Travel information: FOE Netherlands conference

13 April 2011

Up to 8 local group members from Friends of the Earth EWNI can apply for a grant to cover their travel expenses to attend this event.

By ferry:

The closest ferry port to Wijk aan zee is ljmuiden. You can catch a ferry from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to ljumuiden (marked as the Amsterdam route). The ferry operator is DFDS Seaways.

Other possible ferry routes are:

• Harwich to Hoek van Holland (with Stena Line ferries)
• Hull to Rotterdam (with P&O ferries)

On all of these routes, the ferry leaves the UK at night (usually between 9 - 10pm) and arrives at its destination port early the following morning (between 7.30 - 9am). So you could leave the UK on Friday 20 May and arrive in time to reach Wijk aan zee in time for the twinning event.

All ferry tickets are cheapest if you're a foot-passenger. Cabins often cost the same, regardless of how many people are sleeping in them so if you can travel as a group, it's likely to be cheaper per person.

Continuing your journey:

From Ijumuiden you can catch a bus to Wijk aan zee which takes about an hour. Catch bus number 74 (going to Hemmskerk) and change at Beverwijk. From Beverwijk catch bus 78 to Wijk aan zee, or get a taxi as it's only a few kilometers from Beverwijk to Wijk aan zee. You can check exact bus times and routes here.

From Hoek van Holland:

You can catch a train from Hoek van Holland to either Rotterdam or Amsterdam, and from there a train to Beverwijk. From Beverwijk you can catch bus 78 as above. This route takes around 2.5 hours and can involve up to 3 changes.

From Rotterdam:

As above - the journey will take around 2 hours.

Other options:

• Rail and sail: You can use this website to plan your train and ferry connections and to book your tickets.
• Travelling by train: If you don't fancy getting the ferry, you could get the Eurostar from London to Brussels, and onto Amsterdam. This option is likely to be more expensive, depending on when you travel. You can book your Eurostar and onward train tickets in one go. Once in Amsterdam you can get an onward train to Beverwijk as before.

Please remember Friends of the Earth can only refund travel costs of up to £250pp. You're responsible for booking your own travel and insurance. Have a great trip!