New research released by DFDS Seaways and conducted by Panelbase.net has revealed that 56% of ferry users from the North East needlessly make a long car journey to a southern UK port to travel on to Europe.*
Although DFDS Seaways’ port in North Shields is the most popular port for North East residents, it is perhaps surprising so many people drive all the way to Dover to catch a ferry to the continent.
Travelling from DFDS Seaways’ port will save people time on the motorways and money on petrol. In fact from Newcastle it is 347 miles to Dover, which according to fuel calculation website fuel-economy.co.uk costs an average Ford Focus driver over £43 in fuel.**
Arriving in Amsterdam – the gateway to Europe – the rest of Holland is easily accessible. And, what may come as a surprise is that the port provides such easy and quick access to many European destinations. Germany is only 88 miles from DFDS Seaways’ port in IJmuiden near to Amsterdam, Belgium is 85 miles and France 175 miles. The table below shows how much someone living in the North East could save in miles and fuel costs when using their local port as opposed to Dover.
Drive to North Shields, sail to Amsterdam then onwards to Europe or take the long drive to Dover…..
Destination |
Miles from Newcastle to Amsterdam onto the destination |
Fuel cost |
Miles from Newcastle to Calais onto the destination |
Fuel cost |
Saving with DFDS Seaways |
Brussels |
153 miles |
£19.11 |
473 miles |
£59.09 |
320 miles |
£39.98 |
Cologne |
188 miles |
£23.49 |
607 miles |
£75.83 |
419 miles |
£52.34 |
Lille |
198 miles |
£24.73 |
418 miles |
£52.22 |
220 miles |
£27.49 |
Paris |
338 miles |
£42.22 |
531 miles |
£66.33 |
193 miles |
£24.11 |
Marseilles |
782 miles |
£97.69 |
1014 miles |
£126.57 |
232 miles |
£28.61 |
With the summer holidays just around the corner, it is that time of year when people begin to think about a break away. DFDS Seaways offers something for all and most importantly, there are daily sailings from Newcastle to Holland, with arrival the following morning just in time for breakfast.
DFDS Seaways’ port in North Shields is in close proximity for people from the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland. With DFDS Seaways’ overnight sailings, guests arrive early the next morning giving plenty of time to explore their chosen destination. Their return journey makes for a short and easy drive home from the port as opposed to a long car journey from a southern port such as Dover.
With shops, cinemas, live entertainment, children’s club and games, bars and restaurants, including à la carte dining and the sumptuous all you can eat Scandinavian buffet, there is something to accommodate all. DFDS Seaways really does offer the best way to travel. With none of the stress of airports and baggage restrictions, guests can simply sit back and enjoy the onboard experience as they sail to their destination.
Prices for a car plus two passengers are from £129 one way and from £149 for a car plus four passengers. Bookings can be made at www.dfds.co.uk or by calling 0871 882 0885.
*Online survey with 416 ferry users living in North England and Scotland, conducted in March 2009. **Based on petrol at 97p per litre and average fuel consumption of 35.3mpg. Bookmark this web page: