Ferry Ports for Denmark
Check prices & times »Since there's no direct ferry to Denmark, there are no UK–Denmark ferry ports. Instead, you'll sail from a UK port to one in the Netherlands, then drive north through Germany into Denmark.
This guide covers the UK departure ports and the Dutch gateway ports you'd use to start the journey. For full detail on the crossings themselves, see our Holland guides.
Table of Contents
UK departure ports
Newcastle
Newcastle runs the overnight crossing to IJmuiden near Amsterdam, the natural choice for travellers from the north-east and Scotland. It saves a long drive south, and IJmuiden is well placed to begin the route north to Denmark.
Hull
Hull runs the overnight crossing to Rotterdam, a convenient starting point for travellers from northern England. From Rotterdam it's a drive north through Germany into Denmark.
Harwich
Harwich runs the fast crossing to the Hook of Holland, with good rail connections. It's the best starting point for car-free travel, with onward trains through the Netherlands and Germany, though it's a long journey to Denmark.
Dutch gateway ports
IJmuiden (Amsterdam)
IJmuiden, the ferry port for Amsterdam, is where the Newcastle crossing lands. From here it's roughly six and a half hours' drive north through Germany to the Danish border, making it a strong starting point.
Rotterdam (Europoort)
Rotterdam's Europoort terminal is where the Hull crossing lands. It's well connected for the drive north through Germany, and a practical gateway for reaching Denmark by road.
Hook of Holland
The Hook of Holland is where the fast Harwich crossing lands, with strong rail links. It suits foot passengers starting the onward journey by train, as well as drivers heading north.
Which ports should you choose?
A quick way to decide:
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The north-east and Scotland: Newcastle to IJmuiden
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Northern England: Hull to Rotterdam
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The east and south-east: Harwich to Hook of Holland
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Without a car: Harwich to Hook of Holland, for the rail links
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry port in Denmark for UK ferries?
Not for passengers — there's no direct UK–Denmark ferry. You sail to a Dutch port and drive north through Germany into Denmark.
Which UK ports have ferries towards Denmark?
Newcastle (to IJmuiden), Hull (to Rotterdam) and Harwich (to Hook of Holland) — all requiring an onward drive north through Germany.
Which Dutch port is best for reaching Denmark?
IJmuiden, reached from Newcastle, is well placed for the drive north; Rotterdam and the Hook of Holland also work well.
How far is Denmark from the Dutch ports?
Roughly six and a half hours' drive north through Germany, depending on your destination in Denmark.
Which port is best without a car?
Harwich to the Hook of Holland, thanks to its rail links for the onward journey through the Netherlands and Germany.