Ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam

Planning a short trip to Amsterdam? On the Newcastle - Amsterdam route, DFDS offers 6-day short break fares: special prices for trips with a return within up to 6 days.

Look for the “6-day short break” label and check its return conditions. Your outward and return sailing times will help you work out how much time you'll have to explore Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

Here's how to book your short break:

1. Search for a return trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam on Ferryhopper.
2. Choose outward and return travel dates that fit the offer's 6-day return window.
3. Look for the short break label in the search results and select your fare.

When travelling by ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, 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.

DFDS serves the Newcastle - Amsterdam ferry with conventional cuise ferries, such as the King Seaways and Princess Seaways. These vessels are designed for long-distance travel and feature a range of modern amenities and services, such as:

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

Cabins and accommodation

What cabins can I book?

For greater comfort, you can book a cabin for 1-4 passengers on ferries travelling from Newcastle to Amsterdam. Typically, you have a choice between:

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

Cabin prices start from around € 79.

Can I book a seat?

No, DFDS does not offer deck or lounge tickets on the Newcastle - Amsterdam ferry and cabins are mandatory. 

Luggage

On DFDS ferries, you can bring as many bags as you can carry onboard youself, free of charge. 

Travelling with pets

Pets are allowed on most Newcastle - Amsterdam ferries, provided you include them in your booking and purchase the necessary ticket.

Remember to bring your pet’s travel and health documents, as well as the tickets and any pet supplies you may need for the trip.

During the journey, smaller animals must be kept in carriers, while larger animals must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

With DFDS, you can book a place in the kennels or a pet-friendly cabin. Keep in mind, though, that dogs cannot be left in vehicles, and this only applies to cats and other animals.

What travel documents do I need for my pet?

When travelling from Newcastle to Amsterdam, you will need to bring:

• Your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip)

Additionally, for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Newcastle to Amsterdam:

• The port of Newcastle can get busy, especially in the summer, so make sure you get there at least 1.5-2 hr ahead of departure, especially if you are travelling with a vehicle.
• The North Sea can get a bit choppy, so if the sea makes you feel queasy, consider taking seasickness medication before boarding. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Don’t forget that there is a 1-hour time difference between the UK and the Netherlands. The times indicated on tickets are local.
• When planning your return journey, book your ticket on the Amsterdam - Newcastle ferry well in advance for peace of mind.
• You can also travel to the Netherlands from Harwich and Hull. Fore details timetables, companies, and prices, check out the UK - Netherlands ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam

Ferries to Amsterdam normally depart from the Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal, at Albert Edward Dock, Royal Quays, in North Shields. This is the terminal used by DFDS for the route, approximately 14 km east of Newcastle city centre and 23 km from Newcastle International Airport.

Nearby, the Royal Quays shopping centre has shops and cafés where you can pick up essentials before heading to check-in.

How to get to Newcastle port

• By car: approach via the A19 and follow signs for the International Passenger Terminal and Royal Quays.
• By DFDS shuttle bus: buses run from Bewick Street, opposite Newcastle Central Station, to the terminal, taking approximately 30 min.
• By Metro: travel to Percy Main, then walk approximately 20 min to the terminal.
• By local bus: service 317 connects North Shields and Wallsend with Royal Quays, within walking distance of the terminal.
• By taxi: the taxi ride to the prot takes around 30 min from Newcastle Central Station and 35 min from Newcastle International Airport, depending on traffic.

Check-in and booking at Newcastle

For your ferry to Amsterdam, check in at the DFDS International Passenger Terminal in North Shields. Check-in generally opens at 3 hr before the ferry is scheduled to leave and closes 45 min before departure for both foot passengers and passengers with vehicles. Aim to arrive at least 1.5-2 hr before departure, allowing extra time during busy periods, such as school holidays and summer weekends.

• Foot passengers: head inside the passenger terminal to the DFDS check-in desks, keeping your passport and booking confirmation ready. After check-in and security checks, you board using the passenger airbridge.
• Passengers with vehicles: follow signs to the vehicle check-in lanes and have the travel documents for everyone in your vehicle ready. After check-in and security checks, follow staff instructions to the boarding lanes and onto the car deck.

Where does the ferry arrive in Amsterdam?

Ferries from Newcastle typically dock at the Felison Ferry Terminal in IJmuiden, which is about 30 km west of Amsterdam city centre.  Keep in mind that this is separate from both Amsterdam’s central cruise terminal and the Felison Cruise Terminal near IJmuiden beach.

At the terminal, you’ll find basic traveller amenities, including free Wi-Fi, toilets and baby-changing facilities, along with parking and coach connections. If you’d like something to eat before continuing your journey, there are restaurants nearby.

Onward travel from IJmuiden ferry port

• By car: you can drive to Amsterdam via the A22, A9 and A10, in about 30-45 min, depending on your destination.
• By DFDS coach: transfer coaches connect the ferry terminal with Amsterdam Centraal, with a journey time of approximately 30-40 min. From there, you can continue by train, tram or metro.
• By public transport: walk approximately 20 min to Kromhoutstraat, then take bus 382 towards Amsterdam Sloterdijk. At Sloterdijk, change to a train for Amsterdam Centraal or use the metro for other parts of the city. The entire journey takes roughly 1-1.5 hr, depending on waiting time and connections.
• By taxi: you can easily reach central Amsterdam or the Airport by taxi in 30-45 min.