Ferries from Edinburgh to the Netherlands
Travellers from Edinburgh generally use either the Newcastle–IJmuiden route or the Hull–Rotterdam route. Both crossings operate overnight and avoid the need to drive to southern England. The choice usually depends on your final destination in the Netherlands.
Routes
Our experience
In our experience, this is the most enjoyable ferry crossing to the Netherlands. It feels like part of the holiday rather than simply a means of transport and is also popular as a mini-cruise. The only drawback is that it leaves you slightly farther from many Dutch destinations than some of the other available routes.
Our experience
We found this to be a pleasant and relaxed crossing with a well-timed schedule. It is particularly well suited to travellers with a car, campervan or motorcycle, as onward travel options for foot passengers are somewhat limited from the arrival port.
Ferry services from Edinburgh to the Netherlands
Travellers from Scotland usually use one of the overnight ferry routes from Newcastle or Hull. Both crossings arrive in the Netherlands the following morning.
Map with suggested Edinburgh – the Netherlands ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Edinburgh to the Netherlands, with crossing times, fares and the ports they sail from. Tap a route for details, tap a port for its sailings, or zoom in for more.
Onboard experience
The ships on the Newcastle route are among the largest ferries serving the Netherlands. While they are not luxury cruise ships, they offer considerably more facilities than most short-distance ferries. Passengers can choose from a range of restaurants and bars, while those travelling overnight can book private cabins. The ships also feature evening entertainment and dedicated play areas for children.
By car
For travellers heading to Amsterdam, the Newcastle ferry offers the closest direct connection between Scotland and the Netherlands. Although the crossing takes around 16 hours, most of the journey takes place overnight, allowing you to wake up just outside the Dutch capital.
| Edinburgh → Amsterdam | Via Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Drive to port | 2h 30m |
| Ferry crossing | 16h |
| Drive after arrival | 30m |
| Total | ~19h |
Utrecht lies almost in the centre of the Netherlands and is one of the country’s most important rail hubs. Despite being further inland, it is still easily reached from the DFDS terminal in IJmuiden.
| Edinburgh → Utrecht | Via Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Drive to port | 2h 30m |
| Ferry crossing | 16h |
| Drive after arrival | 1h |
| Total | ~19h 30m |
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Still weighing up your options?
We are a Dutch team and we have made all three direct crossings ourselves, and the photos on this site are our own. Tell us where you are starting and we will point you to the smartest way across.