- Must visit
Harwich Maritime Museum
Small volunteer-run museum in the High Lighthouse covering Harwich’s seafaring, shipbuilding and lighthouse history, plus tower views.
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The cheapest and fastest ferries from Rotterdam to Harwich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$76
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$93
Fastest journey on Sep 19
6 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h
Ferries on Sep 19
4
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Rotterdam to Harwich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rotterdam to Harwich will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
Fast ferries
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 4 ferries from Rotterdam to Harwich, including 4 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct ferries cover the 219 km distance in an average of 8 h but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 6 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest ferries will take 9 h 30 m 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.
1:15 PM6h30Rotterdam7:45 PMHarwich$761One-way0 transfers- 12:15 PM6h30Rotterdam6:45 PMHarwich$811One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 PM9h30Rotterdam6:30 AMHarwich$1031One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 PM9h30Rotterdam5:30 AMHarwich$1121One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 PM6h30Rotterdam7:45 PMHarwich$761One-way0 transfers
- 12:15 PM6h30Rotterdam6:45 PMHarwich$811One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 PM9h30Rotterdam6:30 AMHarwich$1031One-way0 transfers
- 8:00 PM9h30Rotterdam5:30 AMHarwich$1121One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare flight and ferry for Rotterdam to Harwich
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Rotterdam to Harwich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the ferry, with an average ticket price of $154 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $154, while a flight costs an average of $220.
Distance: 118 nautical miles (219 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$154 Average price Cheapest | $220 Average price | $66 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 52m Average total duration 8h 52m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 37m 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 Rotterdam to Harwich is a train with an average price of $42.
This is compared to other travel options from Rotterdam to Harwich:
A train is $112 less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Rotterdam to Harwich costing on average $154.
A train is $178 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rotterdam to Harwich costing on average $220.
The fastest way to travel from Rotterdam to Harwich is by flight with an average journey time of 55m.
Other travel options to Harwich take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 3m.
Ferry takes on average 8h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Harwich including taking a flight and ferry.
We recommend using the ferry as it is the most popular way to get from Rotterdam to Harwich among Omio's users.
Rotterdam to Harwich Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Sailing Days Tue, Thu |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat |
Operator DFDS | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 16h45 | Sailing Days Fri |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Fri, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 9h30 | Sailing Days Tue, Sun |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 6h30 | Sailing Days Mon, Sat |
Operator Stena Line | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 7h00 | Sailing Days Sun |
Live departures
Rotterdam to Harwich ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Rotterdam to Harwich ferries for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:15 PM Rotterdam | 6h30 | 6:45 PM Harwich | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:15 PM Rotterdam | 6h30 | 7:45 PM Harwich | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:00 PM Rotterdam | 9h30 | 5:30 AM Harwich | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 PM Rotterdam | 9h30 | 6:30 AM Harwich | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Rotterdam to Harwich 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.
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
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Sep 25
Sep 25
Why should you book Rotterdam to Harwich ferries with Omio?
Stena Line as well as P&O Ferries or DFDS offer ferries services from Rotterdam to Harwich.
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 Rotterdam to Harwich.
- 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 flight and ferry to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Rotterdam to Harwich.
Rotterdam to Harwich by ferryAll Aboard: I Took an Overnight Ferry from the Netherlands to the UK.
By Matt McCann
Matt McCannSenior Social Media Manger
Matt McCann is an avid traveller and content manager. Opting for overland journeys whenever he can, he's seen countless train and bus stations in Europe (and the world.)
I took an overnight Stena Line ferry from Port of Hoek van Holland, just outside Rotterdam to Harwich International Port in southwest England. It was a surprisingly luxurious way to travel!
Transportation experience
After a quick passport check on the Dutch side, I was able to board the ferry as a foot passenger around an hour before we departed. I checked into my private cabin which had a bunkbed (double on the bottom and a single on top) and quite a sizable private bathroom with a shower. There was also a TV mounted to the wall and a porthole window. I was impressed by the comfort, the heat and pressure of the shower, and the plump pillows. Onboard there was a restaurant, bar, small casino, and a deck for fresh air and watching the waves. I spoke with a member of staff who mentioned that all overnight passengers must book a cabin, which differs from day passengers who can freely walk around (or nap) in the common spaces. We set off at 10PM and arrived around 6.30AM. At 5.30AM there was an onboard message fed in to every cabin reminding passengers to wake up and disembark. I wish I had woken slightly earlier as I wasn’t able to get a coffee after 6AM as the cafe had already closed. Leaving the ferry was simple and quick and there is a train station at the port that had an hourly train into London.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
My ticket was around €70 with the berth costing an additional €80. This double bunk option was not the cheapest and I opted for a sea view to add to the experience which also added a cost. I was very satisfied with the quality of the room and considering another person could share the space (if you wished) it is good value. I brought my own snacks on board and ate them in the common areas but food and drinks were reasonably priced onboard. It’s wise to factor in the cost of the train if you are travelling on to London though.
Top tips & recommendations
- When you book a cabin you it's not per person but instead per room. So if you are 2 people just book one cabin to share.
Conclusion
This was a really pleasant journey and I’d recommended it to those who would rather not fly, have families, or pets (as there were many dogs onboard.) The service runs twice per day (once in the afternoon and th next overnight) and I’d consider both options again in the future. The boat never felt too crowded and I didn’t suffer from any kind of motion sickness. I would definietly recommned this route!
Offers and deals from Rotterdam to Harwich
Discover the offers available on trains covering the route from Rotterdam to Harwich 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 Rotterdam to Harwich
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Ferries from Rotterdam to Harwich run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 52m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at $76 but you can travel from only $20 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 30m. There are 1 sailings per week. Ferries from Rotterdam to Harwich 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 $20
Official Omio partners on this route
Distance 118 nautical miles (219 km) |
Average sailing duration 8h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 |
Ferries per day 2 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 1 |
Fastest ferry 6h 30m |
First ferry 9:00 AM |
Last ferry 11:00 PM |
Cabins Available |
Vehicles Available |
Foot passengers Available |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 $20
Ferry operators: Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS from Rotterdam to HarwichYou can travel by ferry between Rotterdam to Harwich with Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS for as low as $76. 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 30m
Cheapest P&O Ferries Price
$144
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
16h 45m
Cheapest DFDS Price
$116
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 30m
Cheapest Stena Line Price
$76
Stena Line frequency
4 a day
Complete guide to Harwich
Things to do in Harwich
Discover the best of Harwich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harwich trip today.
- Recommended
Harwich Redoubt Fort Museum
Local museum inside a former fort with military collections and displays on coastal defence, uniforms and the town’s wartime role.
- Recommended
Harwich Low Lighthouse Museum
Seasonal heritage exhibition space in the old lighthouse, interpreting Trinity House operations and Harwich’s harbour approach lights.
- Must visit
Old Harwich
Harwich’s compact historic core of Georgian and medieval streets, packed with maritime character, listed buildings and walking interest.
- Recommended
Dovercourt Beach
Long shingle-and-sand beach backed by a broad promenade, popular for sea views, walks and classic Essex coast atmosphere.
- Recommended
Dovercourt Bay Lawn
Open green on the seafront known for the pair of lighthouses, wide skies and an easy, family-friendly coastal walking route.
- Gluten-free
Cromer Crab
Cromer crab is a prized East Anglian catch, often served simply dressed to highlight its sweet meat and strong connection to the nearby North Sea coast.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are a classic Essex and East End specialty made by poaching eels and setting the stock into a savoury jelly, reflecting old estuary food traditions.
Fish And Chips
Fish and chips is a staple in Harwich, usually featuring fresh North Sea cod or haddock in batter with chips, best eaten by the seafront.
The Hanover Inn
Historic quayside pub and restaurant known for seafood, British classics and characterful old-town surroundings with harbour views.
The Stingray
Popular traditional pub serving hearty British meals, local drinks and a relaxed atmosphere in Harwich's historic centre.
Mr Chips
Well-known local spot for classic fish and chips, valued for straightforward seaside fare and casual takeaway dining.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can rise in peak ferry season, but dining and local transport are usually manageable versus larger UK tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Greater Anglia
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.60
- Day pass
- /**null**/
To the city center
Harwich International Railway Station -> Harwich Town Railway Station
- Distance
- 3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted for Greater Anglia tickets online and at many stations, but local bus payment methods can vary by operator.
- Harwich International and Harwich Town are linked by the Mayflower Line. Check train times before travel, as services are less frequent outside peak periods.
FAQs: Ferry from Rotterdam to Harwich
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rotterdam to Harwich 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 Harwich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap ferry tickets from Rotterdam to Harwich can start from as little as $76 when you book in advance. The average ferry ticket price for Rotterdam to Harwich is $154 ; 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 Rotterdam to Harwich is 6h 30m 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 Rotterdam to Harwich leaves at 9:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest ferry from Rotterdam to Harwich leaves at 11:00 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct ferries a day from Rotterdam to Harwich with Stena Line, DFDS. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct ferries.
Yes, you can book a cabin on sailings from Rotterdam to Harwich with Stena Line, DFDS
Yes, travelling with a vehicle from Rotterdam to Harwich is possible with Stena Line, DFDS.
Yes, travelling as a foot passenger from Rotterdam to Harwich 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 Rotterdam to Harwich, you can count on Stena Line, P&O Ferries, DFDS for the best way to get you to Harwich. You can also check all possible ferry operators who offer a service between Rotterdam and Harwich and compare the amenities they offer before buying a ferry ticket.
A trip to Harwich from Rotterdam is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a ferry from Rotterdam to Harwich is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Rotterdam and Harwich including taking a flight and ferry.
Harwich is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Rotterdam will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their 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 Rotterdam to Harwich among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Harwich, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like ferry terminals and busy streets. It's advisable to keep personal belongings secure and be wary of unsolicited offers from individuals claiming to provide transportation or tours. Additionally, beware of scams involving unofficial taxi services that may overcharge; always use licensed operators. Staying aware of surroundings and verifying ticket purchases through official sources helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Rotterdam to Harwich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular ferries to and from Harwich and Rotterdam
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