On foot & by bike
Both terminals are outside the city centres. Here is how to get there without a car and what applies to luggage and bikes.
- Transfer bus from Amsterdam and Newcastle
- No luggage limit on board
- Bikes travel on the vehicle deck
To Newcastle without a car
Table of Contents
Getting to the ports without a car
The ferry is called Amsterdam - Newcastle, but both terminals are outside the cities: in IJmuiden on the North Sea coast west of Amsterdam, and in North Shields at the mouth of the Tyne east of Newcastle. Without a car you need a way to reach the port at both ends.
The transfer bus
DFDS runs a transfer bus at both ends:
- Amsterdam: departs from De Ruijterkade 153 behind Amsterdam Centraal at 15:30 and 16:00, around 30 to 40 minutes to IJmuiden.
- Newcastle: departs from Bewick Street opposite Newcastle Central station at 14:30 and 15:30 to North Shields.
On the morning after arrival, the bus runs the other way, from the terminal into the centre. Your booking confirmation is your ticket; book the bus in advance with your crossing. You can only take luggage you can carry yourself, and each bus has room for one large wheelchair. Prices are on the Prices & fares page.
Without the bus
You can reach IJmuiden by train to Beverwijk and then the local bus. The terminal in North Shields can also be reached by Metro, local bus or taxi. Details are on the IJmuiden ferry terminal and Newcastle ferry terminal pages.
Luggage
DFDS does not limit luggage on board. You take it with you to your cabin for the night; the categories are on the Cabins page.
By bike
Bicycles travel on the vehicle deck; add your bike when you book. Because the transfer bus only takes luggage you can carry, you cycle to the terminal yourself. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, and the times are on the Check-in page. In the UK traffic drives on the left, and that includes cyclists.
Leaving your car at the port
If you drive to IJmuiden and continue on foot, you can leave your car in the car park right at the terminal. Spaces are limited and are reserved by phone; the number and directions are on the IJmuiden ferry terminal page.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about travelling without a car
How do I get to the terminal without a car? +
With the DFDS transfer bus: in Amsterdam from De Ruijterkade behind Amsterdam Centraal, in Newcastle from Bewick Street opposite Newcastle Central station.
Can I take my bike on the transfer bus? +
Only luggage you can carry yourself is allowed on the bus. With a bike, you cycle to the terminal yourself.
Is there a luggage limit on board? +
No, DFDS does not limit luggage on this route. On the transfer bus you must be able to carry it yourself.
How much does the crossing cost with a bike? +
That depends on the date and cabin. The Prices & fares page gives the starting price.