- 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 Harwich to Rotterdam
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 18
Cheapest price on Sep 18
€67
Average ticket price on Sep 18
€87
Fastest journey on Sep 18
7 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
7 h 38 m
Ferries on Sep 18
4
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Harwich to Rotterdam is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Harwich to Rotterdam will cost around €87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €67.
Fast ferries
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 4 ferries from Harwich to Rotterdam, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct ferries cover the 219 km distance in an average of 7 h 38 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 AM7h15Harwich4:15 PMRotterdam€671One-way0 transfers- 11:00 PM8h00Harwich7:00 AMRotterdam€831One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 PM8h00Harwich6:00 AMRotterdam€951One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 AM7h15Harwich3:15 PMRotterdam€1011One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM7h15Harwich4:15 PMRotterdam€671One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 AM7h15Harwich3:15 PMRotterdam€1011One-way0 transfers
- 11:00 PM8h00Harwich7:00 AMRotterdam€831One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 PM8h00Harwich6:00 AMRotterdam€951One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and ferry for Harwich to Rotterdam
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Harwich to Rotterdam among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €35 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 train costs an average of €35, while a flight costs an average of €168.
Distance: 118 nautical miles (219 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€130 Average price | €35 Average price Cheapest | €168 Average price | €37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 19m Average total duration 8h 19m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 56m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular ferry company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Harwich to Rotterdam is a train with an average price of €35.
This is compared to other travel options from Harwich to Rotterdam:
A train is €95 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Harwich to Rotterdam costing on average €130.
A train is €133 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harwich to Rotterdam costing on average €168.
The fastest way to travel from Harwich to Rotterdam is by flight with an average journey time of 56m.
Other travel options to Rotterdam take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
Ferry takes on average 8h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Harwich and Rotterdam including taking a train, flight, and ferry.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Harwich to Rotterdam among Omio's users.
Harwich to Rotterdam Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator P&O Ferries | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 11h45 | Sailing Days Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 7h15 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | 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, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 8h00 | Sailing Days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun |
Live departures
Harwich to Rotterdam ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Harwich 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM Harwich | 7h15 | 3:15 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 AM Harwich | 7h15 | 4:15 PM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
 | 7:00 PM Harwich | 11h45 | 6:45 AM Rotterdam | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Harwich to Rotterdam by train, flight, or ferry
Compare train, 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
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Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Sep 24
Why should you book Harwich to Rotterdam ferries with Omio?
Stena Line as well as P&O Ferries or DFDS offer ferries services from Harwich to Rotterdam.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Stena Line tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Stena Line?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Stena Line, but also compare tickets for the likes of P&O Ferries or DFDS to find the best option for your trip from Harwich to Rotterdam.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Stena Line with all available travel options, which are train, flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Harwich to Rotterdam.
Offers and deals from Harwich to Rotterdam
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Harwich to Rotterdam and choose the solutions that best suit your needs. Below, you will find a selection of the most popular offers proposed by P&O Ferries, DFDS
Up to 25% off
Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries: 25% off short stay
Northern Ireland trips with P&O Ferries just got cheaper for return passengers with 25% off your 28 hour return ticket on the Cairnryan - Larne route, when sailing until the 31st of December 2024. Valid until further notice.
Up to 50% off
Up to 50% off DFDS from Denmark to Norway
Book your DFDS ferries between Denmark and Norway in advance and get up to 50% off the cabin and vehicle fares on a wide selection of sailings between Copenhagen and Oslo until the 25th of September 2024.
Early Bird
Early bird tickets for Western France
Early bird deals for sailings to France with DFDS! Newhaver to Dieppe route bookings are open until January 2025 and you can get one-way tickets from £49* for two passengers and a standard car, when travelling between the 4th of January and the 30th of April 2024 or between the 1st of October and the 15th of December 2024. Travel with your tourist or camper van for the same price as with a car. You can also add a trailer or a caravan to your car for free!
Exclusive offers
Short break to France from £99 return
Discover the English Channel from just £99.
On the popular Dover - Calais and Dover - Dunkirk routes, when sailing until the 5th of January 2025:
• 3-day return tickets are from just £99 by booking by the 2nd of January 2025 (23h59)
• and 5-day return tickets are from £129 by booking by the 31st of December 2024 (23h59)
Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Harwich to Rotterdam
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Ferries from Harwich to Rotterdam run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 19m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at €65 but you can travel from only €16 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 118 nautical miles (219 km) distance in 6h 45m. There are 1 sailings per week. Ferries from Harwich 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 €16
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 118 nautical miles (219 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price €65 |
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 May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 €16
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS from Harwich to RotterdamYou can travel by ferry between Harwich to Rotterdam with Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS for as low as €82. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
P&O Ferries
About
P&O Ferries is a British shipping company, established in 2002 through mergers and acquisitions within P&O, and owned by Dubai-based DP World since 2019. It operates passenger and freight ferry services across the English Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea. Key routes include Dover to Calais, Hull to Rotterdam, and Cairnryan to Larne. P&O Ferries offers a range of onboard facilities such as restaurants, bars, entertainment, and duty-free shopping. They also provide various ticket options and deals, including short breaks and offers for families.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average P&O Ferries Duration
11h 15m
Cheapest P&O Ferries Price
€130
P&O Ferries frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage allowed for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars available onboard
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair access available on most ships. Accessible cabins available on some routes. Assistance available for boarding and disembarking.
Pets
Dogs and cats allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Must be kept on leash in designated areas.
Cabin reservation
Available on most routes, must be booked in advance
Car on board
DFDS
About
DFDS is a Danish shipping and logistics company that operates a fleet of ferries that provide transportation services for passengers and cargo across several routes in Europe. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some of the routes operated by DFDS include crossings between Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the UK, and Holland.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average DFDS Duration
15h 45m
Cheapest DFDS Price
€89
DFDS frequency
1 a day
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be carried for a fee
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations possible up to 24 hours before departure
Amenities on board the ferry
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurants, cafes, and bars available with various dining options
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible facilities available on most ships. Assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility. Please inform at time of booking.
Pets
Small pets allowed in pet-friendly cabins or kennels. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public areas.
Cabin reservation
Various cabin types available from standard to deluxe suites
Car on board
Stena Line
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Stena Line Duration
6h 45m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
€65
Stena Line frequency
3 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 Harwich to Rotterdam
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harwich 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 Harwich to Rotterdam can start from as little as €65 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Harwich to Rotterdam is €130 ; 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 Harwich to Rotterdam is 6h 45m to travel the 136 miles (219 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 Harwich to Rotterdam leaves at 9:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Harwich to Rotterdam leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Harwich to Rotterdam with Stena Line, DFDS. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Harwich to Rotterdam with Stena Line, DFDS
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Harwich to Rotterdam is possible with Stena Line, DFDS.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Harwich to Rotterdam is possible with Stena Line, DFDS. 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 Harwich to Rotterdam, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS for the best way to get you to Rotterdam. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Harwich and Rotterdam and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Rotterdam from Harwich 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 Harwich to Rotterdam is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Harwich and Rotterdam including taking a train, 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 Harwich 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.
popular ferry ports
Popular ports from Harwich to Rotterdam
Most Harwich to Rotterdam ferries use the Harwich International Port to Port of Hoek van Holland port pair. Use this guide to compare Harwich and Rotterdam ports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like port facilities and services.
Departure ports in Harwich
Arrival ports in Rotterdam
Which Harwich port do ferries to Rotterdam leave from?
Ferries from Harwich to Rotterdam leave from Harwich International Port. The port is 1 miles (2 km) from Harwich city centre at Harwich International Port, Parkeston, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SR, United Kingdom.
Harwich International PortHarwich International Port, Parkeston, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Harwich International Port from Harwich city centre
Harwich International Port is 2 km from Harwich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 5m · €1 · every ~2 min
Bus22 · 24m · €3 · every ~3 min
Harwich International Port port facilities and services
Harwich International Port has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Waterfront Harwich (0.6km), The Alma Inn & Dining Rooms (0.8km), The Pier Hotel (0.9km)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Harwich International Port.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harwich International Port: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harwich International Port: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich International Port.
Which Rotterdam port do ferries from Harwich arrive at?
Ferries from Harwich to Rotterdam most often arrive at Port of Hoek van Holland. Some services arrive at Europoort Rotterdam, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Rotterdam arrival port.
Europoort RotterdamEuropaweg 875, 3198 LC Europoort Rotterdam, Netherlands
City-centre transport
Getting to Europoort Rotterdam from Rotterdam city centre
Europoort Rotterdam is 24 km from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus105 · 1h 43m · €10 · every ~2 min
903 · 1h 48m · €14 · every ~2 min
SubwayD · 1h 32m · €15 · every ~11 min
Europoort Rotterdam port facilities and services
Europoort Rotterdam has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi. ATMs are available in the terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Europoort Rotterdam.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Europoort Rotterdam: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Europoort Rotterdam.
More options for your journey from Harwich to Rotterdam
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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