IJmuiden beach
Walk the broad North Sea beach, relax at seasonal beach cafés and watch ships approaching the canal entrance.
North Holland · Netherlands
IJmuiden Ferry &
IJmuiden Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore IJmuiden’s wide North Sea beach, dunes and harbour, then sail overnight with DFDS to Newcastle in north-east England.
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Discover IJmuiden
A working North Sea harbour with broad beaches, dune landscapes and the Netherlands’ direct overnight passenger ferry to Newcastle
IJmuiden sits at the mouth of the North Sea Canal, where huge locks, working docks and the open sea create one of the Netherlands’ most maritime landscapes. Although the ferry is often marketed as Amsterdam–Newcastle, the Dutch terminal is here in IJmuiden.
The town has an expansive sandy beach backed by dunes, beach pavilions and walking routes. The shoreline feels very different from central Amsterdam and makes a useful place to spend a few hours before an evening sailing.
The North Sea Canal and lock complex are central to IJmuiden’s identity. Large commercial ships pass through on their way to Amsterdam, and viewpoints around the harbour reveal the scale of the waterway and port.
Nearby Zuid-Kennemerland National Park adds dunes, woodland and wildlife, while Haarlem is an easy cultural extension for travellers who want historic streets and museums without heading into Amsterdam itself.
DFDS operates the direct IJmuiden–Newcastle route with daily overnight sailings in the current 2026 programme. The service carries foot passengers and vehicles and is especially practical for travellers combining the Netherlands with northern England or Scotland.
City highlights
What to see while you are in IJmuiden
IJmuiden mixes a major working harbour with dunes, beaches and easy access to some of North Holland’s most attractive coastal landscapes.
North Sea Canal locks
See one of Europe’s major maritime gateways and watch large vessels pass between Amsterdam and the North Sea.
Zuid-Kennemerland dunes
Explore protected dune landscapes, woodland and walking routes immediately south of the port area.
Forteiland IJmuiden
Discover the fortified island at the harbour entrance on selected open days and guided visits.
Haarlem
Combine the ferry with a visit to Haarlem for historic streets, museums, cafés and easy rail connections.
Harbour viewpoints
Watch ferries, fishing vessels and deep-sea shipping from the breakwaters and waterfront areas around IJmuiden.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in IJmuiden
Browse Amsterdam, Haarlem and North Holland experiences that can be combined with an arrival or departure through IJmuiden.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
IJmuiden Ferry Terminal
Foot passengers, bicycles, cars, motorcycles and touring vehicles can be booked on eligible sailings. DFDS also provides transfer options associated with Amsterdam; check the current booking details and terminal instructions before travel.
The passenger terminal is the Felison Terminal at Sluisplein 33, 1975 AG IJmuiden. It is west of Amsterdam at the mouth of the North Sea Canal, so travellers should navigate to IJmuiden rather than central Amsterdam when driving to check-in.
DFDS operates the direct IJmuiden–Newcastle passenger and vehicle route with daily overnight sailings in the current 2026 schedule. Cabins form an important part of the journey and the route is commonly marketed by DFDS as Amsterdam–Newcastle.
Passenger terminal Felison Terminal, Sluisplein 33, 1975 AG IJmuiden
Directions to the port Open DFDS IJmuiden Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main route Direct DFDS overnight ferries connect IJmuiden with Newcastle
Foot passengers Accepted on the passenger service; check transfer and boarding arrangements
Vehicle travel Cars, motorcycles, bicycles and leisure vehicles can be booked
Overnight crossing Choose the cabin and onboard options that suit the length of the North Sea journey
Plan your stay
Getting around IJmuiden
IJmuiden is spread along the harbour and coast, so buses, taxis or a car are more useful than walking for transfers between the ferry terminal, beach and surrounding towns.
Explore the beach and harbour
The beach, marina and harbour viewpoints are easiest to combine by local bus, bicycle, taxi or car rather than solely on foot.
Connect by rail via Haarlem
IJmuiden has no central mainline station at the ferry terminal; use local transport towards Haarlem or other nearby rail stations for onward journeys.
Find North Holland rail tickets here...Use road links for Amsterdam
The A9 and regional roads provide straightforward onward access towards Haarlem, Amsterdam and the wider Netherlands.
Stay in IJmuiden
Find IJmuiden Accommodation
Stay in IJmuiden, Haarlem or Amsterdam
IJmuiden is convenient for beaches and ferry timings; Haarlem offers a smaller historic-city base, while Amsterdam has the widest choice of accommodation and attractions.
Common planning questions
IJmuiden ferry & destination FAQs
Where is IJmuiden Ferry Terminal?
DFDS uses the Felison Terminal at Sluisplein 33, 1975 AG IJmuiden, at the mouth of the North Sea Canal.
Where can I sail from IJmuiden?
DFDS operates the direct passenger and vehicle ferry from IJmuiden to Newcastle in north-east England.
Is the Amsterdam to Newcastle ferry actually in Amsterdam?
No. The route is marketed as Amsterdam–Newcastle, but the Dutch ferry terminal is at IJmuiden, west of Amsterdam.
Does the IJmuiden to Newcastle ferry run overnight?
Yes. DFDS currently operates overnight sailings, with cabins and other onboard accommodation available.
Can I travel as a foot passenger from IJmuiden?
Yes. Foot passengers can book the route; check DFDS transfer and boarding instructions for your sailing.
Can I take a car on the IJmuiden ferry?
Yes. Cars, motorcycles and other correctly booked vehicles are carried subject to the selected sailing and capacity.
What are the best things to do near IJmuiden?
IJmuiden beach, the sea locks, Zuid-Kennemerland dunes, harbour viewpoints and nearby Haarlem are strong choices.
How long should I spend around IJmuiden?
A few hours is enough for the beach or harbour; one or two nights allows time for the dunes, Haarlem or Amsterdam before or after the ferry.
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