Eurotunnel to Amsterdam: routes and travel times
Travelling from the UK to Amsterdam? The Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais is the fastest way to reach mainland Europe by car. From there it is a straightforward drive into the Netherlands. For foot passengers, the direct Eurostar to Amsterdam is the quickest option. Below we explain the main routes.
UK to Amsterdam via the Eurotunnel
With the Eurotunnel car train (LeShuttle) you board at Folkestone. The crossing to Calais takes just 35 minutes. From there it is about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Amsterdam, depending on traffic around Brussels, Antwerp and Rotterdam.
Route from Calais to Amsterdam
After leaving the terminal, follow the A16 motorway into Belgium. Continue on the E40 towards Brussels, then the E19 north through Antwerp. Cross the Dutch border and follow the A2 via Breda and Utrecht until you reach Amsterdam.
Travel duration by car
- London to Folkestone: ~1h30
- Check in at Folkestone: ~1h
- Eurotunnel crossing: 35 minutes
- Calais to Amsterdam: ~3h30
Total journey time: around 6h30
For current prices and availability, check our tickets page or see the timetable.
Tip: Parking in Amsterdam
Driving into the citycan be expensive and difficult. Use a P+R (Park and Ride) location on the edge of the city (the P+R Johan Cruijff Arena or the RAI (both in the South) for instance), where you can leave your car at a low daily rate and continue by tram or metro. This is cheaper and saves stress. It's not easy to drive in Amsterdam if don't know all the routes.
Eurostar to Amsterdam
If you are not taking a car, the Eurostar is the fastest and easiest choice. Direct trains from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal take just 4 hours. Check in takes about 30 minutes and customs are done before boarding in London. Tickets can be booked from £39 one way.
- Check in at London St Pancras: 30 minutes
- Eurostar journey: 3h30
- Arrival at Amsterdam Centraal: walk straight into the city
Total journey time: around 4 hours
Ferry as an alternative
The ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk is also an option. The crossing itself takes about 1h30. Including driving from London to Dover, check in, and the onward journey from Calais to Amsterdam, the total travel time is around 7h45. Ferries can be cheaper, especially for motorcycles, and some travellers prefer the chance to rest, eat or shop onboard. See our Tunnel vs Ferry comparison.
Travel times overview
| Option | Total travel time | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurotunnel by car | ~6h30 (London–Amsterdam) | From ~£120 per car one way | Fastest by car, direct motorway access |
| Eurostar train | ~4h (London–Amsterdam) | From £39 one way | Best option for foot passengers |
| Ferry (Dover–Calais) | ~7h45 (London–Amsterdam) | From ~£80 per car one way | Cheaper on some dates, longer journey |
Amsterdam is easy to reach
The fastest way to reach Amsterdam from the UK is the Eurostar train, with a total journey time of 4 hours. For drivers, the Eurotunnel is the most efficient route, with a total travel time of around 6h30 from London. Ferries take longer but can be more economical, especially for families or motorcycles. Whichever option you choose, booking in advance through our tickets page usually gives the best price.
For more detail see our guides to taking your car through the tunnel, motorcycle travel, or Channel Tunnel safety.
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