Holland Ferry Routes
Check prices & times »There are three direct ferry routes from the UK to Holland, each from a different east-coast English port to a different Dutch port, and each run by a different operator. Between them they cover the whole country, from Rotterdam and the south to Amsterdam and the north.
Which route works best depends on where you're starting and where you're headed. Here's how all three compare, with operators, crossing times and arrival ports.
All UK–Holland ferry routes
| Route | Operator | Time | Frequency | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harwich–Hook of Holland | Stena Line | ~6h 30m–7h | up to 4 daily | View Guide |
| Hull–Rotterdam (Europoort) | P&O Ferries | ~11–12h overnight | daily | View Guide |
| Newcastle–Amsterdam (IJmuiden) | DFDS | ~15–16h overnight | daily | View Guide |
Harwich–Hook of Holland
Operator: Stena Line
Time: ~6h 30m–7h
Frequency: up to 4 daily
Hull–Rotterdam (Europoort)
Operator: P&O Ferries
Time: ~11–12h overnight
Frequency: daily
Newcastle–Amsterdam (IJmuiden)
Operator: DFDS
Time: ~15–16h overnight
Frequency: daily
Caption: All three sail from the east coast of England. Harwich is the fastest and most frequent; Hull and Newcastle are overnight crossings.
The routes compared
Each route has a clear character:
- Harwich–Hook of Holland: the fastest and most flexible, up to four daily sailings, day or overnight, with the best rail links — strongest from London and the south-east
- Hull–Rotterdam: an overnight crossing arriving at Europoort, best for Rotterdam, the southern Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
- Newcastle–Amsterdam: an overnight crossing to IJmuiden, best for Amsterdam and the north, and for travellers from northern England and Scotland
By destination
If you know your Dutch destination:
- Amsterdam: Newcastle–Amsterdam (IJmuiden) is the direct route
- Rotterdam: Hull–Rotterdam (Europoort) lands closest
- The Hague, Utrecht, or flexibility: Harwich–Hook of Holland, with fast onward rail
- Onward to Belgium or Germany: Hull–Rotterdam suits drivers heading further into Europe
By starting point
Or by where you're travelling from:
- London and the south-east: Harwich, with easy Rail & Sail
- Yorkshire, the Midlands and the north: Hull
- The north-east and Scotland: Newcastle
- Without a car: Harwich is the strongest, thanks to its rail connections at both ends
Booking the routes
A few things worth knowing across all three:
- No day trips: every crossing is too long for a same-day return
- Cabins: compulsory on the overnight Hull and Newcastle sailings, available on Harwich
- Book ahead: cabins and the limited pet spaces sell out in summer
- Documents: a valid passport is required, and the EES entry system applies on arrival
- Operators: see our guides for Stena Line, P&O Ferries and DFDS
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ferry routes are there from the UK to Holland?
Three — Harwich to Hook of Holland (Stena Line), Hull to Rotterdam (P&O Ferries) and Newcastle to Amsterdam (DFDS).
What's the fastest ferry route to Holland?
Harwich to Hook of Holland, at around six and a half to seven hours, with up to four sailings a day.
Which route is best for Amsterdam?
Newcastle to Amsterdam, arriving at IJmuiden near the city.
Which route is best for Rotterdam?
Hull to Rotterdam, arriving at Europoort near the city.
Which route is best without a car?
Harwich to Hook of Holland, thanks to its rail connections at both ends and the Rail & Sail service from London.