 km east of central Newcastle. The terminal has a café and parking facilities.
  • Hull: Rotterdam P&O Ferries depart from Terminal 1 at King George Dock, around 5 km east of Hull city centre. Facilities include seating, accessible toilets, baby-changing facilities and paid parking. For more cafés, shops and hotels, stop in central Hull before heading to the dock.

How to get to the ports in the UK?

  • Harwich: drive via the A12 and A120, following signs for Harwich International Port. Harwich International railway station is beside the terminal, with journeys from London Liverpool Street taking around 1.5 hr, sometimes with a change at Manningtree. Selected First Essex service 102 buses also serve the port. A taxi from Harwich town centre takes 5-10 min, while the drive from Stansted Airport takes about 1 hr.
  • Newcastle: follow the A19 and signs for the International Ferry Terminal at Royal Quays. From Newcastle Central Station, take service 327 from Bewick Street, opposite the station, to the terminal in around 25-30 min. Alternatively, take the Metro to Percy Main, followed by a 20-min walk. A taxi from central Newcastle takes around 20-30 min, while Newcastle Airport is around 35 min by car.
  • Hull: follow the M62 onto the A63, then signs for King George Dock and P&O Ferries. From the south, cross the Humber Bridge on the A15 before joining the A63 eastbound. From Hull Paragon Interchange, take Stagecoach service 70 to the terminal in around 30 min, or a taxi in 10-15 min. Humberside Airport is a 30-40 min drive from the port.

Check-in and boarding in the UK

Check-in arrangements depend on whether you sail from Harwich, Newcastle or Hull. Keep your passport, booking confirmation and any required travel documents ready. All times below are local UK times.

  • Harwich - Hook of Holland (Stena Line): check-in closes 45 min before departure for both foot passengers and vehicles. For the 09:00 sailing, check-in normally opens at 07:45 and for the 23:00 sailing, it normally opens at 20:30. Boarding generally starts around when the check-in opens.
  • Newcastle - Amsterdam (DFDS): check-in closes 45 min before departure for foot passengers and vehicles. Follow your booking confirmation for the recommended arrival time and boarding instructions.
  • Hull - Rotterdam (P&O Ferries): check-in opens at 15:00, with boarding normally beginning at 16:00. Check-in closes 1.5 hr before departure for all passengers, including those travelling on foot, with vehicles or with pets.

Important: check the times on your booking confirmation before setting off. Check-in opening, boarding and departure are separate stages, and arriving at the port at the cut-off may leave too little time to complete the checks.

Where does the ferry arrive in the Netherlands?

Ferries from the UK arrive at Hoek van Holland, IJmuiden near Amsterdam and Rotterdam Europoort, depending on your departure port.

  • Ferries from Harwich arrive at the Stena Line terminal in Hoek van Holland at Stationsweg, 10 min on foot from the village centre and 30 km west of Rotterdam. Facilities include a restaurant, toilets, vending machines and free Wi-Fi.
  • Ferries from Newcastle dock at the Felison Ferry Terminal in IJmuiden, approximately 30 km west of Amsterdam. This is separate from both Amsterdam’s city-centre cruise terminal and the Felison Cruise Terminal elsewhere in IJmuiden. Amsterdam’s main attractions and central hotels are beyond walking distance.
  • Ferries from Hull dock at the P&O Ferries Europoort terminal, on Luxemburgweg, around 40 km west of central Rotterdam. The terminal has waiting areas, toilets and accessible facilities. It lies within an industrial port area, separate from Hoek van Holland’s ferry terminal and Rotterdam’s city-centre cruise terminal, with no central shops or attractions within walking distance.

Onward travel from the ports in the Netherlands

  • From Hook of Holland: the Hoek van Holland Haven metro station is just outside the Stena Line terminal. Take RET line B to Beurs in central Rotterdam in around 35 min. For Rotterdam Centraal, change at Beurs to line D or E, with the journey taking 45-50 min overall, including the connection. You can also change at Schiedam Centrum for trains towards other Dutch cities. By car or taxi, central Rotterdam is around 30-40 min away.
  • From IJmuiden: DFDS offers a bookable coach transfer to De Ruijterkade 153, near Amsterdam Centraal, which usually takes around 30-45 min. Driving or taking a taxi to central Amsterdam takes a similar time. There is no railway station directly at the terminal, but there are local bus connections to railway stations, such as Beverwijk for onward travel.
  • From Rotterdam Europoort: follow signs for the A15 towards Rotterdam and you’ll reach the centre in around 35-45 min. P&O offers bookable coach transfers to Conradstraat beside Rotterdam Centraal, taking approximately 45 min, and to De Ruijterkade near Amsterdam Centraal, taking around 1.5 hr. If you’re travelling with a pet, arrange alternative transport, as pets cannot use P&O’s coaches.

How long is the ferry ride from United Kingdom to Netherlands?

The duration of the UK - Netherlands ferry trip normally ranges from 6 hr 45 min to 18 hr, depending on the route, operator and vessel. Here are indicative travel times for each route:

FAQs

On the UK - Netherlands ferries, you will need to bring your booking confirmation and a valid passport. Additional entry requirements depend on your nationality:

  • British citizens: your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and remain valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen area. For tourism, you can normally stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180-day period, counting visits across the Schengen area.
  • EU/EEA or Swiss citizens: you do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands.
  • Other nationalities: bring a valid passport and any required Schengen visa or residence permit. A UK visa or UK residence status does not automatically give you permission to enter the Netherlands.

The best crossing depends on where you’re travelling from, your destination in the Netherlands and whether you prefer a daytime or overnight journey:

  • Harwich - Hoek van Holland with Stena Line is ideal if you’re travelling from London, East Anglia or south-east England, or want the shortest sea crossing. You can choose a daytime or overnight sailing. It’s also convenient without a car, with Harwich International station beside the departure terminal and a metro connection to Rotterdam just outside the arrival terminal.
  • Choose Newcastle - Amsterdam with DFDS if you’re starting in north-east England or Scotland, particularly if it saves you a long drive south. The overnight crossing offers private cabins, restaurants and entertainment. You arrive in IJmuiden, outside Amsterdam, making it a practical option for an Amsterdam break.
  • The Hull - Rotterdam with P&O Ferries is a good choice if you’re travelling from Yorkshire, northern England or the Midlands and prefer an overnight crossing. It’s a useful starting point for a Dutch road trip, with cabins, dining and evening entertainment on board. You arrive at Europoort, outside Rotterdam, so if you are travelling on foot, you will need to book an onward coach or taxi, as regular public transport does not directly serve the terminal.

Tip: compare the whole journey and total cost, including travel to the UK port, cabin or seating arrangements, vehicle transport and onward transfers. The shortest crossing may not give you the quickest journey from home to your destination.

Yes, the ferries serving the UK to Holland routes have car decks for transporting vehicles, with the exact cost depending on the route, vehicle type, travel dates and availability. Prices generally start at around €35 to transport a car, €10 for a motorbike and €50 for a caravan or motorhome.

Make sure you bring your driving licence, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance documents.

No, the UK - Netherlands ferry routes are only served by conventional ferries. The fastest ferry completes the route from Harwich to Hook of Holland in 6 hr 45 min.

The distance between the UK and the Netherlands depends on your ports of departure and arrival. Here are indicative sailing distances for each route:

  • Harwich - Hook of Holland: approximately 198 nautical miles (around 367 km)
  • Newcastle - Amsterdam: around 278 nautical miles (about 516 km)
  • Hull - Rotterdam: about 308 nautical miles (roughly 570 km)

Yes, most UK - Netherlands ferries travel overnight, with departures typically scheduled in the evening and arrivals the next day.

Keep in mind that on overnight crossings with Stena Line and DFDS it is mandatory to book a cabin, while with P&O Ferries, you typically have the option of booking a seat in the Sleep Lounge.

With Stena Line, DFDS and P&O Ferries, you can book your UK - Netherlands ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Find detailed answers to all your questions about ferry ticket changes, cancellations and refunds.

Remember that you can also use Ferryhopper's online booking modification service, available with certain ferry companies.

If your ferry trip is canceled, you usually have the following options:

  • Change your ticket to another departure of equal value.
  • Cancel your ticket with a request sent to the ferry operator for a full refund.

Find out more about what you can do in case of weather disruption or ferry strike.

If you’re worried about possible delays or cancellations, you can always visit our ferry travel alerts page for real-time updates on strikes, weather disruptions, and service suspensions.

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