Ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland

When planning your Harwich - Hoek van Holland ferry trip, you can take advantage of the fixed discounts available to specific passengers. Typically, children under 16 are entitled to lower ferry ticket prices, while infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free.

The conventional ferries travelling from Harwich to Hoek van Holland are designed for long-haul travel and are equipped with a wide range of modern amenities for a comfortable crossing between the Netherlands and the UK.

On board, you will usually find:

• Comfy air-conditioned lounges and spacious outer decks where you can enjoy the sea view
• Restaurants, cafés and bars offering hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals (including vegetarian and child-friendly options)
• Duty-free shops and kiosks with a range of cosmetics, snacks, gifts and travel essentials
• Entertainment, including children’s play areas, video game lounges and casino games for adults
• Wi-Fi hotspot with free and premium options available to stay connected during the trip

Accessibility

The ferries serving the route from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, such as the Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica, are generally accessible to travellers with disabilities, featuring ramps and lifts between decks, as well as adapted cabins and amenities.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Important: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

Yes, due to the length of the journey, you can book a cabin on all Harwich - Hook of Holland ferries. Keep in mind that cabins are compulsory for overnight crossings. On most ferries serving the route from England to Holland, you can book:

• Standard inside cabins
• Outside cabins with a sea view
• Deluxe cabins and family suites with more space, double beds, sofa, minibar, and a sea view
• Accessible cabins adapted for passengers with reduced mobility
• Pet-friendly cabins for travelling with animals
• Shared cabins

All cabins typically include beds, a TV and an ensuite bathroom.

Cabin prices usually start at around €96 (£86).

What type of seats can I book?

For daytime crossings from Harwich - Hook of Holland, you can book a deck/lounge seat, with prices starting from around €63 (£56).

For extra comfort, you can upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge, which offers a quieter environment, comfortable seating, a dedicated waiter service, and complimentary drinks and snacks. Prices for this premium option usually start from around €70 (£62).

Luggage

When travelling with Stena Line ferries from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, you can bring 2 pieces of luggage, weighing in total up to 20 kg, as well as hand luggage.

Traveling with pets

Pets are allowed on Harwich - Hoek van Holland ferries, provided you include them in your booking. Pet tickets usually cost from about €25 (£19).

Pets are not permitted in indoor public areas, such as the dining areas and shops. However, there are designated pet areas on the outer decks where you can walk your dog during the crossing.

Smaller pets should be kept in their carrier, while larger pets must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle when outside the cabin or the kennels.

Where can pets stay during the crossing?

During the ferry trip, your pet can stay in your vehicle (if you are travelling with a car or caravan), in the onboard kennels or you can book a pet-friendly cabin. Make sure you have pet supplies for the duration of the trip, and if your pet stays in your car, leave a window slightly open.

Note: if you are travelling as a foot passenger, you must book either a kennel or a pet-friendly cabin, otherwise your pet may not be allowed to travel.

What documents do I need for my pet?

You must bring your pet’s Animal Health Certificate or EU Pet Passport, including microchip identification and a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days before your trip). Keep in mind that for dogs, you will also need tapeworm treatment administered by a vet 1-5 days before your return to the UK.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Harwich to the Hook of Holland:

• The port of Harwich can get busy, so plan your arrival at least 1 hr ahead of your ferry’s departure. If you are travelling with a vehicle, it’s best to be there 2 hr in advance.
• The sea can get a bit rough, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness tablets before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• The availability of car deck spaces and cabins is limited, so it’s best to book your return ticket on the Hook of Holland - Harwich ferry well in advance.
• If you are travelling with a vehicle, remember that in Europe you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• You can also travel to Holland on the Newcastle - Amsterdam ferry. For more information, you can also check out our detailed guide on UK- Holland ferries.

Where to take the ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland

Ferries to the Hook of Holland usually set sail from Harwich International Port, which is in Essex, on the east coast of England. The port is situated approximately 3 km from the historic town centre of Harwich and about 110 km northeast of London.

At the port, you will also find a departure lounge, café, ticket offices, baby changing facilities, free Wi-Fi, vending machines, electric car chargers and parking facilities. The terminal is highly integrated with public transport, featuring its own dedicated railway station located just steps from the check-in area.

How to get to the port of Harwich

• By Car: you can get to Harwich via the A120 trunk road, which connects to the A12 (from London) and the A14 (from the Midlands and North), by following the signs for Harwich and then International Port.
• By train: you can reach Harwich International station from London Liverpool Street in about 1 hr 20 min.
• By Bus: local bus services 103 and 104 connect Harwich International Port with the town centre and nearby Colchester.
• Taxi: a taxi ride from Harwich town centre takes roughly 5-10 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in the Hook of Holland?

Ferries from Harwich usually arrive at the Stena Line Ferry Terminal in the Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland). The terminal is a 10-minute walk from the town centre, while the city of Rotterdam is approximately 30 km (18 miles) to the east.

At the ferry terminal, you will find café, basic shops, car-rental desks and access to the Dutch metro system. The Rotterdam Metro Line B has a station right at the port (Hoek van Holland Haven), allowing you to reach the heart of Rotterdam in about 35 min or continue onward to The Hague and Amsterdam via easy rail transfers.