Taking the ferry to Amsterdam? That is easily possible with a direct crossing from Harwich! In this guide, we provide the complete route description from Harwich to Amsterdam, including directions to the port of Harwich and onward travel from Hook of Holland to Amsterdam.
To the Port of Harwich
The journey from England to Amsterdam starts at the port of Harwich. From here, a ferry departs twice a day to the port of Hook of Holland. On the map below, you can see the exact location of the port of Harwich.
Before driving directly to the port, it is advisable to secure your ferry tickets in advance. Check the prices for tickets per vehicle or book them directly on the Stena Line website.
Harwich to Amsterdam ferry time
At the moment, there is only one provider operating the crossing from Harwich: Stena Line. Check the sailing times from Harwich below.
| Sailings | Check-in | Boarding | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday - Saturday | 07:00 - 08:15 (Stena Hollandica) | 07:45 | 09:00 | 17:15 | 7,25 hours |
| Monday - Saturday | 20:00 - 22:15 (Stena Britannica) | 20:30 | 23:00 | 08:00 | 8 hours |
| Sunday | 20:00 - 22:15 (Stena Britannica) | 20:30 | 23:00 | 08:00 | 8 hours |
| Sunday | 08:00 - 09:15 (Stena Hollandica) | 08:30 | 10:00 | 18:00 | 7 hours |
Also, check the complete timetable from Harwich to Hook of Holland for the return journey.
On Board with Stena Line
When it's time to check in, you can soon drive aboard the Stena Line ferry. To get a good impression of the experience, we recommend watching videos from previous travellers on this route.
On board with Stena Line, you can enjoy various facilities:
- Restaurant and bar
- Duty-free shop
- Toilets
- Free WiFi
- Relaxation areas
- Baby changing facilities
You can also choose to take the night ferry for the crossing. In that case, you will have access to a cabin where you can sleep overnight. Sleep comfortably in the evening, and when you wake up, you’ll have arrived in the Netherlands!
Reading tip: We have personally experienced the night ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. In our detailed travel report, you’ll get a great insight into how we experienced this crossing. Read our travel report.
Arrival in Hook of Holland, the Netherlands
When you arrive by ferry at the port of Hook van Holland, you can easily continue your journey to Amsterdam. You can do this with your own vehicle, or you can choose to continue your trip using public transportation. The latter option may be interesting, as traffic rules in the Netherlands differ from those in the UK.
Continuing to Amsterdam by Car
If you continue your journey through the Netherlands by car, it is best to follow the A4, which provides a direct connection to Amsterdam. The distance is approximately 80 kilometers, and it takes about one and a half hours to reach Amsterdam by car. Check the route description on the map below.
Different Traffic Rules in the Netherlands
One important thing to keep in mind is that traffic rules in the Netherlands differ from those in the UK. Here are the key differences to be aware of:
- In the Netherlands (and most of Europe), you drive on the right side of the road instead of the left.
- Speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h) rather than miles per hour (mph).
- Distances are measured in kilometers, not miles.
Traveling to Amsterdam by Public Transport
Are you not looking forward to dealing with different traffic rules, or were you already planning to continue your journey by public transport? Then we have good news! There are excellent connections from the port of Hook of Holland to Amsterdam.
Taking the Metro to Rotterdam Central
At the port of Hook of Holland, you will find a metro station: Metrostation Hook of Holland Strand. From here, you can take Metro Line B towards Rotterdam Centraal. From Rotterdam Centraal, NS trains run directly to Amsterdam. In total, the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, which is about the same as traveling by car! 🙂
Once in Amsterdam
Now that you've arrived in Amsterdam, it's time to start your city adventure! Visit Madame Tussauds, take a stroll through Vondelpark, or enjoy a boat tour through the canals of Amsterdam. Check out some great activity tips for Amsterdam below.