Driving from the UK to Amsterdam | RAC Drive (2024)

If you are looking to head to the capital of the Netherlands – Amsterdam – by vehicle, make sure that you have everything you need, and know the route you need to take.

According to Statista, more than 360,000 Brits head to the city every year – and driving there is relatively simple.

This guide looks at the routes you will need to take, as well as some helpful tips for drivers.

The city of Amsterdam is located in the western European nation of the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland.

Home to almost a million people, it is famous for its canals, history and nightlife.

With many famous tourist destinations such as the Ann Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, De Wallen District, Heineken Experience, and Vondelpark, it is no surprise that it is a popular place for people to visit from all over the world.

If you are driving from London to Amsterdam, you can expect the journey to take between 8 and 10 hours – depending on traffic, ferry, or Eurotunnel times, and the time it takes to cross the borders.

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If you are looking to travel to Holland in your car, then you have a few options – and you’ll either need to take the ferry or Eurotunnel to get into continental Europe.

For drivers taking a ferry direct to the Netherlands, you will need to travel from Hull, Harwich or Newcastle.

However, if you are taking the ferry or Channel Tunnel from Dover, then you will arrive in Calais, France.

From there, drivers will need to travel through Belgium and then up to northern Netherlands to reach Amsterdam.

There are two directions you can take from London to get to Amsterdam by car – either drive to Harwich and get a direct ferry to Rotterdam, Netherlands – or travel to Dover to get a ferry or Eurotunnel.

The first option is a shorter distance, but take slightly longer – and only goes through one country, rather than three.

Below is the map for the routes from London to Amsterdam:

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If you are looking to travel to other major cities in The Netherlands, then here is where to go and how far away they are from Amsterdam.

Below are the travel times from London – adjust accordingly for where you are starting your journey:

• Rotterdam – 6-8 hours
• Den Haag – 6-8 hours
• Utrecht – 7-9 hours
• Eindhoven – 6-8 hours
• Groningen – 8-10 hours

Have a great time in Amsterdam and the Netherlands!

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