Ferry Vlieland: the ferry from Harlingen to Vlieland

The ferry to Vlieland

If you want to visit Vlieland, your journey begins on the Ferry Vlieland. Rederij Doeksen, who operates the ferry service to Vlieland, brings you safely from the mainland in Harlingen to Vlieland, the smallest Wadden Island inhabited. With Texel on the south side and Terschelling on the east side, Vlieland is a popular destination among tourists from around the world.

Departures ferry Vlieland

The ferry to and from Vlieland has many departure times. The ferry to Vlieland departs from Harlingen three times a day. The trip takes approximately 90 minutes. On the mainland, in Harlingen, bus connections are available after all arrivals.

Important: this is a summary of the most common departures throughout the year. Most departures are only on certain days, periods or seasons. Always check the official timetable to and from Vlieland before you plan your trip. Also consider reading the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Normal Ferry departures from Vlieland to Harlingen

Fast ferry departures from Vlieland to Harlingen

The fast ferry express service from Vlieland to Harlingen has no regular timetable and only departs on certain days in certain periods.

Normal Ferry departures from Harlingen to Vlieland

Fast Ferry departures from Harlingen to Vlieland

The fast ferry express service from Harlingen to Vlieland has no regular timetable and only departs on certain days in certain periods.

*Not every day, check the current schedule before departure

Ferry from Vlieland to Terschelling

Are you in a hurry or do you want to save time? Then take the fast ferry to Vlieland. Then the crossing takes only half the time (45 minutes). If you have missed the boat, or the regular departure times do not fit in your schedule, then you can book the Waddentaxi. The costs of this are slightly higher, but you set your own departure times. The crossing takes about an hour.

Departures Fast Ferry from Vlieland to Terschelling

Departures Fast Ferry from Terschelling to Vlieland

Please note: the above departure times are indicative, to which exceptions. For the current departure times, changes, etc. always check the website of Rederij Doeksen or call the contact center: +31 88 – 9000 888. There you can find more information about the ferry to and from Vlieland. Click here for more information about parking in Harlingen.

Waddentaxi Vlieland

In a hurry? Or missed the last Vlieland Ferry? Contact the Waddentaxi Vlieland. The Waddentaxi Vlieland brings you quick and safe from the mainland to the island. A maximum of twelve people can board De Zeehond (The Seal), so reservations are recommended. There is enough luggage space on the boat and coffee and tea are complimentary.

The Waddentaxi sails a lot faster than the regular ferry to Vlieland. Within an hour you will be taken from Harlingen to Vlieland (or Terschelling). The trip between the two islands takes only half an hour.

The boarding location for the Waddentaxi to Vlieland is the new Sassteiger, near the Sasbrug (bridge), in Harlingen. The final destination on Vlieland is the marina (Havenweg), where the boat arrives. It is possible to make arrangements for other boarding and arrival locations, just contact the Waddentaxi company for this.

Activities on the island: what to do on Vlieland?

The ferry services provides many crossings every year to this beautiful destination. The Wadden Island is car-free, which means that no vehicles are allowed on Vlieland. That makes the island very suitable for a nice hike or bike ride. Vlieland is also known for its many events. The Vuurtorenloop (lighthouse run), the Schuttevaer race and the Here Comes The Summer music festival attract many visitors every year. All the more reason to travel by the ferry from Harlingen to Vlieland.

Mudflat hiking to Vlieland

Because the gullies between Harlingen and Vlieland, also at low tide, are too deep, it is not possible to hike to Vlieland. It is possible to take a short walk during low tide. It takes about six to eight hours for the water to rise again. This is a wonderful experience.

Seal spotting

Seal watching is a popular activity on Vlieland for all age groups. A boat will bring you towards the seals so you can watch them as close as possible, when they are laying in the sun on a sandbar.

The lighthouse

When you walk all the way up in the lighthouse of Vlieland you can enjoy a beautiful view over the island. The tower stands on a forty meter high dune and when the weather is clear the neighbouring Wadden islands Texel and Terschelling can be seen.

Horseback riding on the beaches of Vlieland

Relax during a beautiful horseback ride on the beaches or through the forests and dunes of Vlieland. Horseback riding on Vlieland is possible via the many bridle paths that can be found all over the island. This activity is fun for all ages. You can ride horses under the guidance of experienced riders on Vlieland.

Cycling on Vlieland

Cycling on Vlieland is a relaxing activity since Vlieland is a car-free island. There are more than 26 kilometers of cycle paths, all over the island, for you to discover. This way you can explore the island via the various cycle routes.

Ferry Vlieland prices and costs

Children at the age from 0 to 3 years old can travel for free with the ferry from Harlingen to Vlieland, accompanied by an adult. You can also bring your dog on the ferry for free, as long as it’s on a lead and not within the pet-free zones. Please note that the ferry MS Midsland does not have a lift on board. This is perhaps less suitable if you want to travel with your dog.

You can buy a ticket for the ferry to Vlieland in different ways; via the website of Rederij Doeksen, by telephone or on site at the counter in Harlingen (or on the islands Vlieland and Terschelling). Buying tickets is based on reservations. The earlier you reserve, the more certain you are of a seat on the ferry. You buy a ticket with the time and date of your (out) journey. In the case of a return ticket, you also specify the time and date of your return trip. The time and date can be changed afterwards; online, at the counter or at a ticket machine.

Another option for buying tickets is at the counter in Harlingen (or on the islands Vlieland and Terschelling). There is an additional service fee of € 1.50 when you buy tickets at the terminal counter. There is no fee when you buy a ticket at the ticket machines at the terminals in Harlingen, Terschelling and Vlieland. You can change the date and time of your tickets at the ticket counter and at the ticket machines.

The winter rates apply from January 1st to March 31st and from November 1st to December 31st. The summer rates apply from April 1st to October 31st.

Note: if in doubt, always check the current rates at rederij-doeksen.nl or call the Contact Center on +31 88 – 9000 888.

Parking Vlieland

Cars are not allowed on Vlieland. Only people who live on Vlieland and with a special permit are granted for parking their car on the ferry to Vlieland. Tourists and other non-residents of Vlieland must therefore leave their car in Harlingen and the surrounding area. A permit for non-residents is only issued in very exceptional cases. As a visitor you will therefore have to look for parking in Harlingen.

Parking for the ferry to Vlieland

There are several options for parking for the ferry to Vlieland, both covered and uncovered parking. The most convenient option is parking in the parking garage of the ferry terminal. This parking garage is unfortunately not suitable for the people with disabilities, but is secured 24 hours a day. Follow the ANWB signs and you will automatically end up at one of the parking areas. In addition, there are several parking areas in the immediate vicinity of the ferry port where you can park for the ferry to Vlieland. If you park here then you can be transferred to the ferry with a shuttle bus. This only takes 5 minutes, there is a small fee of € 1.50. The shuttle bus driver takes the departure times from Harlingen to Vlieland into account. If you do not want to take the bus, you can also walk to the ferry port in approximately fifteen minutes.

During the summer period, sunny days and public holidays, it is often busy on the ferry to Vlieland. That is why it is advised to not to only look into the different parking options before your departure, but also the departure times of the ferry. In addition, it is recommended to reserve a little extra travel time in your schedule.

To Vlieland without a car

Vlieland is a car-free island, so you will not have a car at your disposal after arriving on the island. The cheapest way to travel to your final destination is by bus or a rented bicycle. Arriva offers a bus service on the island. Reserve a taxi if you like a little more convenience?

Parking in Harlingen for the Vlieland ferry

A shuttle bus runs from almost all car parks that connects to the departure times of the Vlieland ferry. Due to crowds during the high season, during events and around the holidays, it is recommended to reserve some extra travel time when searching for a parking space.

The most convenient way to park in Harlingen is the parking garage of the ferry terminal. Security is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for this facility. Because the parking garage is connected the terminal, you can easily board the ferry to Vlieland. If this parking is full then there are plenty of other options for parking for the ferry to Vlieland.

Parking on Vlieland

Because no cars are allowed on Vlieland, you will have to look for alternative transportation. The fastest way is by bus or taxi. When the ferry arrives at Vlieland you can easily board. On a sunny day you can rent a bike, which is the best way to discover this beautiful island.

Bus

On Vlieland, transport by bus is provided by Arriva Personenvervoer Nederland. You can find the timetable at all bus stops, but you can also pick it up at the VVV tourist office on Vlieland. In the summer there are different departure times than in the winter. You can buy a ticket on the bus and pay with your debit card or credit card. It is even easier to pay with your OV chip card.

Taxi

If you prefer to go by taxi, you can call Taxi Zeelen (+31 562-451222). When the ferry arrives at Vlieland you can get on a taxi and you and your luggage will be brought to your final destination quickly. Taxi Zeelen also provides wheelchair transport.

Tuk Tuk

Do you like adventure and do you want to discover Vlieland in a unique way? Then go with the Tuk Tuk. This electrically driven taxi takes you to every spot on the island. Click here for more information.

Ferry trip to Vlieland: bookings and reservations

You can buy a ticket for the ferry to Vlieland in different ways. Online, by telephone or on site at the counter in Harlingen or on Vlieland (and the island Terschelling). Buying tickets is based on reservations. The earlier you make a reservation, the more certain you are of a seat on the ferry. You buy a ticket with the time and date of your (out) journey. In the case of a return ticket, you also specify the time and date of your return trip. The time and date can be changed afterwards (online, at the counter or at a ticket machine).

Facilities during the crossing from Harlingen to Vlieland

During the crossing from the mainland to Vlieland you can use various facilities on board. Both ferries from Rederij Doeksen have a self-service restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, coffee with cake or an extensive meal. Ordering from a menu is also possible. Arrangements can be made for people who have food allergies.

The ferry also includes a bar. Here you can enjoy music, a snack and a drink. You will also find various kiosks on board the ships with magazines and souvenirs. The ferry from Harlingen to Vlieland also has luggage lockers, free WiFi and various sanitary rooms that are also suitable for the disabled.

Ferry from Vlieland to Texel

Are you visiting Vlieland and you also want to visit Texel? In the summer it is possible for tourists to take the ferry from Vlieland to Texel. Vice versa is also possible of course. The ferry De Vriendschap is only available for pedestrians and takes you by ferry from Vlieland to Texel. After arrival the boat there is a free transfer by a large truck that will take you to the Wadden Island of Vlieland via the beach.

From Vlieland to Texel: the crossing

The crossing takes about an hour and starts at the famous wooden jetty on Oost Vlieland.

You can take your bike with you when you book a single trip with the ferry from from Vlieland to Texel. Many cyclists make use of this possibility to make bike trips across the islands. This makes the ferry from from Vlieland to Texel a very nice way of traveling, because the ship is not too big and that makes the crossing an adventure in itself.

Tickets for the ferry from Vlieland to Texel

It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. A ticket includes transport (with the Vliehors Expres) from the jetty to Het Posthuys on Vlieland. From there you can continue on your bike, there is also a bus. With the car from Texel to Vlieland is not possible with the ferry De Vriendschap.

Departures (one way ticket)

The departure time of the ferry from Vlieland to Texel is in the late afternoon. In the high season there is a chance of an extra departure, then a ferry leaves in the afternoon.

Departures (day trip return)

When you have booked a day trip to Texel, the ferry departs from Vlieland at in the morning. The return trip back to Vlieland departs in the afternoon. In high season there is a chance of an extra departure.

Timetable and schedule ferry from Vlieland to Texel

• During the summer (mid-July to the end of August there is a daily departure to Texel.
• During the preseason (until mid-July) the boat crosses from Vlieland to Texel on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
• During the fall (September) there are departures on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
• During the late season (October) the boat only sails on Tuesdays and Sundays.
• During the fall break there is a chance of extra departures.

Ferry service terminal in Harlingen

If you take the ferry to the island, your journey begins at the terminal in Harlingen. You can park your car here if you travel from Harlingen to Vlieland. After you park, a shuttle bus will take you from the parking area to the terminal. In the Parlevinker terminal in Harlingen you can find a large store with various delicacies from the island, magazines and nice souvenirs. You can also check in yourself for the crossing at the terminal and place your luggage in the designated carts. Two pieces of carry on luggage is allowed per person.

Bring bicycles, cars, motorbikes and dogs on the ferry

Passengers, bicycles and dogs are allowed on the ferry. Cars, motorbikes and trailers may also be brought on the ferry, but a so-called T Permit is required. You can do request a permit at the municipality of Vlieland. Only with this permit can you reserve a place for your car on the ferry. The car can be parked on board the ferry on the instructions of the staff.