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Travelling within and to Friesland by car

  • Auto parkeren

You can reach Friesland by car in several ways — for example via the world-famous Afsluitdijk, or from the south along the Frisian Lakes. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Friesland by car.

Closer than you think

Does Friesland seem far away? Not at all — you’ll be here before you know it! Drive aboard the ferry, enjoy the sea breeze or roll through the Eurotunnel. Once you hit the Dutch roads, turn on your favourite music, take in the open landscape, and before long you’ll spot the Friesland signs welcoming you to the north.

Want to know how long the drive takes to Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland? Here’s an idea of travel times once you arrive in the Netherlands:

  • From Hook of Holland (Stena Line ferry): about 2 hours 15 minutes
  • From Rotterdam (via the ferry from Hull): around 2 hours
  • From Amsterdam (via the Eurotunnel and Dutch motorways): roughly 1 hour 35 minutes
  • From Calais (via the Channel Tunnel): around 5 hours 30 minutes
Auto op dijk

Also for camper fans!

Travelling by campervan? Friesland won’t disappoint you. The province is full of motorhome pitches — there’s something for everyone. Stay right in the heart of a city or village, by the water’s edge, on top of a sea dike, or surrounded by cycling, swimming, walking or fishing spots, in every corner of Friesland.

Don’t have your own campervan? No worries — you can rent one from several companies across the province.

Visiting one of the Wadden Islands?

Both near Rederij Doeksen in Harlingen (for Terschelling and Vlieland) and Rederij Wagenborg in Holwerd (for Ameland) and Lauwersoog (for Schiermonnikoog), you’ll find large parking areas — both covered and open-air. Clear signs will guide you to the right spot, and shuttle buses are available to connect with the ferry departure times. The ferry companies recommend allowing extra travel time during the high season, public holidays or events, as finding a parking space may take longer. That way, you’ll be sure to catch your boat. Find more information about parking in Harlingen, Holwerd and Lauwersoog.

Planning to take your car to one of the Wadden Islands? Keep in mind that vehicles are only allowed on the ferries to Terschelling and Ameland. Vlieland and Schiermonnikoog are car-free.

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