Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [6]
Getting there |
By bus
Travelling by long-distance bus is generally the cheapest way of reaching Amsterdam from the UK, but it is very time-consuming: the journey from London to Amsterdam takes twelve hours or more. Eurolines operates four services daily (8am, 10am, 8pm & 10pm) from London to Amsterdam, all using Eurotunnel. A standard fare is £56 return (under-26s and over-60s pay £53) though promotional return fares can be snapped up for much less.
Getting there |
By car
To reach Amsterdam by car or motorbike, you can either take a ferry, or – preferable for its hassle-free crossing – use Euro-tunnel’s shuttle-train through the Channel Tunnel. Note that Eurotunnel only carries cars (including occupants) and motorbikes, not cyclists or foot passengers. Amsterdam is roughly 370km from the Eurotunnel exit in Calais.
There are two shuttle trains per hour (only three in total from midnight–6am), taking 35min (45min for some night departure times); you must check in at Folkestone at least 30min before departure. It’s possible to turn up and buy your ticket at the tollbooths (exit the M20 at junction 11a), though it’s a good idea to book in advance through the website (see "By air") at busy times.
Fares depend on the time of year, time of day and length of stay (the cheapest ticket is for a day-trip, followed by a five-day return); it costs less to travel between 10pm and 6am, while the highest fares are reserved for weekend departures and returns in July and August. Prices are charged per vehicle; short-stay savers between April and October for a car start at around £110. If you wish to stay more than five days, a standard return costs from around £130, while a “Flexiplus” fare, which entitles you to change your plans at the last minute, costs more still. Some special offers are usually also available.
Getting there |
By ferry
Three operators run ferries from the UK direct to ports in the Netherlands, and all offer year-round services. The fastest route is with Stena Line, which sails from Harwich in Essex to the Hook of Holland; the journey time is 6 hours 15 minutes; travelling at night always takes longer and you have to book a cabin. P&O North Sea Ferries operates from Hull to Rotterdam (11hr). DFDS Seaways sails once daily from Newcastle (North Shields) to IJmuiden (14hr), half an hour’s drive from Amsterdam.
Aside from the options direct to Dutch ports, you might want to consider the ferry routes to Belgium and France. P&O sails once a day from Hull to Zeebrugge in Belgium (14hr 30min), while Norfolkline operates a year-round service from Dover to the French border town of Dunkerque (2hr).
Fares vary hugely, depending on when you leave, how long you stay, if you have a car, and the number of passengers. Discounts for students and under-26s are available.
Getting there |
Airlines and agents
Getting there | Airlines and agents |
Airlines
Aer Lingus www.aerlingus.com.
Air Canada www.aircanada.com.
Air France www.airfrance.com.
Air New Zealand www.airnz.co.nz.
American Airlines www.aa.com.
bmi www.flybmi.com.
bmibaby www.bmibaby.com.
British Airways www.ba.com.
Cathay Pacific www.cathaypacific.com.
Continental Airlines www.continental.com.
Delta www.delta.com.
easyJet www.easyjet.com.
KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) www.klm.com.
Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com.
Malaysia Airlines www.malaysiaairlines.com.
Martinair www.martinair.com.
Northwest www.nwa.com.
Qantas Airways www.qantas.com.
Ryanair www.ryanair.com.
Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com.
South African Airways www.flysaa.com.
Thai Airways www.thaiair.com.
Thomsonfly www.thomsonfly.co.uk.
United Airlines www.united.com.
Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com.
VLM Airlines www.flyvlm.com.
Getting there | Airlines and agents |
Agents and operators
ebookers UK 0800/082 3000, Republic of Ireland 01/431 1311, www.ebookers.com. Low fares on an extensive selection of scheduled flights and package deals.
North South Travel UK 01245/608 291, www.northsouthtravel.co.uk. Friendly, competitive travel