Ferry from the UK to Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the easiest Dutch city to reach by ferry, with two genuine options. P&O sails overnight from Hull directly into the port at Europoort, while Stena Line’s Harwich crossing lands at Hook of Holland, which sits inside the Rotterdam region with a metro line into town. Both work; where you live in Britain decides it more than anything on the Dutch side.
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.
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
We’ve travelled on every ferry route between Dover and the continent ourselves. We were particularly impressed by P&O Ferries thanks to its competitive fares, modern ships, clean facilities and spacious outdoor decks. For many travellers heading to the Netherlands, this is often the fastest and most affordable option.
Ferry services from the UK to Rotterdam
P&O Ferries sails every evening from Hull to Rotterdam Europoort, arriving the next morning with cabins included. Stena Line sails twice daily from Harwich to Hook of Holland, with a daytime and an overnight option. Full detail on each: Hull-Rotterdam and Harwich-Hook of Holland.
Map with suggested the UK – Rotterdam ferry routes
This map shows ferry routes from England to Rotterdam, 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
From the North and Midlands, the Hull overnighter is the natural pick: dinner aboard, a cabin, and the morning free. From London and the South, Harwich wins on proximity and gives you the choice between a daytime crossing and a night boat. We have sailed both into Rotterdam and neither has ever felt like the wrong answer.
Photos from the journey
Rotterdam after arrival
The two arrival points are closer together than the route names suggest.
| Arrival | To the city centre | How |
|---|---|---|
| Hook of Holland (Stena) | ~20 miles | metro B, ~35 min, or A20 by car |
| Europoort (P&O) | ~25 miles | car or P&O shuttle bus, ~40 min |
By car
Rotterdam is a friendlier city for drivers than Amsterdam: garage parking is plentiful and the ring road works. Both arrival ports put you on toll-free motorway within minutes; only the weekday morning peak deserves respect. For Dutch driving rules and habits, see our driving in the Netherlands guide.
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By campervan
Rotterdam makes a strong campervan base: Kinderdijk’s windmills, Delft and the beaches of the coast are all within 45 minutes, and city campsites sit on decent bus links. The Hull route’s included cabin makes the overnight run painless with a camper in tow.
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.