- Must visit
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Rotterdam’s leading art museum with Dutch masters, design, and decorative arts. A must for major exhibitions and its landmark depot nearby.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Colchester to Rotterdam
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
kr574
Average ticket price on Sep 18
kr669
Fastest journey on Sep 18
7 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
7 h 30 m
Ferries on Sep 18
3
Distance
245 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Colchester to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Colchester to Rotterdam will cost around kr669 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr574.
Fast ferries
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 3 ferries from Colchester to Rotterdam, including 3 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct ferries cover the 245 km distance in an average of 7 h 30 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest ferries will take 8 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
9:00 AM7h15Colchester4:15 PMRotterdamkr5741One-way0 transfers- 8:00 AM7h15Colchester3:15 PMRotterdamkr6931One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 PM8h00Colchester7:00 AMRotterdamkr7401One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM7h15Colchester4:15 PMRotterdamkr5741One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 AM7h15Colchester3:15 PMRotterdamkr6931One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 PM8h00Colchester7:00 AMRotterdamkr7401One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare flight and ferry for Colchester to Rotterdam
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Colchester to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of kr1051 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of kr1051, while a flight costs an average of kr1245.
Distance: 132 nautical miles (245 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr1051 Average price Cheapest | kr1245 Average price | kr240 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 35m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Colchester to Rotterdam is a train with an average price of kr258.
This is compared to other travel options from Colchester to Rotterdam:
A train is kr794 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam costing on average kr1051.
A train is kr987 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Colchester to Rotterdam costing on average kr1245.
The fastest way to travel from Colchester to Rotterdam is by flight with an average journey time of 56m.
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 32m.
Ferry takes on average 7h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Rotterdam including taking a flight and ferry.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Rotterdam among Omio's users.
Colchester to Rotterdam Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Sailing Days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Tue |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Live departures
Colchester to Rotterdam ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Colchester to Rotterdam ferries for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stena Line | 9:00 AM Harwich International Port | 7h15 | 5:15 PM Port of Hoek van Holland | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Stena Line | 11:00 PM Harwich International Port | 8h00 | 8:00 AM Port of Hoek van Holland | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Colchester to Rotterdam by flight or ferry
Compare flight and ferry prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Fri
Sep 18
Sep 18
Sat
Sep 19
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Sep 23
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Sep 24
Sep 24
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Ferries from Colchester to Rotterdam run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 35m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at kr510 but you can travel from only kr125 by train.
There are 2 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 09:00, the last at 23:00. The fastest ferry covers the 132 nautical miles (245 km) distance in 6h 45m. There are 1 sailings per week. Ferries from Colchester to Rotterdam are available to foot passengers.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from kr125
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 132 nautical miles (245 km) |
Average sailing duration 7h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price kr510 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 1 |
Fastest ferry 6h 45m |
First ferry 9:00 AM |
Last ferry 11:00 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from kr125
Ferry operators: Stena Line from Colchester to RotterdamYou can travel by ferry between Colchester to Rotterdam with Stena Line for as low as kr350. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stena Line Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
kr510
Stena Line frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Rotterdam
Things to do in Rotterdam
Discover the best of Rotterdam — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rotterdam trip today.
- Must visit
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen
World-first publicly accessible art storage depot. Visitors see collection care, restoration, and city views from the rooftop.
- Must visit
Kunsthal Rotterdam
Contemporary art center known for ambitious international exhibitions. Best for visitors wanting Rotterdam’s cutting-edge art scene.
- Must visit
Oude Haven
Lively old harbor district with historic ships, terraces, and waterside views. Great for walks and a classic Rotterdam atmosphere.
- Must visit
Kop van Zuid
Modern waterfront area of bold architecture, hotels, and river panoramas. Essential for seeing Rotterdam’s contemporary skyline.
- Recommended
Lijnbaan
Main shopping street rebuilt after the war. Visit for striking postwar urban planning and easy access to central sights.
- Vegetarian
Stroopwafels
Crisp, syrup-filled waffles from nearby Gouda. Popular across Rotterdam markets and cafés, they are a classic Dutch sweet snack best eaten fresh and warm.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Patat Met Mayonaise
Hand-cut fries with rich mayonnaise or other sauces. A beloved Dutch street food found at snack bars and markets throughout Rotterdam.
- Vegetarian
Poffertjes
Small fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar. Traditional at Dutch pancake houses and a nostalgic treat for many locals.
FG Restaurant
Refined two-Michelin-star dining by François Geurds, known for creative tasting menus and polished modern luxury.
Amarone
Stylish Michelin-star restaurant with seasonal tasting menus, elegant plating, and an intimate fine dining atmosphere.
De Ballentent
Popular casual spot famed for oversized Dutch meatballs, beer, and no-frills local character near the Maas.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Western Europe: hotels can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually manageable for most city breaks.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- €3-4.50 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is usually included. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
RET
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €4.42
- Day pass
- €9.50
To the city center
Europoort -> Rotterdam Centraal
- Distance
- 38 km
- Travel time
- 45 min
- You can check in and out with a contactless bank card or mobile wallet on RET metro, tram, and bus.
- A RET 1 day ticket is valid on RET only, not on NS trains or most regional buses from other operators.
FAQs: Ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colchester to Rotterdam by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rotterdam, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Colchester to Rotterdam can start from as little as kr510 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Colchester to Rotterdam is kr1051 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam is 6h 45m to travel the 152 miles (245 km) long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam leaves at 9:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Colchester to Rotterdam with Stena Line. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Colchester to Rotterdam with Stena Line
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Colchester to Rotterdam is possible with Stena Line.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Colchester to Rotterdam is possible with Stena Line. We recommend arriving at least one hour before the trip if you are travelling on foot, but please check specific times for each route. If you need to book your travel to the departure port, check our trains, buses and flight options on Omio.
When taking a ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam, you can count on Stena Line for the best way to get you to Rotterdam. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Colchester and Rotterdam and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Rotterdam from Colchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Colchester to Rotterdam is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Colchester and Rotterdam including taking a flight and ferry.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Rotterdam are:
- Erasmus Bridge, an iconic cable-stayed bridge known for its unique design and panoramic views of the city
- Markthal, a modern architectural marvel housing a vibrant food market and residential apartments
- Cube Houses, a set of innovative, tilted cube-shaped homes designed by architect Piet Blom
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, a renowned art museum featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art
- Euromast, a towering observation tower offering sweeping views of Rotterdam and beyond.
The best things to do in Rotterdam include:
- Rotterdam Zoo, a renowned zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits and a focus on conservation and education
- Spido Harbor Tour, an exciting boat tour offering a unique perspective of Rotterdam's bustling port and skyline
- Delfshaven, a historic neighborhood with charming canals, quaint shops, and a rich maritime history
- Witte de Withstraat, a vibrant street known for its eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy bars, and restaurants
- Kralingse Bos, a beautiful park perfect for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and picnicking.
Rotterdam is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Colchester to Rotterdam among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). Travelers generally find it more convenient to use cards, as most places accept debit and credit cards, though having some cash on hand is useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Rotterdam, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Scams involving fake charity collectors and unofficial taxi services can also occur. It is advised to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid common safety issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Colchester to Rotterdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Rotterdam and Colchester
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