Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, has been a very major port since the 1300s. During the colonial era, it was a major port for the Dutch East India Company, then during the war, the city was heavily bombed and suffered a lot of destruction, the port has now been rebuilt and fully modernized. 

Today, Rotterdam port moves containers all over the world all day, every day! Even the largest boats can use the port 24 hours a day thanks to its massive depth and lack of restrictions from tides or locks. Over 8 million containers pass through Rotterdam harbour each year!

Many tourists visit the port as it is an absolutely huge complex of cranes and containers that are real feet of human ingenuity. In fact, the port area of the city has been given its own name, Europort and is the biggest port in Europe, considered one of the busiest ports in the world. It is the major entry point for trade into Europe and is a fascinating place to visit when you consider the importance of this trading zone to the city and the wider national economy. Going by boat is a good way to explore the area; there are boat tours available each day, provided by a company called Spido BV. The tours last 75 minutes and cost 13.95 per person, you can find the company on Google Maps.

The boat tours are a great way to see the port and the city skyline. You can marvel at the size of the cargo ships, the large number of quays, storage facilities and boatyards. It really makes you appreciate the sheer scale of this industrial wonder. The tours also end with a piece of maritime history, you get to see a steamship named  'Rotterdam', a former flagship cruise boat that operated on the Holland-America Line. So why not grab a sandwich and a beer and learn something about industrial culture on the water!

Ferries to the Netherlands

Netferry gives you the opportunity to buy your ferry ticket to the Netherlands and find all the information you need for your departure. Simply visit the Netferry website to find out how simple it is to book your ferry trip to Rotterdam. A dedicated Call Center is waiting to answer your questions and assist you in finding the right ferry ticket. Just call us on (+39) 0831 564257 from Monday to Friday between 0900 - 1300 and 1600 - 2000 and on Saturdays between 0900 - 1300.

Netferry: your trip just a click away!