Driving to Holland

Whether you’re a frequent traveller to the Netherlands, or you’re looking to experience the tulips, windmills and clogs on your first trip, travelling with LeShuttle to Holland is the fastest and most convenient way to visit.

How to get to Amsterdam from the UK

Getting to Amsterdam from the UK is easier than ever with LeShuttle:

• Our service departs up to four times every hour, 365 days a year
• Your journey with LeShuttle lasts just 35 minutes
• There are no baggage restrictions, so you can pack as much as you like

Faster than a ferry to Holland from the UK

Driving and using LeShuttle to get to the Netherlands is not only convenient, but it also allows you to make the most of the country whilst you’re there. The benefit of using our service is especially clear when compared to the direct ferries to Holland and the rest of the country.

How long does the ferry take from England to the Netherlands?

There are three choices of direct ferries from the UK to the Netherlands, each with considerably longer journey times than the trip via LeShuttle:

• Harwich to Hook of Holland - 6h 45m
• Hull to Rotterdam - 11h
• Newcastle to Amsterdam - 15h 45m

As previously mentioned, LeShuttle’s journey time from Folkestone to Calais is just 35 minutes, and from there it only takes just over 2 hours to reach the Dutch border. That's quicker than driving from Folkestone to Portsmouth! This means it takes less than four hours to get from England to the Netherlands, which is considerably faster than the ferry. This quicker journey time is the main reason why so many people from the UK use LeShuttle to drive to Holland and the rest of the Netherlands.

Also, unlike when flying to the Netherlands, you can pack more than just the essentials because we impose no baggage restrictions.

Driving on Dutch motorways is similar to those in France, Belgium and Germany (Credit: Gigidelneri, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

What is the cheapest way to get to Amsterdam?

The most affordable way to get to Amsterdam will depend on where you start from - but it’s also important to consider your non-negotiables. If comfort is a priority and you plan on bringing your furry friends, LeShuttle may offer the most value for money. Why not carpool to split the costs? With one ticket, you can bring up to 9 friends!

Driving to Holland from major UK cities

Take a look at our handy table to see the distances to Amsterdam from these British cities:

What is the speed limit in the Netherlands? 

The speed limit for driving in a car or van on motorways in the Netherlands is 130 km/h. This limit is only applicable during certain time periods - from 6am to 7pm the limit is lowered to 100 km/h. There may be other local speed restrictions in place, and the speed limits will be different for other types of vehicles. Nationally the speed limit is 80 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h on urban roads. Drivers caught exceeding the speed limit on rural or urban roads could face fines of up to €194, while offences on motorways may lead to fines or driving bans. 

What are the parking regulations in the Netherlands?

Parking is definitely at a premium in built-up areas of the Netherlands, especially in a city like Amsterdam where travel by public transport and bicycle is widespread, and the street network in the city centre is not car friendly. Blue 'P-Zone' signs denote metered parking areas. Permit holders can only park where the parking sign also contains the word 'Vergunninghouders'. You should not park in any section of road marked with a continuous yellow line, next to a kerb painted with an alternating black and white pattern, or less than five metres from a road junction.

Can I charge my electric vehicle in the Netherlands?

Yes, in fact the Netherlands is one of the best countries in Europe to drive an EV. There are more EV charging stations in the country than anywhere else in Europe - the Dutch government invested early in the technology, and the Netherlands now has an extremely dense coverage of electric charging infrastructure, with over 140,000 public charging points in what is a relatively small country. 

What to do in Holland and the rest of the Netherlands

Pop into Spring Park when visiting the Tulip Festival in Keukenhof

When driving in the Netherlands you’ll undoubtedly come across many vibrant fields full of colourful flowers. In fact, the Netherlands is home to a breathtaking flower route that offers drivers the chance to visit the towns and cities that are most famous for being horticultural hotspots. The flower most often associated with the Dutch is the tulip, and nowhere is the country’s affiliation celebrated more than during Keukenhof’s annual tulip festival. The festival takes place every spring and offers visitors the chance to board a helicopter and observe the colourful fields from the sky.

A stroll through Amsterdam at dusk is an experience in itself

Of course, one destination certainly worth a visit is the Dutch capital of Amsterdam, found in Noord (North) Holland. The enchanting city is a dream for culture vultures with its rich, tangible history and multiple museums and galleries. Art lovers simply must see the works of art on display in Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art.

Anne Frank House is another historic place of interest. It offers visitors the chance to reflect on the harrowing story of Anne Frank and her family who spent two years hiding in the ‘Secret Annex’. Waiting times can be lengthy, so it’s best to visit early in the morning, or book online in advance.

Rotterdam at night

Another unmissable city in the Netherlands is Rotterdam; known for its bold and modern architecture and for being the country’s second largest city after Amsterdam. Visitors to Rotterdam can enjoy the typically Dutch café culture, as well as the city’s unique waterways that nod to its proud relationship with the seas, and it being home to the largest port in Europe.

Efteling has a number of exciting attractions and rides for the whole family to enjoy

For those travelling with kids, the ideal place for some fun and adventure is Efteling, the largest theme park in the Netherlands, which offers rollercoasters, thrilling water rides, exciting shows and overnight accommodation. 

Sampling the local delicacies is an integral element to your Dutch adventure. From deliciously fresh herring to Oliebollen, Erwtensoep and waffles and cheeses to suit any palate, the Dutch have a dish for everyone to enjoy. 

A selection of delicious Dutch cheeses

Driving through Holland to reach other countries

If you are on a road trip to Scandinavia, northern Germany or further afield, chances are you will find yourself driving in the Netherlands. From the North Sea dunes to the colourful tulip fields, Holland is an interesting country to drive through. It’s also fairly small, famously flat and the roads are well maintained, so it should not be too difficult to adjust to, especially if you have just spent some time driving in France and through Belgium. You just need to be aware of the rules and regulations for driving in the Netherlands, and to be sure you have all the right documents and equipment. 

Do I need an emissions sticker in the Netherlands?

The following Dutch cities have 'milieuzones', areas in which only vehicles meeting the Euro 4 standard of emissions can enter: 

• Amsterdam
• Arnhem
• The Hague
• Maastricht
• Utrecht 
• Eindhoven

You do not require an emissions sticker or badge to drive into these low emission zones in the Netherlands, as you have to do in France and Germany. Detection cameras can identify if vehicles are non-compliant. 

Tax-free shopping in the Netherlands

Did you know that UK residents are now eligible to shop tax free in the EU? You can save money on VAT on a wide range of purchases, including cosmetics, technology and food and drink. Calais is the closest and most convenient destination for tax-free shopping, and there are no shortage of places to shop. They include Carrefour Cité Europe and the L’Usine Channel Outlet Store, both close to our Calais terminal.

Travelling to the Netherlands with LeShuttle

Not only is LeShuttle your quickest option to the Netherlands, but it’s also a very simple and efficient service to use. For those who have never travelled with us before, first you book by selecting your time and date of travel, then follow these steps as you approach our Folkestone terminal.

1. Arriving at our Folkestone terminal
   /Exit the motorway at Junction 11A and drive straight to our check-in booths. Allow yourself between one and two hours before your chosen departure time.
2. Collecting your Departure Hanger info
   You’ll need your booking reference number and the credit/debit card used at the time of booking. Your hanger will print from the self-service machine or will be handed to you by check-in staff, depending on which booth you choose to use. A letter will be displayed on your hanger, which is the letter given to your timed shuttle.
3. Our Passenger Terminal
   Once you're through check-in, take some time to relax and visit our Passenger Terminal Building for a spot of shopping, or enjoy some refreshments at one of the cafés. You can board approximately 25 minutes before your departure time. Customer information screens and service announcements will let you know when Le Shuttle is ready, so keep an eye on your shuttle’s hanger letter.
4. Have your passport ready
   When it's time, drive straight through to the British and French border controls where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked. Please have all passports to hand, removed from wallets and open at the photo page until you have cleared all controls.
5. Drive on
   Follow the signs to France to find your way to the boarding lanes, where you might have to wait a short while before boarding begins. When your shuttle is ready to board the barrier will open in your lane, please proceed on the marked route towards the platform. Once boarded, you'll be able to stretch your legs and explore the light and air-conditioned LeShuttle carriages or sit back and relax in the comfort of your vehicle.
6. Drive off
   Once you’ve reached Calais, simply drive off at the end of the crossing and voilà (or ‘alstublieft’, as they say in the Netherlands), your Dutch adventure awaits.