Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland
This is the only ferry that sails directly between the UK and Hook of Holland, and it happens to be one of our favourite crossings. Stena Line runs a daytime and an overnight sailing year-round, and both land you at a terminal with its own metro station: you can be in central Rotterdam before your coffee order at home would have gone cold. For anyone heading to the western Netherlands, this route takes some beating.
Routes
Our experience
The daytime crossing takes up a large part of the day, but it is often one of the more affordable options available. Budget-friendly cabins are frequently offered, giving you a private space to relax during the journey.
Our experience
A comfortable overnight crossing on large ferries. The sailing is long enough to get some rest while still arriving in the Netherlands early in the morning. Thanks to excellent rail and public transport connections, it is also a popular choice among foot passengers and cyclists.
Ferry services from Harwich to Hook of Holland
Stena Line operates the route with two sailings a day in each direction: a daytime crossing of around seven hours and an overnight sailing that arrives early in the morning. Cars, campervans, motorcycles, bicycles and foot passengers are all carried, and both Harwich International and Hook of Holland have railway or metro stations at the terminal.
Map with suggested Harwich – Hook of Holland ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Harwich to Hook of Holland, 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 route is served by the Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica, two of the largest ferries on the North Sea. Having sailed both directions, our tip is to think about what you want from the crossing. The daytime sailing takes a large bite out of the day, but it is often the cheaper option and budget-friendly cabins are usually available if you fancy a nap at sea. The overnight sailing costs you no daylight at all: dinner on board, a proper bed, and the Dutch coast at breakfast.
Photos from the journey
A metro station next to the gangway
Hook of Holland is the best-connected arrival port in the Netherlands. Metro line B leaves from beside the terminal and runs straight into Rotterdam.
| Destination | Distance | By car | By public transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | ~20 miles | ~35 min | ~35 min (metro B) |
| The Hague | ~15 miles | ~30 min | ~45 min |
| Amsterdam | ~50 miles | ~1h 10m | ~1h 30m |
By car
Drivers like this route because Harwich is an easy, uncongested port compared with Dover, and because you arrive directly on the Dutch motorway network with no other countries to cross. The A20 starts almost at the terminal gate. Heading towards Amsterdam or Utrecht, allow a little extra in the morning rush hour around Rotterdam and The Hague; Dutch motorways are toll-free and well signposted.
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By campervan
We would call this the most relaxed way to bring a campervan into the Netherlands. The daytime sailing regularly has offers for campers, and arriving at Hook of Holland puts you within an hour of beach campsites, the Green Heart and the routes north towards Amsterdam. Enter your vehicle dimensions accurately when booking.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland?
Around seven hours. Stena Line sails twice daily: a daytime crossing and an overnight sailing that arrives around eight in the morning Dutch time.
Can foot passengers use the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry?
Yes: it is the best UK-Netherlands route without a car. Rail & Sail tickets connect London Liverpool Street through to any Dutch station, and metro line B leaves from beside the Dutch terminal.
Is Hook of Holland close to Amsterdam?
Reasonably: Amsterdam is about 50 miles away, an hour by car or roughly ninety minutes by metro and train. Rotterdam is far closer, about 35 minutes on the metro.
What is the overnight Harwich ferry like?
Clean, modern and functional, in our experience: a comfortable cabin and a quiet ship, though without the cinema or casino of the Hull and Newcastle boats – the night is short and the wake-up call comes around half past six. If you fancy a treat, the Captain’s Class upgrade with sea-view windows and its own coffee machine is money well spent after a long day. Small tip: your boarding pass doubles as your cabin key, so keep it handy.
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.