Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about the DFDS overnight ferry between IJmuiden and Newcastle, sorted by topic.
- Departures, crossing time and ships
- Booking, cabins, vehicles, dogs and life on board
- UK entry: passport, ETA and travelling with a dog
Questions and answers
Route and departures
Which ferry company sails Amsterdam - Newcastle? +
Only DFDS, every day with the King Seaways or the Princess Seaways. There is more about the ferry company and its ships on the DFDS page.
Does the ferry really leave from Amsterdam? +
No, it leaves from IJmuiden on the North Sea coast west of Amsterdam. A transfer bus runs from the centre to the terminal. There is more on the IJmuiden ferry terminal page.
When does the ferry sail? +
Once a day in each direction: from IJmuiden at 17:30 and from North Shields at 17:00, local time in each case. The dates for your trip are in the timetable.
How long is the crossing? +
Around 16 h 45 min towards Newcastle and 15 h 45 min on the way back. The difference comes from the one-hour time difference between the Netherlands and the UK.
Booking, prices and cabins
How much does the Amsterdam - Newcastle ferry cost? +
That depends on the date, vehicle and cabin. The starting prices are on the Prices & fares page.
Do all cabins have a private bathroom? +
Yes, from the Economy cabin to the Commodore de Luxe. The categories are described on the Cabins page.
What is the mini cruise? +
A DFDS package with two nights on board and a day in Newcastle, including a transfer bus into the city. Everything you need to know is on the Mini cruise page.
Entry and check-in
Can I enter the UK with a national ID card? +
Not for most EU citizens. You need a valid passport, and visitors also need an ETA for every person. There is more on the Check-in page.
What is the ETA? +
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation. Every traveller needs one, children included; the only exceptions are British or Irish passport holders and people with permission to live in the UK. You apply online in advance; it is valid for two years and linked to your passport. The decision can take up to three working days.
When does check-in close? +
45 minutes before departure: at 16:45 in IJmuiden and at 16:15 in Newcastle. Vehicles with low ground clearance need to arrive earlier. Details are on the Check-in page.
Vehicles, bikes and dogs
Can I take my motorhome? +
Yes, motorhomes and caravans travel on the vehicle deck. You cannot sleep in your motorhome; you sleep in a cabin. There is more on the Motorhomes & caravans page.
How do I get to the terminal without a car? +
With the DFDS transfer bus from Amsterdam Centraal or from Newcastle Central station. There is more on the On foot & by bike page.
Can my dog stay in the car? +
No. Dogs travel in a pet cabin or a kennel on board. The rules and entry documents are on the Dogs & pets page.
On board and arrival
Where can I eat on board? +
At the Explorer's Kitchen buffet restaurant, the North Sea Bistro à la carte restaurant or Coffee Crew. The breakfast buffet opens at 07:00.
Is there a luggage limit? +
No, DFDS does not limit luggage on this route. On the transfer bus you can only take what you can carry yourself.
When can I get back to my car in the morning? +
The vehicle deck usually opens about 15 minutes before docking. Announcements tell you when to go to your car or the gangway.