Netherlands
Texel to Den Helder Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Texel
North Holland
Arrives
Den Helder
North Holland
TESOAt a glance
The Texel to Den Helder ferry takes about 20m, with 28 listed sailings between 06:00 and 21:00. It is operated by TESO.
- First sailing
- 06:00
- Last sailing
- 21:00
- Sailings listed
- 28
- Crossing
- 20m
Texel to Den Helder ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | 06:20 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat |
| 07:00 | 07:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 08:00 | 08:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 08:30 | 08:50 | 20m | TESO | Sat |
| 09:00 | 09:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 09:30 | 09:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 10:00 | 10:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 10:30 | 10:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 11:00 | 11:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 11:30 | 11:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 12:00 | 12:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 12:30 | 12:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 13:00 | 13:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 13:30 | 13:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 14:00 | 14:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 14:30 | 14:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 15:00 | 15:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 15:30 | 15:50 | 20m | TESO | Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun |
| 16:00 | 16:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 16:30 | 16:50 | 20m | TESO | Fri |
| 17:00 | 17:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 17:30 | 17:50 | 20m | TESO | Fri |
| 18:00 | 18:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 18:30 | 18:50 | 20m | TESO | Fri |
| 19:00 | 19:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 19:30 | 19:50 | 20m | TESO | Fri |
| 20:00 | 20:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
| 21:00 | 21:20 | 20m | TESO | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Texel – Den Helder crossing
The Dutch mainland port of Den Helder and the island of Texel are separated by about 3 nautical miles of the Marsdiep strait. This domestic crossing is operated solely by TESO, forming a critical transport link in the North Holland province for both residents and visitors.
The ferry runs every day, taking 20 minutes for the journey. TESO provides 28 scheduled sailings, with the first departure at 06:00 and the final crossing at 21:00.
Twenty-eight crossings a day on a twenty-minute strait
Sailings run 06:00 to 21:00 with 28 departures, each taking 20 minutes across the Marsdiep. That is close to a half-hourly service through the whole day — frequency that makes the crossing behave like a bridge rather than a booking.
Four day patterns, and they matter at the edges
The departures split across four day masks. Midday service is dense enough that the variation is invisible; the first and last sailings are where it shows. If you are catching a train at Den Helder or a late arrival on Texel, confirm the specific day.
One operator, and the island owns it
TESO is the only carrier on this crossing, and unusually it is a company rooted in Texel itself rather than a mainland operator serving the island. That ownership shows in the service pattern: a high-frequency, year-round, everyday link designed around residents rather than around the summer visitor peak.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Licence plate recognition at the barrier
- MyTESO account with multi-trip tickets
- Crowd estimates published with departure times
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Is there a ferry back from Den Helder?
Yes — see the Den Helder to Texel ferry for the return schedule.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
28 sailings a day on this route.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 20m under normal conditions.
Who runs this ferry crossing?
TESO.
Does this ferry cross an international border?
No, it's entirely within Netherlands.
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 06:00, last is 21:00.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (TESO) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 20m and several sailings a day (first 06:00, last 21:00), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
TESO does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with TESO, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Timetable valid Sep 4, 2026 – Nov 17, 2026.Schedule data compiled from OVapi, the Dutch national public-transport open-data feed.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated September 6, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Texel on the map
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