Ferries from Newcastle to the Netherlands
DFDS operates a daily overnight ferry between Newcastle and IJmuiden. The crossing includes cabins for all passengers and arrives on the North Sea coast west of Amsterdam. From IJmuiden, travellers can continue to Amsterdam, Haarlem and other destinations in the Randstad region.
Routes
To reach your destination, these are the crossings we recommend.
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 Newcastle to the Netherlands
DFDS operates a daily overnight ferry between Newcastle and IJmuiden. The crossing includes cabins for all passengers and arrives on the Dutch coast west of Amsterdam.
Map with suggested Newcastle – the Netherlands ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from Newcastle,hull 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 Newcastle route is one of the longest ferry crossings between the UK and mainland Europe. Restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment facilities make the journey feel closer to a mini cruise than a traditional ferry service.
Photos from the journey
Travelling onwards to destinations in the Netherlands
Keep in mind that when you arrive in “Amsterdam”, you will still need to travel a short distance to reach the city itself. The DFDS ferry actually arrives in IJmuiden, not in central Amsterdam. DFDS operates its own shuttle bus between the terminal in IJmuiden and Amsterdam Central Station, which is often the easiest option for foot passengers. If you’re travelling with a car, continuing your journey is easy: Amsterdam is half an hour away and Utrecht about an hour.
By car
Travellers with a car can expect the following distances and driving times within the Netherlands:
| Destination | Distance from IJmuiden | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | 19 miles (30 km) | 30–40 min |
| Utrecht | 41 miles (66 km) | 45–55 min |
| Arnhem | 62 miles (100 km) | 1 hr 15 min |
| German border | 90 miles (145 km) | 1 hr 45 min |
One arrival tip: you disembark into Dutch morning traffic driving on the right, with cycle paths crossing the port roads. The A9 towards Amsterdam is well signposted and toll-free, but give yourself the first ten minutes to recalibrate.
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By campervan
On longer ferry crossings like this one, you’ll often see plenty of campervans on board. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that fares for motorhomes can be quite expensive. Booking well in advance is usually the best way to keep costs down and secure a better deal for your camper crossing.
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.