Exploring the Netherlands Starts with the Hull to Rotterdam Ferry

The easiest way to commence your Dutch adventure is not by air or rail, but rather by sea. 

The overnight journey from Hull to Rotterdam offers a scenic and comfortable route into mainland Europe. By traveling via the ferry to Rotterdam, you:

• Ditch the baggage limits
• Skip the chaos of airport queues
• Enjoy a peaceful journey

A Smooth Start Across the North Sea

A typical journey from Hull to Rotterdam will start in the evening. It lasts around 11-12 hours. So:

• You have enough rest before reaching the Netherlands
• You alight at Rotterdam’s Europoort terminal on arrival  
• You can find several ticket options. The fare depends on the chosen cabin and season of travel. 

Getting to the Port in Hull

Reaching Hull’s ferry termination is straightforward. You can easily get here from anywhere in the UK.

By Train:

• Hull Paragon railway station connects to cities like:

1. Leeds
2. Manchester
3. Sheffield

• Daily at 5 p.m., you can catch a bus from the station to King George Dock

By bus:

• Stagecoach runs a transfer service from the city center to the terminal

By Car:

• At the Europort terminal, you can find a multi-story parking

By Taxi:

• It is a short ride from the Hull station

While traveling by ferry, note that check-in starts at 3 P.M. and closes 90 minutes before departure. So, arrive early for a stress-free process. 

Life Onboard: More Than Just a Crossing

Spending about 12 hours on the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam feels less like a transit journey and more like a short cruise. The ship is comfortable. You can find abundant cabins and entertainment options.

Cabins

• Standard Cabins for wallet-conscious travelers
• Premier Cabins with attached bathrooms, bedding, and towels
• Club or State Room upgrades for extra space and comfort

Dining and Shopping

• Le Brasserie, a restaurant serving freshly prepared meals
• Duty-free shops with bargains on beauty and gifts

Entertainment

• Modern cinema playing the latest releases
• Lounges 

So, there is never a dull moment on this ferry journey to Rotterdam.

Traveling with Vehicles, Pets, or on Foot

1. You can bring your cars, vans, or motorbikes aboard.
2. Pets are also welcome. You can accommodate them in AC kennels or pet-friendly cabins.
3. The transfer office offers transfers from Rotterdam Europoort for foot passengers all the way to the city center and even to Amsterdam.

Popular organizers like P&O also support passengers with disability. They also have a Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. It allows those with hidden disabilities to travel comfortably.

Arrival in the Netherlands

Once the ferry arrives at Rotterdam Europoort, you enjoy a seamless connection to the rest of the Netherlands:

1. P&O operates a transfer bus that reaches Rotterdam Central Station within 40 minutes.
2. From there, you can find a train that takes 41 minutes to get to Amsterdam.
3. Trains to Antwerp, Brussels, or Luxembourg are available for those traveling south.

For a weekday crossing, you will reach Amsterdam around 11:15 A.M. During weekends, the time is 11:45 A.M. 

Ticket Options

 P&O Ferries has three fare options.

• Standard Ticket (£144): Non-refundable, inside cabin
• Standard Flexi (£155): Partially refundable, with change options
• Fully Flexi (£307): Fully refundable, with flexible departure times

Things to Do Before and After

In Hull:

Spend time exploring:

• The Marina
• Fruit Market
• Maritime Museum
• RED Gallery

You can also take a speedboat ride on the Humber Estuary.

In Rotterdam:

• Head to the Euromast 
• Visit the Church of St. Lawrence

Next, take a direct train to Amsterdam. The fastest journey is about 43 minutes. Here you may explore: 

• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• Anne Frank House

Why Start with the Ferry?

The Hull-Rotterdam ferry is a relaxed way to explore the Netherlands because of its: 

• Smooth boarding process
• Overnight comfy cabins
• Smooth ride to Amsterdam and other places

So, it is the most convenient way to explore the Netherlands.