Ferries to the Wadden Island
Ferries to the Dutch Wadden Islands
The most crucial ferry services to the Dutch Wadden Islands are the connections between the mainland and the islands. There are multiple daily departures to each of the Wadden Islands.
Routes, ferries and water taxi
During the high season, the number of departures increases. A boat trip to the Wadden Islands is an experience in itself. At low tide, you can admire the sandbanks in the Wadden Sea from the boat. There's often a good chance of spotting seals in the distance, so it's a good idea to bring binoculars!
Ferry Map: Map with all ferry routes to the Wadden Islands
Use the interactive map to find the right crossing and ferry company. You can zoom in and out and view the routes in the ports.
In addition to the regular ferry services, you can sometimes choose a water taxi or fast ferry. During the high season, it's also possible to travel between the islands on small motorboats. On FerryGoGo, we cover connections to the Wadden Islands, which you can also find on our convenient ferry map.
Crossings to the Wadden Islands
Ferry to the Wadden Islands Guide
Ferry to Texel
The largest of the Wadden Islands, Texel, is easily accessible by ferry from the northern tip of North Holland. The crossing is short, taking just 20 minutes. Texel is a popular destination, partly due to its easy accessibility. There's no need to book the ferry to Texel in advance; you can simply drive up and join the queue. However, during high season, it might take a bit longer. For more information and tips, visit the information page about the ferry to Texel.
Ferry to Vlieland
The ferry to Vlieland involves a relatively longer crossing. The boat doesn't travel in a straight line but follows the winding fairway between the sandbanks. It departs from the Frisian town of Harlingen and takes about 1.5 hours. You can also choose an Express service, which takes only 45 minutes. Generally, you cannot bring a car on either ferry. Vlieland is a car-free island, and driving there without a permit is not allowed.
Ferry to Terschelling
The ferry to Terschelling departs from Harlingen and shares much of its route with the service to Vlieland. The Harlingen to Terschelling crossing is the longest of all the Wadden Island routes, taking two hours by boat. You can bring a car, but it can be quite expensive. Many people choose to rent bicycles, which are ready upon the boat's arrival.
Ferry to Ameland
For many, it's a long drive to Holwerd, the departure port for the ferry to Ameland. However, the short crossing is a significant advantage. You can also take a car on board.
Ferry to Schiermonnikoog
You can choose between the regular ferry service, which takes 45 minutes, or the fast service, which takes 20 minutes but comes with an additional cost. Like Vlieland, Schiermonnikoog is a car-free island, so you generally cannot bring a car on the ferry.
Ferries between the Wadden Islands
In addition to the larger ferry services, smaller boats also sail between the Wadden Islands. In high season it is possible to travel between all islands. Because the number of departures is very limited, it is a good idea to book in advance. You can find additional information per ferry service by viewing the crossings below.
If you want to experience several islands within one trip, you can choose to go wad hopping. Then you go by boat from island to island. This is, for example, very nice to combine with a cycling holiday.
Travel tip: Leave your car behind
If you take the car with you on the ferry you sometimes have to pay a lot. In addition, the car is often not necessary on the Wadden Islands! Everything is easily accessible by bike, and a bike rental is always around the corner.
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Hi FerryGoGo! Nice website you have here 🙂
Do American tourists also visit the Wadden Islands? Or do they usually stick to Amsterdam and then travel onwards? Also IF i want to go there what would be the best island to go to?
Please let me know,
Missy Lois Travels