The ferry to Rotterdam is the overnight crossing from Hull, run by P&O Ferries. It arrives at the Europoort terminal, the gateway to Rotterdam and the wider southern Netherlands, and it's one of the most convenient routes for drivers heading into the Netherlands, Belgium or western Germany.
At around 11 to 12 hours it's a comfortable overnight sailing on some of the largest ferries in the P&O fleet. This guide covers the crossing, the ships and how to reach Rotterdam at the other end.
Hull to Rotterdam at a glance
P&O Ferries
- RouteHull – Rotterdam (Europoort)
- Duration~11–12 hours, overnight
- FrequencyDaily
- ShipsPride of Hull, Pride of Rotterdam
| Route | Operator | Crossing time | Frequency | Ships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hull – Rotterdam (Europoort) | P&O Ferries | ~11–12 hours, overnight | Daily | Pride of Hull, Pride of Rotterdam |
P&O runs the only direct ferry to Rotterdam, sailing overnight every day from Hull to the Europoort terminal.
The overnight crossing
This is a comfortable overnight crossing rather than a quick hop. You board in the evening at Hull's King George Dock, sleep in a cabin, and arrive at Europoort the next morning.
Cabins are compulsory on this sailing, ranging from standard inside cabins to premium options. It's a relaxed, time-effective way to travel that bypasses the drive to the south-coast ports and the crowds of the Channel.
The ships: Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam
The route is served by the Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam — two of the largest ferries in the P&O fleet, each with twelve decks and hundreds of cabins.
Onboard you'll find the Brasserie restaurant, The Kitchen buffet, a coffee bar, a paid Club Lounge, a show bar with live entertainment, a shop, a cinema and a children's play area. There's plenty to fill the evening crossing.
Getting to Rotterdam from Europoort
The ferry arrives at Europoort, which sits about 37km (around 23 miles) from central Rotterdam. P&O offers a pre-bookable coach transfer from the terminal into the city, dropping off at a central stop.
From Rotterdam you can reach the rest of the Netherlands quickly by train — the city is a major rail hub — making this a practical gateway for the southern Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany.
Travel documents and EES
The Netherlands is in the EU and the Schengen area, so you'll need a valid passport. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) applies — on your first crossing since it went live, border officers register your fingerprints and a photo, with later trips quicker.
Allow a little extra time at the border during the rollout, and check your passport's dates before you travel.
Internal link: Entry/Exit System (EES)
Booking and travel tips
A few practical things worth knowing:
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Cabins compulsory: every passenger books a cabin on this overnight sailing
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Book ahead: cabins and pet spaces sell out in summer
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Pets: carried, with dog-friendly cabins and kennels — note pets cannot stay in the car on this route
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Getting to the port: buses run from Hull's King George Dock to the Paragon Interchange in the city
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Onward transfer: pre-book the P&O coach to central Rotterdam if you're a foot passenger
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry to Rotterdam?
Yes — P&O Ferries runs an overnight ferry from Hull to the Europoort terminal near Rotterdam, sailing daily.
How long is the ferry to Rotterdam?
Around 11 to 12 hours — an overnight crossing with cabins compulsory.
Where does the Rotterdam ferry arrive?
At Europoort, about 37km from central Rotterdam, with a pre-bookable coach transfer into the city.
Which ships run the Hull to Rotterdam route?
The Pride of Hull and Pride of Rotterdam, two of the largest ferries in the P&O fleet.
Can my pet stay in the car on the Hull to Rotterdam ferry?
No — on this overnight route pets travel in dog-friendly cabins or kennels, not in the vehicle.