Can You Get a Ferry from UK to Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a beautiful city in the Netherlands and it being the capital city it is rich in culture with beautiful canal, remarkable historic buildings and structures. Some individuals may be interested in knowing if there is the possibility of travelling through a ferry between the UK and Amsterdam. However, in this blog post, you will find out about the possibilities of crossing the North Sea and getting to the capital of the Netherlands.
1. Ferries from the UK to Amsterdam
There is no any direct ferry connection that connects the United Kingdom with Amsterdam. Nonetheless, there are some other pathways which one can pass through in an effort to reach the Netherlands. Let’s look at a few options:
1.1. Harwich to Hook of Holland
Stena Line is the operational ferry company for the Harwich to Hook of Holland route. The ferries are taken from Harwich International Port situated on the southern coast of England to Hook of Holland which is nearly to Rotterdam city or one hour’s drive to Amsterdam. The journey lasts approximately 7- 8 hours, it is possible to have both day and night crossings.
1.2. Newcastle to Amsterdam
Newcastle to Amsterdam is an example of the ferry service that is provided by the Company. This is relatively longer compared to the Harwich to Hook of Holland journey that takes upto 15 hours. Though, it may be a more suitable method of preparation for those who reside in the northern region of England or Scotland. It docks at the IJmuiden which is a town near Amsterdam and there are day and night crossings available.
2. Choosing the Right Ferry
There are specific points that one should consider when choosing the right ferry from the UK on a trip to Amsterdam.
2.1. Location
If you are planning to start your vacation from the southeast or the east of England than Harwich to Hook of Holland is a more suitable route as it will take less time to drive once you get into the Netherlands. However, if you live in the Northern England or North Scotland for instance, the Newcastle to Amsterdam route may suit your best option.
2.2. Duration
If you do not like much time onboard, it will be faster to get to Hook of Holland from Harwich, the overall crossing time in this case will be 7-8 hours while in case with the sea crossing from Newcastle this is 15 hours.
2.3. Sailing Schedule
They should also schedule of available depature and arrival time that may suitable for the voyage to be undertaken. This means that both Stena Line and DFDS have frequent services; however, it is advised to visit their websites to get the updates.
3. Additional Tips and Information
Here are few more tips and information that may be useful for your ferry trip to Amsterdam:
3.1. Booking in Advance
Advance booking of the ferry ticket may also be a wise idea if you have a plan of traveling during dusk since it could as well be cheaper to book the ferry way ahead.
3.2. Onboard Facilities
Both Stena Line and DFDS provide dining and drinking, leisure, accommodation, and recreational facilities on board and most of them have overnight accommodation.
3.3. Exploring Amsterdam
When you get there are aware that you are only a few kilometers away from some of the listed tourist attractions such as the canal, museums and many more. It is advisable to walk or take a bike to move around the city in order to avoid the jams.
4. Conclusion
Currently, there are no services that directly connect the UK with Amsterdam by ferry; the primary routs of crossing are the Harwich – Hook of Holland and the Newcastle – Amsterdam. When making a selection of the ferry to hire, the following factors should be looked at; This therefore calls for the following factors to be considered when making a selection of the ferry to hire: If you follow these precautions and tips, you will be able to have a pleasant boat ride and start exploring Amsterdam.
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