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Harwich International Port
Located in Essex on the edge of the North Sea, Harwich International Port is about 85 miles (137 kilometers) northeast of London. Opened in 1883, Harwich International is a main port of call for Stena Line ferry services to the Netherlands and is used for commercial shipping. It's also one of the East Coast’s five major Haven Ports.
Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SR
The Basics
Harwich International is one of the UK’s major, multi-purpose ports. Its main transit partner, Stena Line, operates two daily ferries—one daytime and one overnight—to the Hook of Holland in the Netherlands, which is roughly 30 minutes away from The Hague and Rotterdam. Harwich is also a port of call for select cruise lines, and has a bustling freight and business service arm.
The port is a frequent stop for visitors journeying onwards to continental Europe, and comfortable, private transfer services are available between Harwich International Port and London or Heathrow Airport.
Things to Know Before You Go
Harwich International Port includes an array of terminal amenities, including currency exchanges, a cafe, accessible toilets, free Wi-Fi, and public telephones.
A number of retail outlets are located a few minutes’ walk from the port, including grocery stores, a pub, and several coffee shops and restaurants.
There is dedicated parking for cruise passengers on site, as well as a separate paid lot.
Both the passenger terminal and walkways up to the ships are wheelchair-accessible; wheelchairs can additionally be made available by the port upon request.
How to Get There
Harwich Port can be reached by car via the M11, M25, and A14. The port is also adjacent to Harwich International Station (roughly five direct services run daily from London Liverpool Street). London Stansted International, the closest airport to Harwich International, is about 1-hour's drive away.
When to Get There
Harwich International Port is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; ferry services to the Netherlands run daily. As boarding closes 45 minutes prior to departure, it’s advised to arrive at the port well before your journey.
Nearby Attractions
Harwich itself is a small and relatively unobtrusive town, but—for passengers eager to explore England’s scenery on a shore excursion—it’s also a quick journey from sightseeing highlights such as Ipswich (a historical town with traditional architecture and shops), Colchester (famed for the 11th-century Colchester Castle), and Clacton-on-Sea (a seaside resort town with a pleasure pier).
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