London to Amsterdam by TRAIN FERRY & METRO - Greater Anglia & Stena Line's "Dutchflyer" Rail & Sail!

There are many ways to get to Amsterdam from London, but this is by far the most unique, and the most fun in my opinion - Greater Anglia and Stena Line offer a joint rail and sail ticket which covers the journey from London to Harwich then across the North Sea to Hoek Van Holland, where onward metro and train connections allow you to go to further destinations within The Netherlands, including the Dutch capital itself... so join me on this 15 hour overnight odyssey as we go capital to capital and city centre to centre on perhaps one of my biggest adventures yet!
Journey details:
Date of Travel - June 2023
Operator - Greater Anglia, Stena Line, Rotterdam Metro (RET) and NS
Vehicle Type - Class 720 “Aventra”, Stena Hollandica, Bombardier 5700 Series “Flexity Swift”, NS VIRM
Origin - London Liverpool Street
Destination - Amsterdam Centraal
Price - Rail Sail - £124/€140.88 Metro Ticket - £3.44/€4 NS Ticket - £14.79/€17.20 Total cost - £142.23/€162.08
Duration - 15 hours, 10 minutes
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video!
Music from EpidemicSound and is used under license.
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Link to the Stena Line menu:
www.stenaline.co.uk/-/media/F...
#dutchflyer #greateranglia #stenaline #class720 #rotterdammetro #ret #hoekvanholland #hookofholland #ns #virm #tripreport #trains #vlog

[@chillzzx4353]

Too bad the rail service at Hook of Holland harbour isn't there anymore. It used to have international trains towards Germany, Poland, Swiss, Scandinavian countries, Russia, etc. It was possible to leave Hook of Holland by train and enter Bejing, just with one transfer in the 1980's!

[@John-qq8he]

Many years ago ( when Sealink operated the service) I made this journey every week. When arriving at the Hook, you walked straight across to the station after exiting customs. The train was a direct connection to Amsterdam, arriving just after 8am. Nearly 3 hours earlier than today!

[@liamtahaney713]

The state of international comnections in the Benelux is really dire IMO. Have to go to Paris or Cologne before going anywhere interesting.

[@schwarzalben88]

@@liamtahaney713 I made the journey via Hoek in the mid 80's travelling to Dusseldorf, Catching the Brittania Express from Hoek to Munchen Gladbach and changing there. I fail to see the logic in NS no longer serving Hoek van Holland Haven Station It trikes me as making the through journey far too complicated.Surely they could have routed the Rotterdam Metro as a Tram Train over the NS run network.

[@bewuga3360]

They were only rebuilding the station

[@John-qq8he]

@@bewuga3360 The international trains also stopped running from the Hook. I got on the direct service to Amsterdam. Easy! Now different.

[@andrewclark8630]

Used this many times and never had much of a queue at passport control because there were so few foot passengers. Actually a practical and economical way to get across.

[@hcjkruse]

In summer there can be groups of tourists that sometimes cause delays for various reasons.

[@Eurobazz]

It's not just NS that has to consider re-joining 'Dutch Flyer', but also RET. I think the sticking point might be the latter metro company as they would have to find a way to integrate the cost with NS. Prior to 2017, I used the 'Dutch Flyer' service many times from any station in NL to any Greater Anglia station. It was an extremely good deal.

[@kingtyphoon]

Awesome video!

[@ce1834]

Route's almost like a sleeper ferry with the evening route, so journey time isn't bad at all. Definitely a cool option, especially with Eurostar being suspended for a bit (aside from being a rip off). The ferry and journey looks like an experience in itself :), on the bucket list

[@stuartsutherland7664]

I live in Scotland and don't fancy the idea of flying so train and boat travel is my preferred way to travel across borders. The journey itself is important and this journey looked relaxing and interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@barvdw]

From Scotland, you might prefer to take the DFDS ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden (near Amsterdam), as Harwich is a bit out of the way for you...

[@ageoflove1980]

Wow that cabin indeed looks great, especially the big round window that adds to that "maritime" feel and of course that bathroom. Really has some of that old school romantic vibes to travel this way, sometimes its just all about the journey itself.

[@lynnwhitchelo]

Very interesting for a train and maritime journey love the commentary lynn

[@custardo]

I'll be doing this trip in reverse for my summer holidays in a few weeks time. It's the most relaxing way to travel between the Netherlands and the UK, even beating the Eurostar.

[@kirstenvanveen4066]

Great clip. I traveled last December to the UK and back via this route and l will do it again in 2024. ( booked concert tickets for a UK concert) traveling outside holiday season is more quiet. No long waitings at customs etc. (both times max 10 minutes)

[@martinbitter4162]

Hoek Van Holland had more than Sprinter services. It use to have international trains as far as the USSR. But that is long ago

[@johannesfeigl5309]

Great videoi lived and worked in den haagi just loved the nethelands and its whole vibe culture.food beer and the peoplei ive settled back in my home towno f graz in southern austria Go miss good old blighty and my friends and matesand fish and chips.....now that is real soul food😊!God bless all!😊

[@DonaldTrumpIsGreat]

Amazing Work 👍

[@TellyMan200]

very intresting video, i also travelled on eurostar before and this trip unique one and as you said it does save on hotel costs so all things considered this seems way better then eurostar to holland and then hotel

[@jamessmith6402]

Absolutely brilliant video that looked a very enjoyable way to travel Thanks 😊

[@Trainviking]

Great video, Stena Line isn't that much slower if you take in consideration that you can sleep and travel at the same time, within the costs of traveling you also save yourself a hotel and when it comes to sustainability, Stena Line is supricingly good (maritime industry is in general not that sustainable however most ferries are really sustainable, unfortunately not a lot of people know about this and talk about this as an alternative way of traveling, mainly the train is being being mentioned).

[@Zuuu40]

Awesome video please do more videos like these

[@PaulGodfrey]

With flying getter dearer and more unreliable I might give this a go. Great video and useful information. Thank you.

[@amanda_wm_3261]

Fantastic can’t wait to try this.

[@ztmsl]

Excellent travelogue. Wow, you hit a bad day with the queue entering The Netherlands. I am used to five minutes max. Please note the NS doubledecker trains don't offer accessibility on the lower deck (there always is a flight of stairs). Wheelchair spaces are positioned on the vestibule.

[@RJH1971]

20:15

[@richardleigh2788]

Loved the video. I like your presenting commentary. I will now tune in to your other videos.

[@Del-bm]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, a great insight

[@hcjkruse]

I used to travel this from the Netherlands to London every 3 weeks for 2.5 years. Clean, comfortable and reliable. You can also take the fast train to Maningtree and change their to Harwich International. The fast train only stops at Colchester and is more comfortable too. Your room is not the cheapest. Rooms without a window are cheaper. I recommend a room with a window for 4G coverage in port. Turn off your cell coverage during sailing, otherwise it becomes expensive.. you wiil be swapped to an onboard cell tower that connects to satellite. A pre-booked meal in the more posh restaurant was a good deal, but based on other reviews it is no longer. During overnight travels getting lounge access is worth paying for. Free for frequent travelers. Skip Amsterdam and go to many other cities in the Netherlands. You will not regret it! Get of at Maassluis, Vlaardingen or Schiedam, you will not regret it.

[@OMtheRails]

Thanks for the comment - at the time of booking my rail sail ticket, this was the cheapest supplement available. Hope that clarifies!

[@hcjkruse]

@@OMtheRails the inside cabins are often booked by truck drivers. More posh rooms than what you booked are not worth the extra costs. Then you get crisps, drinks and a kettle. And... extra window dressing.

[@2012edunne]

I remember doing this in the late 80s 90s and 20s, Sadly in 2006 I stopped doing long train journeys due to an accident. It was great to get the NS train from Amsterdam CS to Hook Van Holland.

[@tomwatts703]

I use the Hollandica crossing about once a year to visit relatives (always as a car passenger though), it's a lovely experience though the rolling of the ship doesn't really agree with me! I would definitely like to try the Dutchflyer option at some point.

[@gilles111]

For passengers to the eastern part of The Netherlands, don't stay on the metro to Alexander. It is over 30 minutes by metro while it is just 20 minutes by train (and the metro between Schiedam and Alexander will be very crowded during morning rush. Also, taking a train of Schiedam Centrum towards Rotterdam Centraal will give direct connection to the trains to Utrecht. Rotterdam Centraal is a large station with lots of opportunities to get some food and/or drinks for the oncoming travel, while Rotterdam Alexander is just a platform along the line. Not much to get there.

[@tobycox7399]

4:26 I don’t know if it’s just me, but whenever if speed past a slower train, I think these words to myself: “bye bye motherf!”😂😂😂

[@Dan-eg8qf]

Very nice vid! I've been travelling on this route since SeaLink British Ferries (with the good 'ol Sint Nicholas providing the ferry services) so I Have some great childhood memories from this crossing. I, as so many posted here, can very well remember the days where there was a Boat Train from Amsterdam Central, to Den Haag HS and Schiedam Rotterdam West, where it would reverse back to Hoek van Holland. That service used to be run by Mat' 54 and Plan T trains before the RegioRunners, later IRM's were used. Not sure if also saw the loco hauled DDM's too. There where indeed many international services to and from Hoek van Holland, as far as Russia and Poland. In the UK, you would had the Boat Train to Liverpool Street, which was a direct station that did sometimes called at Manning Tree. Class 86 loco hauled MK3 coaches. Later that dedicated train went away and became a class 321 which ran that service for a very long time. Up until the new Alstom Aventra, I believe. Looking back, the loco hauled trains on that route I loved the most. Just because they were loco hauled. But the age of EMU and DMU is certainly here in the UK. The IC trains between The Hague and Leiden is one of few the quadruple track section in the Netherlands where you will be guaranteed a train drag race between (V)IRM and/or Koplopers. Do not forget to mention that the Koploper trains were inspired by Japanese trains! Finally, very good that you talked about Hoek van Holland and Hook of Holland! Having not travelled by ferry a long time, because we flew in and out the UK, we are using the ferry again a little bit mor for longer stays since 2019. When travelling with children, taking your car is very beneficial as you can load up with luggage we apparently need while travelling with the children ;- and for getting around the UK and parts of London. Woah, this reply is longer than I thought it would be. Nonetheless, keep up the great content!

[@percismehta8959]

North Sea - Oceans, the best.

[@alanshelly7068]

A awesome way to do the Trip buddy from Alan in Lowestoft 😊

[@ESM717]

I did this trip in 2010 and even though we were still in the EU then the passport queue on arrival at the Netherlands was massive and took ages.

[@budapestkeletistationvoices]

It's now even longer. Europe took back control of its borders, laws and money. Sovereignty

[@NickBurman]

I liked your vid. My mother complains no end about the end of the combined train-ferry-train crossings, what with Eurostar and the low-cost airlines, so this one comes as a nice surprise (wasn't aware about it). Another reason why NS gave up on the Hook of Holland line in favour of RET was the end of the wagon ferry - without it, retaining the line lost a lot of its reason, and handing it over to RET made sense. Mind you, NS (or more correctly, Railion) still services one freight customer at HvH, accessed at night through a gauntlet track (to avoid fouling clearances, as RET metro stock is narrower than railway stock) installed on the Rotterdam-bound track. This is also one reason why RET retained OHW on the HvH line, as 3rd rail would have interfered with the passage of railway-sized wagons.

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for this fascinating video. I thoroughly enjoyed your experience and thought it very good value. The English leg from Liverpool St is poor, despite the relatively new Class 720 EMUs. They are not suitable for this service, as they are far too cramped. It’s a shame Greater Anglia can’t or won’t use a Stadler Class 745 unit on this service, for they are really excellent trains and just the sort to be used on this International connection.

[@SpartacusPlanktonpants]

Might have to try this out. I had no idea it existed!

[@Robotnik]

Hook is better than corner. It is an direct cognate and meshes in with the Germanic Tongues. Great Video, too !

[@percismehta8959]

Granmas friend - Mani Bhes means Best - Est Course done in 1981/1982. Belgium-Holland -England part of the European Continent.

[@davidvines8141]

Great video. I flew to Amsterdam last week and it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes to get through passport control! I think it must be a Dutch thing as I haven't had anywhere near as long waits at other European destinations this year. I live on the Greater Anglia network and will certainly be giving this method of travel a try on my next visit to the Netherlands.

[@gilles111]

Not typical Dutch, had the same experience at Manchester Airport. The Dutch border control isn't taking that much time when entering with an EU passport, went pretty smooth when I was returning from Manchester last month (however the Manchester experience was much worse).

[@budapestkeletistationvoices]

You live on the Greater Anglia network, so there's a high likelihood that you voted Brexit. Welcome to the Brexit, Sir

[@CloudmasterGaming]

Hey midland london, I am a big fan and I was wondering what app you use to show us the speed limits of a certain line

[@OMtheRails]

Speedmeter boss 👍

[@CloudmasterGaming]

@@OMtheRails yo thanks so much!

[@CloudmasterGaming]

@@OMtheRails just curious, there is like 50 different speedometers on google play. What one is it?

[@Thomas_TdK]

Now you have been on a old virm and a refurbished virm, but not yet the newest refurbished virm.

[@cheryleddy5677]

This was the first video of yours I've watched. I'm a hugh fan of multi use travel..and this outdid it. The only thing missing was a long bus ride..lol. May I ask also when you do cost breakdown if you could include US dollars....I'm 77 and my mind has trouble converting nowadays. I'm super impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of the trains in Britain, Europe, Japan and other Euro nations. The US has Alot of catching up to do and our foreign neighbors and friends are showing us the way..now if Amtrak would just listen. Keep up the good work, and happy trails

[@topumpire1]

Something I noted on my crossing (years ago) was us Brits HAD to book cabin, but European travellers - returning to Holland (sorry Netherlands) didn't!

[@OMtheRails]

Really? I always thought it was compulsory for night crossings but optional for day crossings!

[@janmenken1115]

@@OMtheRails Correct.

[@juulvlog]

I did this route last week, but going home instead of Amsterdam, I absolutely loved it. Those Greater Anglia local trains have terrible comfort tho, coming out of the first class in the flirt at Manningtree :) Have a video coming out in a few weeks of this trip

[@hcjkruse]

the VIRM sucks in comfort. The Koploper is much more comfortable.

[@BIGV710]

if you are traveling in holl/belguim/luxenbourg get the Beneluk pass for 7 or 14 days

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

If I were you, I would have changed at Beurs for line D/E to Centraal, then an Intercity Direct, which can be faster

[@martinbitter4162]

Used the service to travel from Germany to Oxford and back. Great journey although sadly no through ticketing.

[@maplady572]

I'm going from Derby to Berlin using this route, do you have any advice regarding tickets and routes onwards from Schiedam? Thanks very much!

[@percismehta8959]

My favourite European countries - Belgium n Holland (french President).

[@walterfillingham]

That’s is expensive food, even at sea, Fish and chips on Northlink Ferries Aberdeen to Lerwick in Shetland (12 to 14 hour overnight journey) about £12, whilst full breakfast £8 and all freshly cooked and they try and use local produce as much as possible..

[@HesterClapp]

I wish they extended the HTM to Hoek van Holland

[@percismehta8959]

Pls undertake sea journeys🌜

[@PeterApps]

I've taken my bike to the Hoek van Holland on the Stena Line several times. Schiedam is a great place to visit and not only to change trains. I'm thinking of staying one trip and using it as a base to visit the surrounding attractions. One city I haven't visited is Amsterdam, though I've changed trains both at Centraal and Slotterdijk. The point is: this is a great way to visit the Netherlands, but don't restrict yourself to Amsterdam.

[@OMtheRails]

Agreed - I do wish the ticket still covered the Dutch leg, as it was a great deal to get to any Dutch city on a budget and in a fun way too!

[@aston-s]

I did the reverse journey last year, i honestly dont remember having a security check at all in the Netherlands

[@timdiggle5090]

Security check is at Harwich end only. And at the Dutch end the lengthy gangplank has moving walkways to help you up the gentle but lengthy slope to Deck 7 level - Harwich is more of a work-out.

[@maplady572]

Really enjoyed this vid, thanks. Im doing this journey in a couple of weeks and onwards from Amsterdam will go to Berlin. Would you say it's easy to walk up and get a ticket from Schiedam or do you recommend pre-booking? Many thanks!

[@AG7-MTM]

Dod you know there are (or at least were) THREE ways to travel from London to Cologne? Your route is part of one, one was via Ostend, but most now use the Channel Tunnel

[@melaniedrogr951]

If you are revieuwing ferries, could you do the newcastle to amsterdam ferry? As I feel that route is much more competetive to eurostar, when it comes to traveling to and from northern england/scotland as it also saves the journey from london to newcastle. And one thing about the metroline to hoek van holland, the change to metro actually boosted passenger numbers by quite a lot, due to people from rotterdam using the metro to go to the beach near hoek van Holland, which is a lot more convenient now. Altough i think the metro fare should defnintaly be included in the rail and sail ticket again.

[@lovemunchkin]

When the UK was in the EU, passports had to be presented upon arrival in NLD and elsewhere. The queues were shorter because the KM had more officers.

[@JaapFilius]

The UK has never participated in the Schengen agreement: that would provide free boarder crossings (except in cases of emergency). So the passport checks have nothing to do with "yes or no" EU membership. Switserland has joined the Schengen agreement and, although it is not a EU member, you usually can travel free in and out the country. And I think it would be very good when the UK would join the Schengen agreement, when possible. But that's all about politics and we don't have influence on that...

[@keithhardy2113]

Thanks for a very informative video. I haven’t used this service since the ‘fast ferry’ was withdrawn and have flown instead. Yes a great shame to need more tickets and costs. Did you need to buy the NS ticket at Schiedam station or buy it online? I read recently that NS is the most expensive railway system in Europe, but your breakdown of costs indicates that this is not the case. I would welcome any comments or advice. Thank you.

[@eggchipsnbeans]

I'm a little sad. My wife and I did this journey in the early nineties and, as people have pointed out, you just walked onto the station at the Hook and caught a train to Amsterdam. I remember arriving there at about breakfast time just as the city was waking up

[@rocketboysmc]

The stena line website and greater anglia website still show it as one way tickets from £49 but i couldn't find any less than £57 am i doing something wrong?

[@tobycox7399]

6:16 does the service continue somewhere else like Shoeburyness (for example) or does it just return back to Liverpool St?

[@Thomas_TdK]

For the local people the change to metro is an upgrade, but for the people going to the Ferry it is a downgrade

[@77smp]

I remember when I first did this journey, albeit in reverse. Many questions were asked when I disembarked as I'd taken the Eurostar out and stayed in Amsterdam for just one night..... They kept asking about coffee ?!! I did enjoy each time I did it, shame it's less connected now. Have you done Belfast to any UK station for £56?

[@PeterApps]

It seems coffee is popular for hiding the smell of other substances Amsterdam is famous for.

[@barvdw]

They were probably talking about the Dutch 'coffee shops' who don't really sell coffee...

[@kuyans3889]

Really informative and interesting! I will say, when you're walking around, you point the camera at the ground too much!

[@380skyteam]

Hi friend how many time to go to terminal ferry from Amsterdam...

[@alanlake5220]

I fancy taking the boat to Holland from Harwich as a foot passenger. Do you know if you can get the Metro to Rotterdam Central, or near, as i would like to visit Mini world in Rotterdam

[@john07973]

Line B will take you to Beurs, change there for Line D to Stadhuis then R'dam Centraal

[@samudhrikat970]

What day you upload new video ?

[@janmenken1115]

This cabin is not the cheapest option, that is the inside single: no window, slightly smaller.

[@OMtheRails]

It was the cheapest option at the time when I booked it as part of the rail sail supplement - hope this clarifies.

[@mmhkmedia]

London to Amsterdam is going to need a Netherlands visa...??

[@tireeandcoll2603]

One of the few ways of taking a dog to Europe if you don't have a car.

[@CATWEAZLE9]

I just can’t see the appeal of this convoluted route. I’d literally rather not travel to Holland than ferry it like this.

[@camotech1314]

Same, I'd rather fly if I was going there

[@brucemasters3487]

Compared with the old British Rail of the 1960's the throughout journey time still seems to take about 3 hours longer. Departure by the Hook Continental was at 2000 with an arrival at Amsterdam at about 0915.

[@racingweirdo]

You traveled with a refurbish virm 1. It was perfect for a review. Your last virm expierence was a shame.

[@thomasfy4]

How tall are you?

[@vinniechudam1835]

It would be SO helpful in future videos just to show the layout out of wheelchair spaces on trains. My partner is a wheelchair user and finding accessible spaces on trains and other modes of transport is always a challenge! Just even 10 secs to show the layout of an accessible space is really helpful. Just an idea for you, love your content l, thank you

[@PeterApps]

I have problems getting my bike on Intercity trains because of the steps. Stations have lifts, the metro and Sprinter trains are at platform level, so you can plan journeys to a certain extent. I'm not sure, but I think the ferry is wheelchair friendly. If you need to travel Intercity, especially on the Kop Lopers, then all I can say is: Good Luck, you will probably need help. In the UK, Liverpool Street seems to be short of lifts, but I use Stratford, now.

[@OMtheRails]

Many thanks for the feedback - I'll take that into consideration 😁

[@richardtalbot8769]

i had trouble with my luggage getting up the steep steps, so i travel on sprinters - one of the NS staff said the new IC is level boarding but the only one i saw whilst in NL had broken down in the Delft tunnel. @@PeterApps

[@percismehta8959]

I luv to view shorts rather than lengthy videos as I hv mentioned before.

[@tonygriffiths2485]

I did the journey by coach once, back in 1997. Although quite economical, the French passport control ruined the whole trip. God they were rude, they also took an American'sd passport off him and wouldn't bring it back, he had to go and get it himself taking stick when he did. I prefer to fly. Last time, when I missed my return leg it cost me £70.00 for the return journey to LHR. Your trip was interesting though, blistering price for fish and chips, a coke for over £4.00 ? Rip off !!! If I decided to go by rail it would be by Eurostar. Thanks :)

[@fToo]

@14:00 is there a separate NL immigration queue for EU passport holders ?

[@iscmiscm]

This has NOT sold my on the idea. The food looked dire and the journey was expensive. One of the reasons for taking ferry's was the excellent dining, but now the food is both expensive and boring.

[@janmenken1115]

There is a much better restaurant. Shown here is the self-service one.

[@iscmiscm]

@@janmenken1115 I am glad to hear there is a better restaurant, as the last few times I used ferry's I just went hungry or brought sandwiches, as the food on offer was disappointing. DFDS is particularly bad, but these days P&O is not far behind.

[@barvdw]

@@janmenken1115 I can't find any information about the better restaurant, I'm afraid, it seems to be closed (at least on the overnight sailing). Which is a pity, there are better ferry companies for their culinary experience (especially Viking Line between Sweden and Finland comes to mind), but I did like both the à la carte restaurant as well as the buffet restaurant on their Scandinavian sailings (Kiel-Göteborg).

[@janmenken1115]

@@barvdw On Britannica/Hollandica it is called Taste+

[@arfanvlk9351]

What speedometer app is that?

[@OMtheRails]

Speedmeter, available in the app store 👍

[@hythesailor]

I enjoy the content of your videos but I do wish you'd show your face from time to time. That'd make your videos a whole lot better.

[@iainferguson764]

Reason for your visit to The Netherlands sir? "Prostitutes and drugs mate" 😉

[@budapestkeletistationvoices]

Brexit means Brexit. This is why you are asked about the purpose of your journey

[@percismehta8959]

Not much scenery shown.

[@paulturnford3826]

A really boring vid.

[@OMtheRails]

Many thanks for your boring input Paul

[@paulturnford3826]

@@OMtheRails no problem. It was incredibly boring from start to finish. Hopefully you won’t monetise as it was beyond boring . In bed by sailing time ffs. Total uninspired.

[@PeterApps]

@@paulturnford3826 That's the point of a cabin. It's pitch black and nothing to see, so why stay up? As Midland London said, breakfast calls start at five, so you'd be wise to get some sleep.