If you are looking for a fun way to reach the Netherlands from the UK, then taking the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry is a great option. I’ve taken this ferry crossing many times, most recently when returning from a month-long trip around Europe.
The ferry to Holland from the UK takes just seven hours and costs from as little as £53. Click here to book with Direct Ferries. All of the Netherlands is easily reachable from the Hook of Holland port, making it the perfect way to arrive for your trip.
This is also the perfect option for those on a road trip around Europe as you can bring your car onto the boat. In this article, we will discover all there is to know about travelling from Harwich to Hook of Holland.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
You might also like my other ferry travel articles:
Is there a Ferry from UK to Holland?
Yes, Stena Line has two daily sailings from Harwich to Hook of Holland. There is a day sailing and an overnight crossing.
How Long is the Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland?
The day crossing takes seven hours and the overnight crossing, eight hours.
About the Route
The ferry to Hook of Holland leaves Harwich International Port and makes its way north up the Suffolk coast before crossing the North Sea. The boat arrives in Hook of Holland, approximately 20km from the Hague and 30km from Rotterdam.
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Why take the Ferry to Holland from UK?
- Enjoy a leisurely trip without the stress of flying
- Cheap – tickets from just €53.00
- Plenty of on-board entertainment
- Amsterdam is less than two hours by train
The Netherlands is a great destination for travellers. From historic Amsterdam with its canals and coffee shops to the hip streets of Rotterdam, this northern European country has something for everyone
Given the Netherlands’s flat topography, it is the perfect place for cycling and attracts cyclists from all over Europe. And what better way of reaching there with your bicycle than by ferry?
This is my favorite way to reach the continent and I’ve travelled much of Europe by ferry as it’s a lot more stress-free than flying.
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Harwich to Hook of Holland Ferry Time
| Depart Harwich | Arrive Hook of Holland | Duration |
| 09:00 | 17:15 | 7h15m |
| 23:00 | 08:00 | 8h0m |
Hook of Holland to Harwich Ferry Time
| Depart Hook of Holland | Arrive Harwich | Duration |
| 13:45 | 19:45 | 7h0m |
| 22:00 | 06:30 | 9h30m |
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Harwich to Hook of Holland Ferry Prices
The cost of a ticket for the Harwich Hook of Holland Ferry starts at €53.00 for a foot passenger if booked up to a week in advance. Tickets for the overnight sailing start at €110.00 and include a single inside cabin.
| Ticket & Seating | Price in Euros |
| Foot Passenger (daytime) | €53.00 |
| Foot Passenger (overnight) | €110.00 |
| 1 berth cabin | €21.00 |
| 2 berth deluxe cabin | €24.00 |
| 4 berth cabin (inside) | €42.00 |
| Small car (eg. fiat punto) | €91.00 |
| Bicycle | Free |
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About the Harwich to Hook of Holland Ferry
The route is served by the Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica. Both ferries were launched in 2010 and are identical in design and build.
The vessels each have 12 decks, 538 cabins and room for 1,376 passengers and 230 cars.
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Facilities on Board
- Free wifi throughout the vessel
- Sun decks
- Restaurant
- Cafeteria/coffee bar
- Cinema
- Children’s play area
- Conference room
- Tax-free shops
- Amusement Arcade
- Casino (roulette, poker & slot machines)
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How to buy tickets for the Harwich to Holland Ferry
You can purchase tickets at the ports in Harwich and Hook of Holland. However, as the route sells out very fast, it’s best to book in advance and this can be done online through companies like Direct Ferries.
Prices start from as little as €53 one-way for a foot passenger. Prices increase in summer and around holiday periods.
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How to get to the Harwich Ferry Terminal
Harwich International Port is easily reachable by train from London and takes just over one hour. The train stops directly at the port.
Address: Harwich International Port, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SX
Port Operating Hours
Harwich International Port operates 24 hours a day.
First boarding for the daytime sailing commences at approximately 7:45 am. For the overnight sailing, the first boarding commences at approximately 8:30 pm.
Boarding closes 45 minutes before departure.
Facilities at the port
- Currency Exchange
- Free WIFI
- ATM
- Tourist Information
- Vending Machines
- Lockers
- Toilets/Baby Changing Facilities
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Arrival at Hook of Holland Port
Hook of Holland Port is located 30km from Rotterdam and 85km from Amsterdam making it easy to explore the Netherlands.
- Hoek van Holland to Rotterdam – take the metro direct from the port to the centre of the city. The journey is just 34 minutes and costs €4.00.
- Hoek van Holland to Amsterdam – take the metro to Rotterdam as above, and change for an intercity train to Amsterdam (1h9m).
Things to do in Holland
The Netherlands (for Holland only refers to two provinces) is a fantastic destination in northern Europe. The home of clogs, windmills and tulips is packed with colourful architecture, canals and sweeping countryside.
Most tourists head to Amsterdam, however there is so much more to the country. Arnhem, Rotterdam and Utrecht all offer bags of culture and history.
The country has plenty of stretches of sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Here are some of the top things to do in the country:
- Explore Amsterdam
- See the windmills at Kinderdijk
- Visit beautiful Maastrichtht
- Swim in the Frisian Lakes
- Check out Rotterdam’s thriving art scene
Looking for a place to stay in Rotterdam? Check out our top recommendations:
Budget: King Kong Hostel
Dorms from €25 per night. Central location.
Mid-range: Holiday Inn Rotterdam
I stayed here in July 2022. Great location next to the station, large, clean rooms, and a decent continental breakfast included. Doubles from €84.
Luxury: Rotterdam Marriot
Centrally located 5* hotel. Doubles starting at €130.
Onward Travel
Flixbus is one of the cheapest ways to travel around Europe.
Harwich to Hook of Holland Ferry FAQs
There are still two daily ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland; a daytime crossing and an overnight crossing.
The ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland takes seven to eight hours. Check-in closes an hour before departure.
The ferry crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland costs from as little as €53.00 for a foot passenger.
Don’t Delay, Book Today!
So, now you know everything about taking the ferry to Holland from UK, what are you waiting for? I’ll continue to travel by boat from the UK to mainland Europe as it’s cheap, convenient and most of all, fun. Book your ticket now with Direct Ferries!
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Hi there,
Your article is generally very informative. However are you able to advise in relation to any delays at Harwich similar to those experienced at Dover throughout the summer?
Many thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian,
Many thanks for your kind words.
Harwich International is a very small port and doesn’t handle anywhere near the number of passengers as Dover, so the same delays won’t be experienced. I passed through the port less than two weeks ago and everything was fine then. The only thing to be aware of if travelling by train from London are the current strikes and knock-on effect with a few delayed/cancelled trains at the moment. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Steve
Hello I am traveling with my caravan on the morning sailing in July. Would you know if it’s ok to wait on the terminal if I arrive after the night sailing has left.
Hi Michael, I’ve just checked the Harwich International Port website and it says you can park there for 12 hours for £5.30 (though it doesn’t say anything about caravans). Best bet would be to give them a call and double-check. Number is +44 (0)1255 242000. Best wishes, Steve
https://www.harwich.co.uk/passenger-travel/travelling-port