Ferries from Harwich to the Netherlands
Stena Line links Harwich with Hook of Holland twice a day, year-round: a daytime crossing and an overnight sailing. It is the only direct route from southeast England, and having sailed it in both directions we rate it as the most effortless way into the country: you land beside a metro station, twenty minutes from Rotterdam, with The Hague and Amsterdam within easy reach.
Routes
To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend.
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 the Netherlands
There is only one direct ferry route from Harwich to the Netherlands, operated by Stena Line. Both daytime and overnight sailings are available throughout the year.
Map with suggested Harwich – the Netherlands ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Harwich 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 this route are large and offer a range of restaurants, cafés and family-friendly facilities. While they are not particularly known for onboard entertainment, they provide a comfortable crossing and are well suited to families. Passengers can often board well before departure, leaving plenty of time to enjoy a meal before setting sail.
Photos from the journey
By car
The Harwich route combines a relatively short drive from much of southeast England with a crossing of almost seven hours. Travellers can choose between daytime and overnight sailings, and vehicles remain safely parked on the car deck throughout the journey. A heads-up for the first Dutch miles: cycle paths cross the roads around Hoek van Holland exactly where British drivers do not expect them, and cyclists usually have priority. On the motorway, note the daytime limit of 100 km/h, enforced by average speed checks.
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By campervan
For motorhome travellers, the Harwich route is often competitively priced compared with the other two direct ferry crossings to the Netherlands. The daytime sailing in particular can sometimes offer attractive deals, with campervans charged at rates similar to those for standard passenger cars.
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.