Netherlands
TESO Schedules 2026
Den Helder to Texel — no reservation, ever
Est. 1907Den Helder / Texel, Netherlands
Photo: teso.nl- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 20m
- Avg crossing
- 1907
- Founded
TESO is a ferry operator, founded in 1907 and based in Den Helder / Texel, Netherlands. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 20m.
Live board
TESO departures today
Filtered to sailings that operate on today's date — open a departure for its full timetable.
Timetables
Which routes does TESO operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Den Helder → Texel | 20m | 28 / wk | 1 | Netherlands |
| Texel → Den Helder | 20m | 28 / wk | 1 | Netherlands |
Den Helder1 route
Texel1 route
Network
Where does TESO sail?
TESO sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Licence plate recognition at the barrier
- MyTESO account with multi-trip tickets
- Crowd estimates published with departure times
- No reservations — the site shows live waiting time per direction
- Live harbour cameras
- Hourly, doubling to every half hour 09:30–16:00 on busy days
- Last boat from Texel is 21:00
- Ticket is a return and only checked on the way to Texel
About
About TESO
TESO runs the ferry between Den Helder and Texel, the largest of the Dutch Wadden islands. It is the island's only fixed link, and the company's whole design is built around one thing: you cannot reserve a place.
Instead of booking, you check the queue
Because there are no reservations, TESO tells you what the wait is right now. The timetable page carries a live indicator — no wait, 0–30 minutes, 30–60, 60+ — updated for each direction separately, alongside live camera views of the harbour. It is the single most useful thing on the site: on a Friday in August the wait can be half an hour from Texel and nothing from Den Helder at the same moment.
Sailings
Hourly through most of the day — from Texel 06:00 to 21:00, from Den Helder 06:30 to 21:30 — with the frequency doubling to every half hour between 09:30 and 16:00 on busy days. The last boat from Texel is 21:00, and the company flags it explicitly, because missing it means staying the night.
How the ticket works
Every ticket is a return, and it is only checked on the way to Texel. Coming back nobody looks — which is why there is no queue on the island side. Number plate recognition opens the barrier. Discounts of up to 30% apply on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for vehicles, and up to 40% with a MyTESO account on a return.
Practical
The site runs in Dutch, English and German. Frequent travellers have their own section, and the crossing takes about twenty minutes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was TESO founded?
TESO was founded in 1907, and is headquartered in Den Helder / Texel, Netherlands.
Where does TESO sail?
TESO operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in Netherlands, including Den Helder, Texel.
How do I contact TESO?
You can reach TESO via their official booking site.
What facilities are available on TESO ferries?
TESO ferries typically offer Licence plate recognition at the barrier, MyTESO account with multi-trip tickets, Crowd estimates published with departure times. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a TESO ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a TESO departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with TESO.
How do I find TESO ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every TESO route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with TESO before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 30, 2026.
Contact & booking
Help us keep schedules accurate — we read every report.