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Amsterdam is such a great city in so many ways and if you’re looking for options for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying, here are 4 great ways to do it!
Despite the Netherlands being so close to the UK, flights between the two are very tempting for many travellers, especially flights to Amsterdam from the UK.
The great thing about the Netherlands is that once you’re in the country, the public transport network is more than good enough to take you anywhere so to visit Amsterdam, or another one of the popular cities in the Netherlands, you don’t have to fly into Amsterdam!
That only leaves the question of how to get to Amsterdam without flying – how do you swap flights to Schiphol for trains, buses, and ferries?
travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying
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Best Way to Travel to Amsterdam without flying?
Thankfully, the Netherlands is accessible in a few different ways from the UK. This list breaks down the most helpful methods for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying, most (but not all) of which start from London.
While there are other ways to go flight-free from the UK to the Netherlands, the list below shows all those which I think are worth considering.
While a Hull – Rotterdam ferry exists, it is run by P&O (who sacked workers without warning a few years ago) and has very poor connections in either port. You could also take a ferry to France and then trains to the Netherlands, but of course, this would take longer/cost more than the direct options.
This is a guest post by Harry, the owner ofTrain X Europe. Based in the Netherlands, Harry plans flight-free travel across Europe. TheTrain X Europe blogfeatures tips and inspiration for low-carbon travel, particularly for those in the UK and Ireland. You can see more onInstagramorTiktok, and contact Harry byemail.
Train from London to Amsterdam
Eurostar
The Eurostar might be an obvious option, but that’s because it’s a great one! By far the fastest way to get to the Netherlands, you have 3 or 4 direct journeys from London St. Pancras to Rotterdam and Amsterdam each day.
More times are available if you are willing to change trains in Brussels. City centre to city centre inside 4 hours for the direct trips – up to 5 and a half hours if you have to change.
Both options are similar prices, but that brings us to the main downside of taking the Eurostar to the Netherlands – it isn’t cheap! Looking six weeks ahead for the prices of the train from London to Amsterdam, you can see the prices vary widely, and €125-170 (£110-150) is not uncommon.
However, with high baggage costs on low-cost airlines today, plus travel costs between the airport and the city centre on either side, both of which are not incurred by travelling on the Eurostar between London and Amsterdam, it is worth doing the math because, in the end, the train from the UK to Amsterdam might not be more expensive.
Search Eurostar times and prices here!
Other than the price, it’s hard to fault the Eurostar. Having both Rotterdam and Amsterdam as stops is a real benefit, as you get a wider range of possible onward connections into the country.
The train is quick and comfortable… just make sure you arrive in plenty of time to check in if you choose this option! The official guidance is 45 to 90 minutes before departure.
Search Eurostar times and prices here!
Boat from UK to Netherlands
DFDS Newcastle – IJmuiden Ferry
This is a fantastic option for travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying especially if you’re coming from Scotland or northern England like Manchester. This ferry departs from North Shields and arrives in IJmuiden, a port 15 miles from Amsterdam.
Don’t worry – DFDS runs transfer buses to and from each port. It’s great to see these connections being recognised and included in flight-free service.
By all accounts, the boat itself is quite comfortable and well-equipped for food and entertainment. Here’s a video from fellow travel blogger Steve Marsh showing what a ‘mini-cruise’ on this route looks like.
You can choose between 2 and 5 bed cabins, inside or sea view. Cabins are mostly £70-90 (for a minimum of two people) – there’s no extra fare beyond that, so it’s good value!
The crossing is overnight, approximately 17:30 to 09:15 depending on the day. If you book transfer buses, you do so in the same booking, and you can do the same with your meals on board as well!
Stena Line Harwich – Hook of Holland Ferry
You’re in luck if you’re in London or East Anglia but still like the ferry option. Stena Line runs ferries from Harwich to Hook of Holland, and this is a great route.
You have day sailings (09:00 to 17:15) and night sailings (23:00 to 08:00) to choose from, and cabins on the latter run from £35 single-beds all the way up to £135 deluxe suites. If you want to see photos of the cabins or any more details, Seat61 has an excellent breakdown of the finer points of this route.
There’s another reason this is an affordable route to the Netherlands for many people – RailSail. You can get a ticket from any Greater Anglia station to the ferry port at Harwich included in your fare.
Did I mention that this ferry port has a dedicated rail station, so it’s easy to access? For those travelling from outside London, this is most useful for connections from London Liverpool Street or Peterborough.
On the other side, Hook of Holland – or Hoek van Holland – has a metro connection straight into Rotterdam. You have to change for Rotterdam Centraal, but you also have great onward connections from Schiedam Centrum and Rotterdam Alexander, both of which are on the same metro line (B). Alternatively, take the metro one stop opposite the brand new beach stop and start your trip in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands immediately!
London to Amsterdam Coach
Flixbus from London to Amsterdam
If you want and need a cheap method of flight-free travel, coaches around Europe will always do the trick!
The best option for this route is Flixbus. Expect to pay £35-60 depending on the date and how far in advance you look. The good news? It’s a direct, cheap, and very low-emission way to travel from the UK to Amsterdam.
The bad news? It will take all day – here’s a sample journey on that route from the Flixbus website.
If looking for flight-free options from the UK to Europe in general, this particular coach might actually be handier for visiting Belgium. You can also take Flixbuses to Lille or Brussels, and then the train onwards from there.
This will certainly be faster, but many of those cross-border trains to the Netherlands will be run by Thalys – and these are often a similar price to the Eurostar anyway, so this may not save you very much money.
National Express Coach to Amsterdam from London
National Express have a page dedicated to London – Amsterdam coaches, but it displays the notice showing that these are currently unavailable and they hope to run them again soon.
Eurolines also runs coaches on this route, but they are more expensive for the same route as a Flixbus, so not worth it!
The flight-free routes from the UK to the Netherlands shown here can work great for business or leisure travel between Britain and the Netherlands, or they can form part of longer overland routes across Europe. We all want to travel with fewer carbon emissions and every time you choose one of these routes, you’re taking a positive step in that direction and increasing demand for these services. Happy travelling!
I hope this post on travelling to Amsterdam from the UK without flying helps you plan your route there!
For more related posts see:
- 10 Awesome Ideas For Alternative Day Trips from London!
- Things To Do Alone in Amsterdam with One Day in Amsterdam!
- 10 Amsterdam Solo Travel Tips So You Enjoy Amsterdam Alone!
- How To Spend A Weekend in Amsterdam On a Budget!
- Vegan Cafes In Rotterdam To Visit and Vegan Food in Rotterdam!
FAQs
4 TOP Ways for Travelling to Amsterdam from the UK Without Flying! - The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog? ›
There are several ways of travelling from London to Amsterdam. The quickest and easiest way is by air from one of the three London airports. The Eurostar train is a good alternative from London, connecting via Brussels with one of the high-speed rail links into Amsterdam.
What is the easiest way to get from London to Amsterdam? ›There are several ways of travelling from London to Amsterdam. The quickest and easiest way is by air from one of the three London airports. The Eurostar train is a good alternative from London, connecting via Brussels with one of the high-speed rail links into Amsterdam.
What is the cheapest way to get to the Netherlands from the UK? ›Travelling by long-distance bus is generally the cheapest way of reaching the Netherlands from the UK, but it is very time-consuming: the main route, from London to Amsterdam, takes around twelve hours. There are three or four services daily and all of them use the Eurotunnel.
Is it better to fly or train to Amsterdam? ›If you are looking for the fastest and most efficient way to get to Amsterdam from Paris then the train is your best option. Taking a train is the better option over flying because it will save you time, the train offers comfortable seats with wifi, and if booked in advance, it is usually reasonably priced.
Where can you travel to from the UK without flying? ›- Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Dutch capital is one of the UK's favourite short-haul destinations and it's not hard to see why. ...
- The French Alps. ...
- Bruges, Belgium. ...
- Paris, France. ...
- Dublin, Ireland. ...
- Aachen, Germany. ...
- Disneyland Paris, France. ...
- Antwerp, Belgium.
With our daily direct trains from London to Amsterdam, getting from the centre of London to the beating heart of the Netherlands couldn't be easier. And with a journey time of 3hrs 52 mins you'll be sampling the best of Amsterdam in no time.
What is the best way to get to Amsterdam from the UK? ›Taking a direct Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam
The train from London to Amsterdam usually takes 4 hours and 52 minutes but can take just 4 hours and 40 minutes on the fastest services. You'll be travelling direct on this route with Eurostar.
Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from London to Amsterdam. Buses traveling from London to Amsterdam depart from London's Victoria coach station and take at least 9 hours to arrive at Amsterdam's Sloterdijk bus station.
Can you go from UK to Netherlands by train? ›Take the train to the Netherlands
Our daily trains run direct from London to Amsterdam via Rotterdam. It takes just 3 hours 52 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal, and only 3 hours 13 minutes to get to Rotterdam Centraal.
One of the greatest things about traveling through Europe by train, rather than plane, is the scenery. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes you pass. On a plane, all you see is sky and the map-like land below you. On the train, you are literally a part of the landscape you're moving through.
What is the best way for tourist to travel in Amsterdam? ›
Amsterdam Trams
Trams are one of the quickest and easiest ways to get around Amsterdam. Trams are the transport of choice for most tourists as they will take you to most attractions and Amsterdam points of interest. Most tram lines operate from Amsterdam Central Station.
Boasting a whole range of transport opportunities, Amsterdam can take you where you need to go via a boat, bike, train, tram or bus. The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer.
What is the cheapest way to get from England to Europe? ›Ferries from the UK to Europe
Ferries to Europe from the UK are a popular option with travellers for many reasons: Ferry travel is typically cheaper than flying. The check-in process is far less hassle and much quicker than flight check-ins - many recommend arriving only 45-60 minutes before departure.
From the UK you have several options for travelling to Europe by ferry. You can cross the Channel on our Dover to Dunkirk or Dover to Calais routes, as well as our Newhaven to Dieppe route. Our Newcastle to Amsterdam route provides an ideal link from the north of the UK to the Continent.
How to go from UK to Europe? ›- Take the train from London St Pancras Intl to Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi.
- Take the train from Brussel-Zuid / Bruxelles-Midi to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf.
- Take the train from Frankfurt to Fulda Bahnhof.
Ferries to Holland - FAQs
Harwich to Hook of Holland is the quickest ferry crossing to Holland from England. This route takes approximately 6 hours 45 minutes. Stena Line operates this route with 14 weekly sailings.
The route takes about 7 hours and is operated by boating company Stena Line. Harwich is the closest harbor to London with departures to The Netherlands. Boats arrive at Hook of Holland harbor, from where you will need around 1,5 to 2 hours to get to Amsterdam.
Can you get a ferry from Scotland to Amsterdam? ›The ferry port closest to the Scottish border that connects with Europe is Newcastle, from which DFDS takes foot passengers on its 17.00 overnight sailings to Amsterdam. Timings: Departs Newcastle 17:00, arrives Amsterdam 9.45am.
Can you get a boat to Amsterdam from UK? ›The most popular ferry to Amsterdam from UK sailing is with the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry, arriving at Ijmuiden, the Amsterdam ferry port. Another way to go by ferry to Amsterdam is with the Hull to Amsterdam ferry, connecting Hull in England with Holland.
Can I go from Amsterdam to UK by train? ›You can take a direct train back to London from Amsterdam Centraal in just 4 hours 09 minutes.
Can I catch a train from London to Amsterdam? ›
Take a train from London to Amsterdam
With our daily direct trains from London to Amsterdam, getting from the centre of London to the beating heart of the Netherlands couldn't be easier. And with a journey time of 3hrs 52 mins you'll be sampling the best of Amsterdam in no time.
UK nationals do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. At passport control, UK nationals should use the 'ALL PASSPORTS' lane, irrespective of their residence status. If you are travelling via France or Belgium, check FCDO Travel Advice for those countries, as testing requirements and validity may differ.
How much is the train from Heathrow to Amsterdam? ›Overview: Train from London Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam
Normally, there is 1 train operating per day, including direct services available. While the average ticket price for this journey costs around $335 (€292), you can find the cheapest train ticket for as low as $127 (€111).
With fares starting at around £70 return at their cheapest, flying to Amsterdam is still cheaper than taking the Eurostar, as we found plane tickets from just £47 return online for flights in May 2020.
How many days is enough for Amsterdam? ›How long is the average trip to Amsterdam? Typically, 3 to 4 days is quite enough to enjoy the beauty of the “city of canals.” You'll even get some extra time to take a half-day tour, to see the beautiful tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens.
What is the easiest way to go to Netherlands? ›...
Apply for a Dutch Work Visa
- Make an appointment with the IND (the Immigration and Naturalization Service). ...
- Collect all the required documents.
The price of train tickets from London to Amsterdam starts at $64.75 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
How long does it take to get from London to Amsterdam by train? ›It takes an average of 7h 43m to travel from London to Amsterdam-Centraal by train, over a distance of around 220 miles (355 km). There are normally 5 trains per day travelling from London to Amsterdam-Centraal and tickets for this journey start from €57 when you book in advance.
Is there a ferry from UK to Netherlands? ›There are 3 ferry routes operating between England and Holland offering you combined total of 28 sailings per week. P&O Ferries operates 1 routes, Hull to Rotterdam which runs 7 times daily. Stena Line operates 1 routes, Harwich to Hook of Holland which runs 14 times daily.
Where in Europe can you get a train to from UK? ›- Paris via Eurostar. Train: Eurostar (around 17 trains a day) ...
- Lille via Eurostar. Train: Eurostar (8 trains a day) ...
- Brussels via Eurostar. ...
- Bruges via Eurostar. ...
- Amsterdam via Eurostar. ...
- Lyon, France Via Eurostar. ...
- Nantes, France, Via Eurostar and TGV trainline. ...
- Rotterdam, Netherlands Via Eurostar.
Is it worth travelling first class on Eurostar? ›
Re: Eurostar - does first class make a difference? Yes, I would say the same about first class on the TGV. However, depending when you book you can often find first class fares as cheap and sometimes even cheaper than second class so then it makes sense.
What is the famous train in Amsterdam? ›Trip Details
The Bernina Express is a train with panoramic windows running between Switzerland and Northern Italy. One of the world's most scenic train journeys; the whole route is UNESCO ...
Travelling from London to Amsterdam by train is easy and fast. You travel comfortably and cheaply with the Eurostar and then Intercity with stops at Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, The Hague and then Amsterdam Central station. You can also take the Thalys from Brussels South to Amsterdam Central station.
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Amsterdam? ›Rijksmuseum
Today the museum has over 1 million pieces in its collection and over 8,000 on display dating from the 1200s.
The gigantic Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam's most popular attraction. With over 5,000 paintings, this museum tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history, including the 17th century, also known as the Dutch Golden Age.
What is the etiquette in Amsterdam? ›Basic Etiquette
Be punctual when you can and always give a fair warning of your tardiness if you anticipate delays. It is considered rude to keep people waiting. It is polite to cover your mouth when yawning. It is rude to speak whilst chewing gum.
The best way to get around Amsterdam is by bike. Once you've flown into the nearby Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and settled into your hotel, we suggest you inquire about getting your own two wheels.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Amsterdam? ›The cheapest way to use public transport in Amsterdam is to buy a multi-day transportation ticket. These give you unlimited use of the trams, buses and subway from 6 am to 12:30 am. A one-day public transport pass in Amsterdam costs €8.
Does Uber work in Amsterdam? ›Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Amsterdam
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Amsterdam. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.
All in all, the average cost of international train tickets in Europe is generally less expensive than flying.
Can you take a train from UK to Europe? ›
Eurostar is a high-speed train connecting Great Britain to Continental Europe. The Eurostar travels via the Channel Tunnel, and brings you from London to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam in just a few hours. The Eurostar also travels direct to Lille, and Disneyland Paris (Marne-la-Vallée).
What is the most efficient way to travel in Europe? ›Transportation in Europe
Trains are generally the best way to get around in Europe. The rail network is comprehensive, ticket costs are rather affordable, and the scenery is gorgeous. Trains are a great way to visit many destinations quickly and efficiently. We loved travelling by train in Europe!
All explosives: military shells (including war souvenirs and relics), detonators, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, explosive military stores, imitation devices, fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics.
What is the best way to cross the English Channel? ›You have two options: by train or by ferry. Note that the Channel Tunnel is a railway tunnel beneath the English Channel, which connects Folkestone, England with Coquelles, France. The Channel Tunnel carries only vehicles, not cyclists or passengers.
How much does it cost to cross the English Channel? ›Eurotunnel's standard return fare starts at £106 per car, while with P&O the cost is from £60, with LD Lines from £58, and with SeaFrance from £50. Norfolkline often has the cheapest deals. Currently, its fares for a standard return for a car and four people are as little as £29 (travelling midweek before 20 May).
Where can I go from UK without flying? ›- Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Dutch capital is one of the UK's favourite short-haul destinations and it's not hard to see why. ...
- The French Alps. ...
- Bruges, Belgium. ...
- Paris, France. ...
- Dublin, Ireland. ...
- Aachen, Germany. ...
- Disneyland Paris, France. ...
- Antwerp, Belgium.
Taking a flight from Delhi or Mumbai is the best option for those wondering how to go to Europe. Cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna in Europe are directly connected with flights from Indian Airports.
How can I go to Europe without flying? ›Crossing the Atlantic Ocean by boat offers a unique and economical option for those aspiring to reach Europe without having to deal with air travel. Not on any old sailboat, but one of a few different options for transatlantic ocean travel: freighter cruises, repositioning cruises and luxury cruises.
Is it cheaper to fly or train from London to Amsterdam? ›Taking a flight is the most popular way to travel from Amsterdam to London. Taking a flight is usually both cheaper and faster than traveling from Amsterdam to London via Eurostar train even when traveling to and from the airport is considered.
Is there a high speed train from London to Amsterdam? ›How fast does the Eurostar go? Between London and Amsterdam, the high-speed lines allow our trains to drive at a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (300 km/h).
Is it cheaper to get Eurostar or plane to Amsterdam? ›
With fares starting at around £70 return at their cheapest, flying to Amsterdam is still cheaper than taking the Eurostar, as we found plane tickets from just £47 return online for flights in May 2020.
Is Eurostar the only train from Amsterdam to London? ›What train companies travel from Amsterdam to London? Eurostar is the only train operator serving this route.
What is the best and cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam? ›The cheapest way to travel around Amsterdam is walking but if you need to get somewhere fast, the use of an OV chip card is the answer. Being used on trams, buses and metros, the OV chip card (OV-chipkaart) is the easiest way to pay for all your travel about town.
What is the cheapest way to get from London to Amsterdam? ›Taking the bus is the cheapest way to travel from London to Amsterdam. Buses traveling from London to Amsterdam depart from London's Victoria coach station and take at least 9 hours to arrive at Amsterdam's Sloterdijk bus station.
Do they speak English in Amsterdam? ›Language spoken in Amsterdam: English
Although it is not an official language, in Amsterdam - and in the Netherlands more generally - there are many Dutch people who speak English (90% of the population) at a level practically equal to that of a native speaker.
As a general rule, most travelers can plan on spending between 2-4 days in Amsterdam, depending on whether or not they take any day trips, and how long they plan to spend in the Netherlands overall.
Does train from London to Amsterdam go under water? ›Trains from London to Amsterdam do go underwater. In fact, the Channel Tunnel is the longest continuous underwater tunnel in the world at 31 metres in length. Travelling at speeds of up to 100 mph, the Eurostar train takes around 35 minutes to travel this underwater stretch.
Is it better to fly from Paris to Amsterdam or take the train? ›The train is without doubt the best way to travel between Amsterdam and Paris. Tickets can be easily booked at the NS International site with prices starting at just €35 one-way.
How much is Eurostar usually? ›Eurostar fares from London to Paris or Brussels start at £52 one-way or £78 return in 2nd class, if you book in advance. Standard Premier (1st class) fares start at £115 one-way, £199 return. Booking usually opens 6 months ahead, in fact, Eurostar booking can open up to 330 days ahead.
Is there a ferry from UK to Amsterdam? ›The most popular ferry to Amsterdam from UK sailing is with the Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry, arriving at Ijmuiden, the Amsterdam ferry port. Another way to go by ferry to Amsterdam is with the Hull to Amsterdam ferry, connecting Hull in England with Holland.
What station does the Eurostar leave from in Amsterdam? ›
Eurostar Departures guideStation details and facilitiesTravelling on Thalys? Amsterdam Centraal station is in the heart of the city and is extremely well connected by public transport. It is within walking distance from the popular Jordaan district, canal belt, and the old centre.
How many stops on Eurostar from London to Amsterdam? ›The EUR train (Amsterdam Centraal) has 5 stations departing from London St. Pancras Int. and ending in Amsterdam Centraal.
How many Eurostar trains per day to Amsterdam? ›Pancras International train station. That is where lots of travellers take Eurostar to reach cities all around Europe. The Dutch Railways (NS) and TGV (Thalys) also offer transport via the railways. Thanks to three direct Eurostar trains per day, travelling from London to Amsterdam has become faster than ever!