Driving offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, and our ferry crossings to Europe mean that even getting from London to Amsterdam by car is possible.
Here, we share two routes that you can choose from when planning your trip to the Dutch capital in your own vehicle.
Want to take a road trip to Amsterdam in 2023?
London to Amsterdam by car via Dover
One way to get from London to Amsterdam by car is via our Dover to Calais ferry crossing. Your starting point in London will determine your journey as there are a number of roads that will lead you to Kent, but eventually you’ll need to end up on the M2 and A2 or the M20 and A20 towards Dover. Once you reach the port, simply check-in, receive your mirror hanger, and join your lane. If it’s your first time sailing from Dover, take a look at our tips for what to expect before you travel.
The next stage of your trip is the best bit, as sailing from Dover to Calais gives you the opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy a delicious meal, or just sit back and relax for 90 minutes as you admire the sea views. On the approach into Calais, you’ll be informed of when you can return to your vehicle so that you can prepare for your drive to Amsterdam.
It takes around 4 hours to drive from Calais port to Amsterdam, but if you’d like to make stops en route there are lots of great options. The most direct route will take you along the E40 until you reach Belgium, and then past Ghent and Antwerp – which are both great places to take a break from behind the wheel if you need one. Upon entering the Netherlands, you’ll be driving along the E311 and then onto the E35 which will take you all the way to the city.
London to Amsterdam by car via Hull
The second way to get from London to Amsterdam by car is via Hull. This option takes longer as it includes an overnight ferry crossing to Rotterdam, but it will take you closer to your final destination which is ideal for anyone who isn’t keen on driving in Europe for too long.
The drive from London to Hull Ferry Terminal takes around 4 and a half hours, and the majority of the journey will be spent on the M1. You’ll pass a number of popular cities, including Northampton, Leicester, and Nottingham, so if you did want to break up your journey it would be perfectly easy to do so. Once you reach the terminal, your check-in will be very similar to what you’d experience at Dover, but this time you’ll be asked to turn off your car alarm so that it doesn’t disrupt sleeping passengers during the night.
Once on board your Hull to Rotterdam ferry crossing, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment options. Enjoy dinner in The Brasserie or The Kitchen, listen to live music in the Show Bar, watch a film in the cinema, or try your luck in the casino, before settling down for the night in your comfortable cabin. The next morning, head back to one of the restaurants for a tasty breakfast before re-joining your car on the lower deck.
Your car journey to Amsterdam will take around an hour and a half from Rotterdam port, and you’ll drive past The Hague and Leiden, both of which are worth visiting if you have the time. You’ll be on the A4 for the majority of the trip, which is another reason why this option is great for those who might be nervous about driving on the other side of the road.
With two great options for travelling from London to Amsterdam by car to choose from, book your preferred ferry crossing today and start planning your trip to the amazing Dutch capital.
