Ferry crossings

Ferry to Scandinavia from the UK

DFDS Pearl Seaways

OUR HARWICH-ESBJERG FERRY ROUTE​

Sadly, the DFDS Harwich to Esbjerg ferry route closed in September 2014. However, whilst we may no longer offer a direct UK to Denmark ferry, we still provide a variety of convenient routes from the UK and Ireland to mainland Europe, serving as your gateway to Scandinavia.

Our extensive network includes daily sailings between Copenhagen and Oslo, and crossings from Kiel to Klaipeda and Karlshamn.

With DFDS, our comprehensive routes ensure your journey from the UK to Scandinavia by ferry is not only possible, but also enjoyable and effortless.

Excellent onboard facilities

Daily crossings

Travel with your vehicle

Unlimited luggage

  • Overnight crossings available

  • 4 routes connecting the UK to Europe

  • Plan your perfect multi-route ferry trip from the UK to Scandinavia

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Departure

Arrival

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  • Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

  • Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

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Departure

Arrival

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  • Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

  • Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Check-in closes

Departure

Arrival

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  • Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

  • Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Check-in closes

Departure

Arrival

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  • Regular sailings for the current week listed in local time

  • Please note that timetables may change subject to weather conditions.

Newcastle - Amsterdam

Our overnight crossings from Newcastle to IJmuiden, near Amsterdam, operate daily and offer a seamless way to bring your car with you as you journey to Europe and onwards to Scandinavia, and the freedom to explore at your own pace upon arrival.

Once onboard, your journey is anything but ordinary. We have a myriad of amenities to keep you entertained throughout the crossing. Enjoy a drink or two at our bars, dance the night away at our club, savour diverse and delicious meals at our restaurants, or catch the latest blockbuster at our onboard cinema. It's not just a crossing; it's a mini holiday in itself!

Upon arrival at our port in IJmuiden, you're ideally positioned to continue your journey to Scandinavia. A 6 ½ hours’ drive through the picturesque landscapes of northern Germany will bring you to Denmark. This route offers an easy and scenic transition from the urban charm of Amsterdam to the natural beauty of Scandinavia.

UK - France

With up to 52 daily sailings between Dover and our ports in Dunkirk and Calais, and 4 daily sailings on our alternative route to France from Newhaven to Dieppe, travelling from the south of England to the continent has never been more convenient.

Our crossings are swift - just 100 minutes to Calais, 2 hours to Dunkirk or 4 hours to Dieppe, and offer a wealth of onboard amenities to keep you entertained. Enjoy our restaurants, bars, shop, and children’s play areas as you sail across the Channel. Upon arrival in Dunkirk or Calais, you're just approximately 9 hours’ drive away from Denmark, through scenic Belgium, Holland, and Germany, or 11 hours’ drive from Dieppe.

Looking for an effortless European city break? Explore the convenient package holidays available on our Channel routes. These packages not only offer a thrilling journey but also simplify your travel plans by bundling your accommodation and transport into one, meaning you can book it all in just a few clicks.

Proudly named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator

And nominated again in 2025!

While we wait to hear the results of the European award, you can already help us secure the World title too.

Thank you!

Couple on deck onboard DFDS ferry taking a selfie

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FAQs

No, the Harwich to Esbjerg ferry is not currently operating. The last UK ferry connection to Scandinavia closed on 28th September 2014.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct passenger ferries running from the UK to Scandinavia. However, it's possible to reach Scandinavia through mainland Europe by taking a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam, Dover to Calais/Dunkirk, or Newhaven-Dieppe. It is then possible to reach Norway using our Copenhagen-Oslo route, or Sweden via our Kiel-Klaipeda-Karlshamn route.

Currently, there are no direct passenger ferries from the UK to Denmark. However, the most popular route is via the Netherlands and Germany, starting with a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam. There is also the option to take a ferry to France from Dover or Newhaven and drive up the continent.

The cost of a ferry to Scandinavia can vary greatly depending on the exact route and time of travel. As there are no direct routes from the UK to Scandinavia, we advise checking the up-to-date prices for individual legs of the journey on our website.

As there are no direct ferries from the UK to Denmark, the cost would depend on your chosen route to Europe and time of travel. Prices for our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry start from £47 pp one way + car, Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk ferry prices start from £68 per car + 4 one way, and ferries from Newhaven to Dieppe start from £49 per car + 2 people one way.

As Europe's Leading Ferry Operator, DFDS offers several options for those looking to travel by sea from the UK to Europe. Four routes are available from the UK: Dover to Dunkirk, Dover to Calais, Newcastle to Amsterdam, and Newhaven to Dieppe. These routes provide access to France and the Netherlands, from where you can easily reach various Scandinavian destinations. Moreover, for travellers from Ireland, DFDS has launched a new route from Rosslare to Dunkirk, providing direct ferries to France and mainland Europe, bypassing the need to travel through the UK.

Prices are subject to availability. Telephone booking fees apply. Terms and conditions apply.