Amsterdam - Newcastle timetable
Choose your date to see the DFDS departures in both directions, with the ship and the arrival time the next morning. The table shows scheduled departures, not live disruption updates. In stormy weather on the North Sea, the approach to IJmuiden can be delayed.
One overnight ferry in each direction
DFDS is the only ferry company on the Amsterdam - Newcastle route, and the timetable above shows the departures in both directions. The pattern is simple: every day a ferry leaves IJmuiden at 17:30 and reaches North Shields at 09:15 the next morning. In the other direction it leaves North Shields at 17:00 and is back in IJmuiden at 09:45. All times are local.
Because both ships are at sea at the same time, they pass each other during the night on the North Sea. The King Seaways and the Princess Seaways alternate on the route; the table shows which ship sails on your date.
What to bear in mind
The time difference regularly causes confusion. The UK is one hour behind the Netherlands, so the crossing to England works out at 16 h 45 min and the return at 15 h 45 min, even though the ships are at sea for the same length of time. Change your watch on board so you don't get the breakfast and arrival times wrong in the morning.
The route runs all year round. In strong winds on the North Sea, the approach to IJmuiden can be delayed and the timetable may change because of the weather. For the other direction, switch to the return journey above; each direction has its own list of departures.
The departure itself is fixed; what runs out is cabins. On holiday weekends and in summer, the cheaper categories and the pet cabins sell out sooner than the vehicle spaces. The Prices & fares page explains what the crossing costs.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the timetable
How often does the Amsterdam - Newcastle ferry sail? +
Once a day in each direction, all year round. The ferry leaves IJmuiden in the late afternoon, and the same goes for North Shields. The times above for your specific date are the ones to rely on.
When does the ferry leave IJmuiden? +
At 17:30 Dutch time. It arrives in North Shields at 09:15 UK time the next morning.
When does the ferry leave Newcastle? +
At 17:00 UK time from North Shields. It arrives in IJmuiden at 09:45 Dutch time the next morning.
Why does the crossing to England take longer? +
It doesn't. The UK is one hour behind the Netherlands, so the local times add up to 16 h 45 min towards England and 15 h 45 min on the way back.
When do I need to be at check-in? +
Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, and with a vehicle you should arrive well before that. Everything you need to know is on the Check-in page.
Found your departure?
Book your cabin and your place on the sailing you want to Newcastle.