Ferries Newcastle

When travelling by ferry from Newcastle, you can take advantage of the regular discounts of up to 50% offered to specific traveller categories. Generally, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket rates, while infants and toddlers up to 4 years old usually travel for free.

Newcastle is a vital maritime link connecting Northern England and Scotland to the Netherlands and mainland Europe.

Newcastle - Amsterdam (IJmuiden)

The ferry connection from Newcastle to Amsterdam is one of the most popular ways to reach continental Europe and the Netherlands. The route is served all year round with 1 daily ferry, which usually takes 15 hr 45 min to reach the port of IJmuiden, which is about 30 km outside the Dutch capital. Ticket prices start at around €89 (£79), including a cabin.

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

How much luggage can you take on the ferry from Newcastle?

When travelling with DFDS from England to Amsterdam, you can bring up to 50 kg of baggage, free of charge.

Planning your trip from the Port of Tyne is straightforward, as there is one primary international route that connects you directly to continental Europe.

How long is the ferry ride from Newcastle?

The ferry trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam normally lasts about 15 hr 45 min.

What is the cheapest ferry route from Newcastle?

The cheapest ticket on the Newcastle - Amsterdam route cost around €89 (£79), which includes a cabin.

The conventional ferries travelling from Newcastle typically have car decks for transporting vehicles, such as cars, motorbikes, vans and caravans.

How much does it cost to bring my car from Newcastle?

On DFDS ferries to Amsterdam from Newcastle, the cost of transporting vehicles starts at around €123 (£109) for a car, €78 (£69) for a motorbike and €248 (£220) for a caravan.

Can I take my caravan on the ferry from Newcastle?

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

DFDS operates routes from Newcastl with conventional cruise ferries such as the Princess Seaways and King Seaways. These vessels are designed for long-haul travel and are equipped with a range of modern amenities and services for a comfortable and relaxed journey. Onboard, you will typically find:

• Air-conditioned lounges and deck seating to enjoy the sea view
• Cafés, bars and restaurants serving snacks, drinks and meals
• Duty-free shops and kiosks for the essentials, gifts and last-minute purchases
• Entertainment, including movie lounges, play areas for children and casino games for adults
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Are there cabins on the ferries?

Yes, on ferries travelling from Newcastle to Amsterdam, cabins are mandatory and you cannot book deck or lounge seats. Typically, you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers from the following types:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins (with minibar, double bed, TV, breakfast and sea view)
• Cabins accessible for travellers with disabilities
• Pet-friendly cabins

All cabins 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).

What type of seats you can book

As mentioned There are no deck or lounge seating options available on DFDS ferries serving the Newcastle - Amsterdam route. All tickets include a cabin, and during the trip you are free to use the various lounge areas, bars, and cafés.

Can I travel first class?

Yes, the DFDS ferries from Newcastle typically have a range of Commodore de Luxe premium cabins for 3-4 passengers. These cabins typically come with double or twin beds, sofa beds and upper bunks, complimentary breakfast, TV & seating area, steward service and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Newcastle are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

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 from Newcastle?

Yes, pets are generally allowed on ferries from Newcastle, provided you include them in your booking. The ferries have pet-friendly areas on the outer decks, for fresh air and exercise during the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On DFDS ferries from Newcastle to Amsterdam, you can either book a pet-friendly cabin or a space in the onboard kennels. If you are travelling with a car or caravan, you also have the option of leaving smaller pets in your vehicle. Keep in mind that you cannot leave any dogs in you vehicle.

Is there Wi-Fi on the ferries?

Yes, all ferries from Newcastle have a Wi-Fi hotspot for messaging, emails, social media, and even streaming, with a range of data bundles available to suit your needs. If you book a Commodore De Luxe cabin, you will typically receive complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Is there entertainment on the ferries?

Yes, the conventional cruise ferries from Newcastle have plenty of entertainment options:

• Live music with bands and performers in the main lounge/club area
• On-board cinemas showing recent Blockbuster releases with options all ages
• Casino areas for adults and video game arcades for teenagers and children
• Duty-free shops and kiosks with massive savings on spirits, fragrances, and electronics compared to high-street prices

What documents do I need?

As you will be crossing the international border between the UK and the Netherlands, you will need to bring along a passport that is valid for at least 3 months.

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 from Newcastle Ferryhopper in just a few clicks:

1. Select your Newcastle as your port of departure, along with your destination and travel dates
2. Add passengers, pets and vehicles
3. Compare ferry operators, 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 at the Port of Tyne involves both ticket verification and passport control. Check-in typically opens 3 hr before departure and closes strictly 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 Newcastle tickets online on Ferryhopper and pick them up in paper form from the company’s collection points at the port before the trip.

Built along the River Tyne, on the northeast coast of England, Newcastle upon Tyne combines history, culture, and northern friendliness like few other cities in the UK. You can find out more details in our Newcastle travel guide.

Best time to book

The best time to book Newcastle ferry tickets is usually 2-3 months in advance, especially if you are travelling in the summer or during major holidays, like Easter or Christmas. As pet-friendly cabins and car deck spaces often sell out quickly, booking early ensures better prices and peace of mind.

In general, mid-week departures tend to be cheaper than weekend sailings, and you can often spot early-bird discounts or seasonal offers if you plan ahead. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, compare a few days around your ideal crossing on Ferryhopper, as even a small shift can make a big difference in price.

Arrival

The Newcastle terminal is well-organised, but the North Sea crossing requires strict check-in times due to border controls.

• If you are travelling with a vehicle, you must arrive and check in at least 1 hr 30 min before departure, to ensure you boar.
• For foot passengers, check-in closes 45 min before the ferry leaves. We recommend arriving 1.5 hr early to clear security comfortably.

How many ports does Newcastle have?

Newcastle has 1 international ferry port, the Port of Tyne. All passenger ferries departing for Amsterdam leave from the International Passenger Terminal located at Royal Quays in North Shields.

Where is Newcastle's port?

The Port of Tyne is situated in North Shields, which is about 13 km (8 miles) east of Newcastle city centre. It sits on the north bank of the River Tyne, near the river's mouth where it meets the North Sea.

How to get to Newcastle port

The terminal is well-connected to the city centre and the rest of the UK:

• By shuttle bus: DFDS operates a dedicated shuttle bus from Bewick Street (directly opposite Newcastle Central Station), with departures timed with the ferry schedule, at 14:30 and 15:30. The journey takes about 25 min.
• By metro: you can take the Yellow Line to Percy Main station and from there it is about a 15-20 min walk to the terminal, or a short taxi ride.
• By car: follow the A19 towards the Tyne Tunnel. Before the tunnel, follow the signs for International Ferry and the A187 towards North Shields.
• By taxi: a taxi from the city centre takes about 20 min, depending on your location and traffic conditions.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Newcastle, 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.