Drive to Amsterdam by car

Driving from London to Amsterdam is the Euro trip of the moment. Road-tripping across continental Europe has become a riotous rite of passage for Britons and likewise a relaxing way to take Europe at your own pace. There are two routes to choose from; through the Eurotunnel or on the Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry. Strikeout on your own and drive from London to Amsterdam, creating experiences from scratch with a car rental from Sixt. Avoid going through the motions at the airport and instead opt for a self-directed, rich road trip.

Find out how to drive from London to Amsterdam #roadtrip

With a car hire from Sixt, you can take advantage of some of our fuel-efficient vehicles to keep down fuel costs and leave your car well rested at home. Or glam up your trip with a luxury car rental and drop the top. We offer unlimited mileage so you can drive as far as you like and Sat Nav systems to help you along the way. Keep in mind one-way rental is not available and be sure to specify that you are travelling to another country when you book.

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Starting your journey in London with Sixt

At Sixt we love London, and currently have over 50 car rental branches in London for our customers to choose from. If you are thinking of driving from Amsterdam to London then one of our many rental branches in the nation's capital could get you off to the best start. You will be able to find us at all major airports, train stations and scattered through the city; including Heathrow airport, Gatwick airport, Euston station and many more. Our comprehensive vehicle selection will make choosing your road trip companion easy; select from small economy cars to make the trip on a budget, family saloons to bring your friends or family along in true comfort, convertibles to enjoy any sunshine you may be lucky enough to encounter and even luxury cars if you feel like having a flashy trip.

Route 1 – Take the Eurotunnel from London to Amsterdam

Cruise the snow-capped jutting mountains of Calais-de-Nord in France, through bohemian Brussels and bustling Rotterdam before pulling up in Amsterdam. The distance between these two fantastic capital cities in 330 miles and can be made in 6 hours straight.

How to drive to Amsterdam through Calais:

Heading south out of London get yourself on the M20 and cruise down towards Folkestone and the Eurotunnel. Crossing the English Channel from here takes just 35 minutes.
Once you are out of the tunnel head east onto the E40 and continue towards Bruges, from here you can utilise the connecting motorways to Amsterdam
Without any major delays or unexpected events, this route will take you from London to Amsterdam in 5 hours and 55 minutes.
The distance from London to Amsterdam is 330 miles The estimated fuel cost for this journey is £52.77 (excluding Eurotunnel fees).

Things to do from London to Amsterdam with the Eurotunnel

Cap Blanc Nez: Surface from the channel and pull up at Cap Blanc Nez, where sandy dunes brush the base of cliffs, peaking at the 134m-high Cap Blanc Nez. Lush panoramic views extend from this high perch of the Bay of Wissant, the Flemish countryside and even the chalk hued cliffs of Kent. Free parking makes this a prime spot to inhale the salty sea and stretch your legs on roaming paths to a collection of gigantic WWII German bunkers.
Brussels: The capital of Belgium is a run of alleys embedded with hip cafes, dishevelled art deco buildings and chrome architecture of the 1960s. Both the seat of EU administration and kooky run-down bars, Brussels lures travellers with one-off cityscape. If you’re eager to arrive in Amsterdam without delay then skirt around Brussels and stop instead at Ghent, Belgium’s best-kept secret.
Antwerp: Belgium’s second-largest city is its capital of cool. The diamond business has been anchored in its threading canals for over five centuries and the fashion-pack have long flocked to its regal shores. Stroll the cobbles of the Grand Place in daylight to admire the 15th-century city hall centrepiece and return at night when the square takes on a different aura.

Route 2 – Ride the Harwich to Hoek van Holland ferry to Amsterdam

How to drive to Amsterdam through Harwich Ferry Port:

Head east out of London and get on the M25. This leads into the A12 which skirts around Colchester, merges in the A120 and drops you off at Harwich ferry port.

After you’ve docked, take the E30 and after 20 minutes turn onto the A4, the highway to Amsterdam.
The ferry trip varies between 6.5 hours and 8.5 hours depending on your chosen time. Driving from London to Amsterdam via Hoek van Holland ferry takes around at 9 hours, again depending on the crossing.

Places to See from London to Amsterdam with the Hoek van Holland ferry

Den Haag: Den Haag is a sumptuous collective of regal residences, outstanding culinary fair and the Netherlands' classical facades. Admire hall upon hall of masterpieces at Mauritshuis, a museum housed in a palace that’s flourishing with Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Leiden: Stop by Leiden, the Netherlands’ picture-postcard town. By day take to Leiden’s interlacing canals and soak up the culture and by night crawl the bounty of clubs and bars populated by the town’s huge number of students.

Additional information

When using the Eurotunnel, make sure to check in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled journey
Take into consideration the potential cost of European toll roads when driving from London to Amsterdam
Be sure to check the local radio and appropriate travel websites for up to date news on road conditions
We suggest reading up on information about driving in the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Holland before you initiate your journey