For travellers heading from London to mainland Europe – particularly to the Netherlands, Germany or Scandinavia – the ferry between Harwich and Hoek van Holland (also known as Hook of Holland) is a smart and often underrated alternative to the busy Calais to Dover route. It offers a comfortable and surprisingly hassle-free way to reach the continent.
Easy access and competitive pricing
Harwich Port is easily accessible from London, and the Stena Line ferry is often competitively priced, particularly the daytime crossing, which takes just over six hours. You can board with a car and one driver from around £105 one way.
The overnight crossing takes about two hours longer and is more expensive due to the mandatory booking of a private cabin. Thanks to the late evening departure, this sailing is ideal if you still have plans during the day, whether that means working or simply packing your car at a relaxed pace. After a restful night on board, you’ll arrive early in the morning in Hoek van Holland, ready to start a new day of travel. From there, it’s easy to continue your journey into Germany, Poland or even Scandinavia on the same day.
On board the Stena Britannica or Stena Hollandica, you’ll find plenty to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable, especially if you’ve booked a private cabin. Outside your cabin, there’s no shortage of things to do. The ship offers shops, a variety of restaurants and bars, a small casino, a children’s play area, and PlayStations. There’s even a football and basketball cage on the deck for those looking to stay active. This deck is high on the ship, offering beautiful panoramic sea views.
Rail and Sail
Travelling as a foot passenger from London? Stena Line offers the convenient Rail and Sail ticket. Both Harwich and Hoek van Holland have train stations, making this route easily accessible without a car.
When might the Calais to Dover crossing or the Eurotunnel be more suitable?
While the Harwich to Hoek van Holland route is a comfortable and pleasant travel option, there are situations in which travelling via Calais to Dover or the Eurotunnel may be more convenient from London:
- If price is your top priority:
Ferry services between Calais and Dover are often cheaper than Harwich to Hoek van Holland, simply because the sailing distance is shorter. If you book well in advance, you can cross from around £56. Remember that you must drive a more significant portion of the journey yourself. - If speed is essential:
For those in a hurry, the car train through the Eurotunnel is the fastest option. It is generally more expensive (usually over £100), but the tunnel journey takes only 35 minutes. Do factor in a check-in time of at least one hour (and longer during the busy summer). - If you are travelling on foot:
Although Stena Line’s Rail and Sail option is attractive, many foot passengers opt for the Eurostar instead. If you book early, it’s often the most logical choice. Travel time to cities like Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam or Amsterdam via the Channel Tunnel is much faster than by ferry. A Eurostar journey from London to Rotterdam takes around four hours, while the ferry and train combination can easily take six to seven hours. Flying also remains an option for foot passengers, of course.
Bottom line
If you’re travelling from London to mainland Europe and value comfort, flexibility, and a more relaxed experience, the Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry is a smart and surprisingly easy alternative to the usual Calais to Dover or Eurotunnel routes, especially for trips to the Netherlands, Germany, or Scandinavia.
