Harwich to Hook of Holland
Ferry to Hoek van Holland (Rotterdam) from Harwich:
The ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland is the only direct route from England to the Netherlands that you can book for both daytime and overnight crossings.
Hoek van Holland is an excellent arrival port, offering easy connections to many parts of the Netherlands. You can continue your journey with your own vehicle or take a train from the nearby Hoek van Holland Haven Station.
This makes the Stena Line crossing a versatile and convenient option for travellers from England to the Netherlands.
Map: ferry to Hoek van Holland from Harwich
There are three direct crossings from England to the Netherlands, and alternatively, you can also travel via France to the Netherlands. The crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland is visualized here. Later on the page we have a map with all the alternative crossings to the Netherlands.
About This Crossing
The Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry covers a relatively short distance of just 125 miles, making it a quick and efficient route to the Netherlands.
- If you sail in the morning, departing at around 09:00, you’ll arrive around 17:15.
- The schedule for the overnight crossing has been adjusted to ensure a comfortable journey. You depart at 23:00 and arrive the next morning at 09:00.
The crossing is operated by the Stena Hollandica or its sister ship, the Stena Britannica, two of the largest ferries in the world. Onboard, there are plenty of amenities and activities, although the night programme is slightly less extensive than on ferries to Newcastle or Hull.
Key Benefits of This Route
- A cost-effective option for travelling to the Netherlands.
- An ideal arrival port with excellent connections to major destinations across the Netherlands and beyond.
- A relatively quick crossing, with the convenience of daytime and overnight sailings.
This makes the Stena Line Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry a reliable and versatile option for travel from England to the Netherlands.
Onboard with Stena Line
The Stena Line ferries operating between England and the Netherlands are well-equipped to make your journey enjoyable. Onboard amenities include:
- Bars and restaurants
- A casino
- A game zone
- Play areas for children
- Shops and comfortable lounges
You can find a full overview of facilities here.
Our Experience
In 2024, we personally took this crossing on the renovated ferries. Below, you’ll find a short travel report along with some photos we took onboard to give you a glimpse of what to expect.
Sailing schedule/Timetable
Night and Day Ferry Schedule
The overnight ferry departs late in the evening in both directions, offering a convenient option for travellers who prefer to sail through the night.
The daytime ferry, however, follows a different schedule, providing flexibility for those who prefer to travel during daylight hours.
Note: Arrival times may occasionally be delayed due to weather conditions or currents, so it’s good to plan accordingly.
Harwich – Hook of Holland
| Day | Departure | Arrival | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ma - Vr | 09:00 23:00 | 17:15 08:00 | Stena Hollandica Stena Britannica |
| Za | 09:00 23:00 | 16:45 08:00 | Stena Hollandica Stena Britannica |
| Zo | 09:00 23:00 | 18:00 08:00 | Stena Hollandica Stena Britannica |
Sailing schedule/Timetable Hook of Holland – Harwich
| Day | Departure | Arrival | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ma - Za | 14:15 22:00 | 19:45 06:30 | Stena Britannica Stena Hollandica |
| Zo | 13:45 22:00 | 19:45 06:30 | Stena Britannica Stena Hollandica |
Prices and Availability for This Crossing
If you've decided that this crossing fits your travel plans, you can check prices and availability directly with Stena Line. Fares are dynamic and may vary based on demand. In general the morning and afternoon crossings at Stena Line are a lot cheaper.
If you're still considering your options for travelling to the Netherlands, you can use our booking module to configure your trip without obligation. This tool will provide you with prices and departure times for various crossings to the Netherlands.
To use the booking module:
- Select departure from England.
- Choose the Harwich – Hoek van Holland route.
- Fill in the remaining fields to view prices for all crossings from England to the Netherlands.
This will help you make an informed decision and find the best option for your journey.
Additional Information
Based on our own ferry experiences, we think the following details may be useful for your journey. If you feel any information is missing, you can leave a comment below.
Parking
The Harwich ferry terminal is at Port of Harwich, Parkeston Quay, Parkeston, Harwich, CO12 4SR. The terminal is easily reached by road. The parking lot charges different rates for long-term and short-term parking. Rates vary between free to £8.60 per day.
Luggage and Pets
- Taking a pet on this crossing is very straightforward. Pets can:
- Remain in your car.
- Stay in designated cabins or specially assigned areas onboard.
- Be accommodated in kennels, which can be booked in advance.
- For travel to England, certain requirements apply, such as:
- Specific vaccinations.
- A valid pet passport.
Harwich Port
The ferry departs from:
Parkeston Quay, Parkeston, Harwich CO12 4SR.For those arriving by public transport, there are train services connecting to Harwich International Port, which is directly adjacent to the ferry terminal.
- Trains to Harwich run from major hubs such as Cambridge and Ipswich, with further connections from other parts of the UK.
This makes Harwich an accessible departure point for passengers travelling to the Netherlands.
Travelling to the Netherlands
When travelling on crossings between the UK and the Netherlands, there are a few other important things to keep in mind:
- Bring your passport: Since Brexit, a driver's licence or ID card is no longer sufficient for travel.
- Download entertainment in advance: On longer night crossings, it’s a good idea to download series or movies beforehand, as Wi-Fi on board can be expensive, and roaming in international waters is costly.
- Foot passengers: Not all ferries accept foot passengers, so check ahead of time.
- Travelling with young kids on a night ferry? We’ve got some helpful tips for travelling with kids here.
- Remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road after disembarking. It can be a bit confusing for the first 10 minutes, but you'll adjust quickly.
- Worried about getting seasick? In this article, you’ll find some tips to help prevent it.
Useful for travellers to the Netherlands
